Figurative Speech-According to Two Valleys (Dandalo, Merisi)

Abstract

Figurative expressions convey a certain condensed meaning and often carry allegorical or metaphorical significance. They are frequently used in literature; however, it should be noted that figurative expressions also occupy a prominent place in everyday speech.
Every language has its own characteristic figurative expressions, used to better express thoughts, emotions, and intentions. The study of such expressions is a complex task, as it is closely connected to the history, culture, and identity of the people who created them.
Georgian dialects are rich in figurative expressions, including the Ajarian dialect, which has been the subject of numerous studies, works, articles, and monographs. Noteworthy are the investigations by M. Khubua, Al. Glonti, Sh. Nijaradze, Sh. Dzidziguri, A. Takaishvili, J. Noghaideli, and others (Futkaradze, 2010: 71). Nevertheless, the number of figurative expressions is so vast that a complete study has not yet been achieved. This is because „traditional linguistics pays little attention to the study of dialectal phraseology… there are no separate lexicons for individual dialects” (Tsetskhladze, 2018: 9).
It is therefore necessary to collect, analyze, synthesize, and publish figurative expressions and idioms according to specific dialects. „The study of folk figurative expressions is accompanied by certain difficulties. This type of vocabulary requires long-term and systematic observation of living speech. Such material can be abundantly obtained through direct interaction with people, when conversation unfolds freely and naturally, touching on everyday matters” (Noghaideli, 2007: 6).
The present article introduces figurative expressions identified through observation of the living speech in two mountain valleys of Upper Adjara – Merisi and Dandalo.