Preserving the uniqueness of Malay animal proverbial expressions

Across cultures, proverbs serve as metaphorical expressions that are used by a particular society, encapsulating the collective experiences, values, and beliefs that they hold onto. As Riyanto (2018) explained, proverbs are regarded as a part of the cultural specification of a particular language society because they carry social facts and are shaped based on the values, traditions, wisdom, as well as the beliefs of the society. Among the rich tapestry of global proverbial traditions, Malay proverbs stand out for their unique mixture of poetic elegance and the profound insights that underlie the meanings attached to the expressions. In Malay society, proverbs are vital in shaping the values of the people, as Malay society is well known for its polite and well-mannered traits (Ismail et al., 2017). Rooted in centuries of Malay culture and tradition, these proverbial expressions are commonly known for their emphasis politeness and social lessons that are mapped out as a guide for Malay society. Looking into the sources of the Malay proverbs, one of the primary reservoirs for furnishing metaphorical expressions within proverbs involves employing animals as a means of comparison and symbolism, which is conceivably due to the close connection between humans and animals in their surroundings (Muhammad, N. N., & Rashid, S. M., 2014). Among the famous Malay proverbs with regards to animals are the ones with the word 'tiger' in them. This shows how 'tiger' is highly valued in Malay culture, as society has constantly conceptualized the attributes and physical traits of tiger and human beings. This phenomenon can be attributed to the widespread distribution of tigers across Asia, including their long-standing presence in Malaysia's forests. Furthermore, as reported by Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN) in 2009, Harimau Belang, one of Malaysia's most famous and renowned species, is the largest cat species exclusive to Asia.