Thematic Classification of Phraseological Expressions in Italian

Khudoykulov Behzod Abbasovich

Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy, Denau, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Italian Language, Phraseological Expressions, Thematic Classification, Idiomatic Language, Semantic

Domains, Cultural Context, Linguistic Richness, Language Usage, Cultural Expression, Language Learning.

Abstract: Phraseological expressions play a significant role in language communication, contributing to the richness

and expressiveness of linguistic expression. This scientific article explores the thematic classification of

phraseological expressions in the Italian language, aiming to categorize these expressions based on their

thematic content and semantic domains. Through a systematic analysis of Italian phraseological units, this

study identifies and categorizes common themes and topics represented in these expressions, providing

insights into the semantic structure and cultural context of Italian language usage. The thematic classification

of Italian phraseological expressions offers valuable information for language learners, educators, and

researchers, facilitating the understanding and acquisition of Italian language and culture.

1 INTRODUCTION

Phraseological expressions serve as fundamental

elements of linguistic communication, enriching

language usage with cultural nuances, historical

contexts, and societal conventions. In the Italian

language, phraseological expressions play a pivotal

role in conveying meaning and reflecting the cultural

heritage and linguistic diversity of Italy.

Understanding the thematic classification of Italian

phraseological expressions provides valuable insights

into the semantic structure, cultural significance, and

communicative functions of these linguistic units.

This introduction serves as a prelude to exploring

the thematic classification of phraseological

expressions in Italian, aiming to elucidate the diverse

themes, topics, and semantic domains represented in

Italian idiomatic language. By systematically

categorizing Italian phraseological expressions based

on their thematic content, this study seeks to uncover

the underlying patterns, cultural motifs, and linguistic

intricacies inherent in Italian language usage.

Through a comprehensive analysis of Italian

phraseological units, this research endeavor

endeavors to deepen our understanding of Italian

language and culture, offering a nuanced perspective

on the richness and complexity of Italian idiomatic

expression.

In the subsequent sections of this article, we will

delve into the thematic classification of Italian

phraseological expressions, examining common

themes such as family and relationships, food and

cuisine, nature and environment, work and

occupation, and emotions and feelings. By exploring

these thematic categories, we aim to provide a

comprehensive overview of the diverse thematic

landscape of Italian phraseology, shedding light on

the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of

Italian language usage.

Through this exploration, we endeavor to

contribute to the scholarly discourse on Italian

language and culture, offering valuable insights for

language learners, educators, researchers, and

enthusiasts alike. By unraveling the thematic

classification of Italian phraseological expressions,

we aim to enhance appreciation for the linguistic

richness, cultural heritage, and communicative

versatility of the Italian language.

2 THEMATIC CLASSIFICATION

OF ITALIAN

PHRASEOLOGICAL

EXPRESSIONS

Italian phraseological expressions encompass a wide

range of themes, topics, and semantic domains,

reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and historical

influences that shape Italian language usage. Through

Abbasovich, K.

Thematic Classiﬁcation of Phraseological Expressions in Italian.

DOI: 10.5220/0012865100003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 411-415

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

411

a systematic analysis, we can classify Italian

phraseological expressions into thematic categories,

providing insights into the underlying cultural motifs

and communicative functions of these linguistic units.

The following thematic classification offers a

comprehensive overview of the diverse thematic

landscape of Italian phraseology- Bianchi, G, et.

al(2018).

3 FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS

Italian phraseological expressions related to family

and relationships reflect the importance of

interpersonal connections, emotional bonds, and

social dynamics in Italian culture. These expressions

often convey sentiments of love, loyalty, affection,

and familial responsibility, providing insight into the

values and traditions that shape Italian family life.

The following are examples of Italian phraseological

expressions categorized under the theme of family

and relationships- Rossi, M. (2015):

1. "Avere il cuore in gola" - Literally translated as

"to have one's heart in one's throat," this expression is

used to describe a feeling of extreme anxiety or

nervousness, especially in situations where one is

emotionally invested or apprehensive.

2. "Fare la bella figura" - Translating to "to make a

good impression," this expression emphasizes the

importance of presenting oneself in a favorable light,

often in social or professional settings. It reflects the

value placed on appearance, etiquette, and social

grace in Italian culture.

3. "Essere come il cacio sui maccheroni" - Literally

meaning "to be like cheese on macaroni," this

expression signifies a perfect match or

complementarity between two people or things. It

conveys the idea of compatibility and harmony in

relationships or partnerships.

4. "Fare da mamma agli occhi" - Translating to "to

act as a mother in someone's eyes," this expression

describes the protective or nurturing behavior of

someone towards another person, often in a caring or

maternal manner.

5. "Essere sangue del mio sangue" - Meaning "to be

blood of my blood," this expression highlights the

closeness and familial bond between individuals,

emphasizing shared ancestry, lineage, and kinship

ties.

