The meanings of Korean comparative proverbs with zodiac animals

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of the neutral meanings at the intermediate level between the positive meaning and the negative meaning ofKorean comparative proverbs with elements related to the Zodiac animals. This sub-group of proverbs account for 22,5% of all Korean comparative proverb with Zodiac animals. They reflect the Korean ways of perception, neutral attitudes towards the world in general, and people, things, and phenomena in particular. The neutral meanings of Korean comparative proverbs with Zodiac animals have rich and diverse expressions. Cautiousness, immaturity, and imperfections are symbols of neutrality. The emotional states and the actions expressed in these proverbs carry normal meanings, and there are some differences between the positive and negative actions in terms of the impact and extremism of things and phenomena. It is possible to see the closeness in culture, ways of thinking, and world perceptions of the two Vietnamese - Korean nations.