Comparing the Representation of Anger in the Indonesian and English Proverbs: A Study Based on the Cognitive Semantics Analysis and the Contrastive Method

This study explores the complexities of emotions, specifically anger, as reflected in the sayings of both English and Indonesian cultures. This study aims to uncover the intricate web of cultural and cognitive nuances that shape how anger is conceptualized in these linguistic expressions by utilizing a cognitive semantics approach and qualitative methods. Through a meticulous examination of a diverse corpus of proverbs from both languages, this study seeks to illuminate the similarities and differences in how anger is conceptualized, articulated, and communicated through language. Content analysis and cross-cultural comparison are utilized to identify patterns, metaphors, and underlying cognitive structures that underpin the expression of anger in these sayings. The findings show (1) English and Indonesian proverbs use metaphors that draw upon bodily experiences and natural phenomena to depict anger, (2) English proverbs typically depict anger as a formidable force that needs to be controlled or suppressed, often highlighting the negative consequences that could arise if one fails and Indonesian proverbs emphasize the fleeting nature of anger and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the aftermath of a conflict, and (3) while both languages have proverbs highlighting the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger, they differ in their metaphors and expressions. The findings from this study not only expand our understanding of the intricate interplay between language, culture, and emotion but also lay the groundwork for future study in cognitive semantics and cross-cultural studies. This study deepens our appreciation of the rich tapestry of human emotion and language, offering a nuanced perspective on how anger is perceived and articulated in two distinct linguistic and cultural contexts.