6. "Avere il sangue freddo" - Literally translating to

"to have cold blood," this expression is used to

describe someone who remains calm, composed, and

unemotional, especially in challenging or stressful

situations.

7. "Essere come due pesi e due misure" - Meaning

"to be like two weights and two measures," this

expression refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of

people in similar circumstances, highlighting

discrepancies in judgment or standards.

8. "Chiudere un occhio" - Translating to "to close

one eye," this expression signifies turning a blind eye

to something, often to overlook or ignore someone's

faults or misdeeds, particularly out of affection or

loyalty.

These Italian phraseological expressions offer

insights into the cultural values, social norms, and

interpersonal dynamics that characterize Italian

family and relationships. They reflect the nuances of

communication and expression in Italian culture,

providing a glimpse into the intricacies of human

connections and emotions within familial and social

contexts.

4 FOOD AND CUISINE

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its

diversity, flavors, and culinary traditions, and Italian

phraseological expressions related to food and cuisine

reflect the central role that food plays in Italian

culture. These expressions often evoke sensory

experiences, gastronomic delights, and cultural

practices associated with Italian gastronomy. Here are

some examples of Italian phraseological expressions

categorized under the theme of food and cuisine - De

Luca, et al. (2019).

1. "Prendere lucciole per lanterne" - Translating to

"to mistake fireflies for lanterns," this expression

describes being easily deceived or misled, drawing on

the imagery of nighttime illumination.

2. "Andare a fagiolo" - Literally meaning "to go to

the bean," this expression signifies a perfect fit or

harmony between two things, often used to describe

compatibility or agreement between people.

3. "Essere come il prezzemolo" - Translating to "to

be like parsley," this expression signifies being

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ubiquitous or ever-present, similar to how parsley is

a common ingredient found in many dishes.

4. "Essere buono come il pane" - Meaning "to be as

good as bread," this expression describes someone

who is kind, generous, and trustworthy, reflecting the

importance of bread as a staple food in Italian culture.

5. "Essere in brodo di giuggiole" - Literally

translating to "to be in jujube broth," this expression

describes being in a state of extreme happiness or

contentment, akin to the pleasure derived from

enjoying a delicious meal.

6. "Fare cipolla" - Meaning "to make onion," this

expression refers to someone who is unwelcome or

unwanted, often used humorously to describe being

excluded from a social gathering or conversation.

7. "Essere pane per i miei denti" - Translating to "to

be bread for my teeth," this expression signifies being

well-suited or compatible with someone, particularly

in terms of personality or interests.

8. "Essere come il vino" - Meaning "to be like wine,"

this expression describes someone or something that

improves with age, becoming better or more valuable

over time.

These Italian phraseological expressions offer a

glimpse into the cultural significance, sensory

experiences, and social dynamics associated with

food and cuisine in Italian culture. They reflect

Italians' deep appreciation for culinary traditions,

flavors, and communal dining experiences,

highlighting the integral role that food plays in

shaping Italian identity and social interactions.

5 NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Italian phraseological expressions inspired by nature

and the environment draw upon imagery, metaphors,

and symbolism derived from the natural world. These

expressions reflect Italians' deep connection to the

land, the seasons, and the elements of nature. Here are

some examples of Italian phraseological expressions

categorized under the theme of nature and

environment - Berruto, G., et al. (2005).

1. "Essere al verde" - Translating to "to be in the

green," this expression signifies being broke or

financially strapped, drawing on the imagery of green

vegetation to represent financial stability or

prosperity.

2. "Chiudere il cerchio" - Meaning "to close the

circle," this expression describes completing a task or

achieving a goal, akin to closing a loop or bringing a

process to fruition.

3. "Fare un buco nell'acqua" - Literally translating

to "to make a hole in the water," this expression

signifies achieving nothing or having no impact,

similar to the futility of attempting to make a hole in

water.

4. "Essere come un pesciolino nell'acquario" -

Translating to "to be like a little fish in the aquarium,"

this expression describes feeling small or

insignificant in a large or unfamiliar environment.

5. "Essere come un pesce fuor d'acqua" - Meaning

"to be like a fish out of water," this expression

describes feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a

particular situation or environment.

6. "Essere come un pugno di mosche" - Translating

to "to be like a handful of flies," this expression

describes being inconsequential or ineffective,

similar to the fleeting nature of flies.

7. "Essere come una rondine in autunno" -

Literally meaning "to be like a swallow in autumn,"

this expression describes feeling melancholic or

nostalgic, reminiscent of the migration of swallows

during the autumn season.

8. "Essere come il lupo per l'uomo" - Translating to

"to be like the wolf to the man," this expression

describes someone who is predatory or threatening,

drawing on the symbolic association of wolves with

danger or aggression.

