LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL POTENTIAL OF RUSSIAN PROVERBS AND SAYINGS AND ITS USE IN FOREIGN AUDIENCE (for example, units containing zoonyms)

Abstract

The article analyzes and compares Russian and Japanese proverbs and sayings in the context of linguistic and cultural studies approach which is actively used in language education nowadays. This language material reflecting national linguistic worldview is interesting for foreigners who are studying the Russian language both as a linguistic and cultural factors because it allows them to understand Russian culture, its peculiarities, worldview and humor. Comparison of Russian and Japanese idioms also allows Russian learners to understand not only the foreign language but their mother tongue as well. Sayings and proverbs with animal images were chosen because they have a cultural element and meet pragmatic demands of learners, i.e. to feel more comfortable in Russian-speaking business environment.