CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DOMESTICATED ANIMALS INCLUDED IN THE ZODIAC IN KOREAN PROVERBS (THROUGH SEMANTIC CATEGORIES OF VOCATIVES)

Abstract

The article uses statistical and descriptive methods to analyse the semantic category of vocatives in order to clarify the characteristics of domesticated animals included in the zodiac in Korean proverbs. The research results showed that: i) vocatives in proverbs containing each zodiac are diverse in meanings and numbers; ii) each domesticated animal has a different role in human life; iii) the diversity of words denoting motion or action accurately reflects the nature and characteristics of the domesticated animals included in the zodiac; iv) the meaning of state and status in proverbs containing “pig” lack positive nuance and reflects the dark side of social life with negative nuance; v) the sense of personality, quality and utility, value in negative and positive nuances is quite balanced among the proverbs containing buffalo/cow, horse, dog…; vi) the categories of forms, time or activities of the zodiac animals also reveal the characteristics of each. The close relationship between domesticated animals and human, the characteristics of agriculture and Korean linguistic thinking are demonstrated in vocatives. The research results help leaners improve their vocabulary, have better understandings of thinking methods and the Korean’s perceptions and values.