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Paper short abstract

By analyzing zoonymic motifs in Slovenian proverbs, unconventional phraseological replies, and incantations, while considering the genre characteristics of these short folklore forms, we aim to reveal the roles and values of domestic animals in everyday human life.

Paper long abstract

Domestic animals frequently appear as motifs in short folklore forms because they were essential both for human subsistence and economy. Living in constant proximity to people naturally led to their reflection in everyday language. Such zoonymic motifs were used not only to describe realities directly related to animals but also to characterize human behavior, social relations, and situations not directly related to domestic animals. Since short folklore forms serve diverse functions and differ in their semantic content and their structural formation, the question arises of how these differences influence the choice of domestic animal motifs in everyday communication. We will focus on three genres: Proverbs, unconventional phraseological replies, and incantations. Unconventional phraseological replies—deliberately inappropriate, often humorous responses to another's statement—differ sharply from the proverb. Incantations differ from the other two genres as they are closely associated with ritual and magical practices through their attempt to influence reality. We will examine the range of domestic animals found in Slovene short folklore forms of these three genres, along with some parallels from other languages, and attempt to determine which semantic and structural features are decisive for the use of domestic animal motifs in each expression. Thus, a basic domestic animal imaginary in the selected genres within the Slovenian linguocultural space will be outlined, providing a reliable material basis for further study. Through this it will be possible to better understand the roles of different animals in human everyday life, that is, their evaluation in various functions they fulfill within society.