A Gentleman in a Green Costume. The Devil in Sorbian Paroemiology and Phraseology Cover Image
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Pan w zielonym stroju. Diabeł w paremiologii i frazeologii łużyckiej
A Gentleman in a Green Costume. The Devil in Sorbian Paroemiology and Phraseology

Author(s): Jarosława Iwczenko
Subject(s): Language studies
Published by: Domowina-Verlag GmbH / Ludowe nakładnistwo Domowina
Keywords: devil; sorbian paroemiology; sorbian phraseology

Summary/Abstract: This article represents an attempt to restore the image of the Devil in Sorbian phraseology and paroemiology. Based on cognitive linguistics and an ethnolinguistic approach as one of its branches in particular, the author creates a complex portrait of the mythological creature by comparing language information with noted beliefs, stories and other texts, as well as with common Slav mythology. The portrait is formed by three groups of typical motifs, which are “the Anthropomorphic Devil”, “the Devil representing the Other World” and “the Devil in the Christian context”. As a result of the contamination of two traditions – Christian and pagan, which is typical for folk mythology in Slav cultures, some of the motifs presented are hard to define clearly. The background of the “double-group” motifs is also explained. A cognitive definition of the Devil is suggested to summarize the description and his place in the Slav system of beliefs.

  • Issue Year: 2008
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 126-135
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Polish