MACEDONIAN, BULGARIAN AND SERBIAN PHRASEOLOGISMS AND PAREMIAE WITH THE COMPONENT WOLF, V`LK, VUK

Abstract

This study focuses on phraseologies and paremiae in
Macedonian, Bulgarian and Serbian that contain a zoonymic component
related to the wolf. The aim is to examine the semantic, symbolic, and
cultural meanings of these expressions and their rootedness in the folklore
and biblical traditions of the South Slavic peoples. The wolf plays a
central role in the formation of zoonymic paremiae and phraseologies,
with its physical and psychological traits, as well as human activities and
behaviors being represented through anthropomorphic symbolism. The
analysis explores the positive and negative characteristics attributed to the
wolf in Macedonian, Serbian and Bulgarian, highlighting their cultural
and symbolic functions. The research also compares these paremiae and
phraseologies across the three South Slavic languages to determine their
degree of dissemination, as well as the similarities and differences in their
usage. Through this analysis, a deeper understanding is gained of how the
wolf is perceived in the language and culture of the Orthodox South Slavic
peoples, and how its symbolism is transmitted from religious and folkloric
tradition into contemporary language. In defining the research focus, aims
and expected results, particular consideration was given to the theory of
the interrelation between culture and language and their constant
interaction, since “there is no culture without linguistic expression, nor
language without cultural content” (Бугарски, 1997, 244). The study also
considers the theoretical analysis of Đ. Šušnjić, who argues that one can
study a people through its culture, but always with the intention of discovering something common that this people and its culture share with
other peoples and cultures (Шушњић, 2005: 113).