Digital Processing of Proverbs in Kartvelian Languages – Theoretical and Technological Framework

Abstract

One common aspect of intangible legacy is language. Texts with a variety of genres and contents are the tools through which language is realised. Proverbs should receive particular consideration among these tools since they bear distinctive national characteristics. The creation of a database of proverbs of the Kartvelian languages (Georgian, Megrelian, Laz and Svan) and the implementation of linguocultural research using this database is especially interesting and topical, because it proves the genetic unity of these languages and the existence of a common cultural-mental and linguistic space of the Georgian people. The Kartvelian languages, as well as communities, are closely related. Therefore, essential differences between the proverbs of the Kartvelian languages are rare. Differences are due to the geographical location, local rites and customs, specifically toponyms and anthroponyms, as well as other local features. All this has been reflected in the proverbs. The comparison and harmonisation of Kartvelian proverbs based on their semantic equivalence is a significant resource for interdisciplinary research. The theoretical and technological framework for the digital processing of proverbs in the Kartvelian languages are discussed in this paper.