These Italian phraseological expressions offer

insights into Italians' reverence for nature, their

awareness of environmental dynamics, and their use

of natural imagery to convey emotions, experiences,

and observations. They reflect the deep-rooted

connection between Italians and the natural world,

highlighting the cultural significance of nature in

Italian language and expression.

6 WORK AND OCCUPATION

Italian phraseological expressions related to work and

occupation encompass various professions, trades,

and vocational activities. These expressions often

convey attitudes towards work, diligence, and

Thematic Classiﬁcation of Phraseological Expressions in Italian

413

professionalism in Italian society. Here are some

examples of Italian phraseological expressions

categorized under the theme of work and occupation

- Pulcini, V (2010):

1. "Mettersi il naso dove non si deve" - Translating

to "to put one's nose where it doesn't belong," this

expression describes meddling in other people's

affairs or being overly curious about matters that do

not concern oneself - Baldi, G, et. al, (2013).

2. "Lavorare sodo" - Meaning "to work hard," this

expression emphasizes diligence, perseverance, and

dedication in one's professional endeavors [Forza,

M., & Fiorentini, M. (Eds.). (2019)].

3. "Fare il contadino" - Literally translating to "to

play the farmer," this expression refers to pretending

to work or engaging in superficial efforts, especially

in contrast to genuine labor or effort.

4. "Essere al verde" - Translating to "to be in the

green," this expression signifies being broke or

financially strapped, indicating financial hardship or

instability.

5. "Essere a posto come un pesciolino

nell'acquario" - Meaning "to be in place like a little

fish in the aquarium," this expression describes

feeling comfortable or at ease in a particular situation

or environment.

6. "Essere in gamba" - Translating to "to be in the

leg," this expression signifies being skilled, capable,

or competent in one's work or profession.

7. "Fare il poliziotto" - Literally meaning "to play

the policeman," this expression refers to enforcing

rules or regulations in a strict or authoritarian manner,

often without regard for context or flexibility.

8. "Essere bravo come il pane" - Meaning "to be as

good as bread," this expression describes someone

who is kind, generous, and reliable, akin to the

essential role that bread plays in Italian cuisine and

culture.

These Italian phraseological expressions offer

insights into Italians' attitudes towards work, their

perceptions of professionalism, and their use of

language to convey notions of diligence, competence,

and social status in the context of employment. They

reflect the cultural values and social dynamics that

shape Italian work culture, highlighting the

importance of hard work, integrity, and mutual

respect in professional relationships and interactions.

7 EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS

Italian phraseological expressions related to emotions

and feelings capture the nuances of human

experience, including joy, sorrow, anger, and

affection. These expressions employ metaphorical

language and imagery to convey emotional states and

psychological nuances. Here are some examples of

Italian phraseological expressions categorized under

the theme of emotions and feelings- Gobber, F.

(2015):

1. "Essere felice come una Pasqua" - Translating to

"to be as happy as Easter," this expression signifies

extreme happiness or joy, drawing on the festive

atmosphere and celebratory mood associated with the

Easter holiday- Sobrero, A. (2006).

2. "Piangere lacrime di coccodrillo" - Meaning "to cry

crocodile tears," this expression describes feigning

sadness or insincere emotion, reminiscent of the

image of a crocodile shedding tears while devouring

its prey- Corino, E., et. al (2003).

3. "Essere sulle nuvole" - Translating to "to be on

cloud nine," this expression describes feeling

euphoric or elated, akin to the sensation of floating or

being uplifted by positive emotions.

4. "Essere in gamba" - Literally translating to "to be

in the leg," this expression signifies being skilled,

capable, or competent, reflecting a sense of

confidence and self-assurance in one's abilities.

5. "Avere il cuore di pietra" - Translating to "to have

a heart of stone," this expression describes being cold,

indifferent, or unfeeling, lacking compassion or

empathy towards others.

6. "Essere come un arcobaleno dopo la pioggia" -

Meaning "to be like a rainbow after the rain," this

expression describes feeling hopeful or optimistic

after a period of adversity or hardship.

7. "Essere a pezzi" - Translating to "to be in pieces,"

this expression describes feeling emotionally

shattered or devastated, often as a result of grief, loss,

or trauma.

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8. "Essere preso dalla malinconia" - Meaning "to be

consumed by melancholy," this expression describes

feeling a deep sense of sadness, nostalgia, or longing,

often accompanied by introspection or reflection.

These Italian phraseological expressions offer

insights into the complexity and depth of human

emotions, their cultural significance, and their

expression through language. They reflect Italians'

sensitivity to emotional nuances, their use of

metaphorical language to articulate feelings, and their

appreciation for the power of language to convey the

richness of human experience.

8 CONCLUSION

The thematic classification of Italian phraseological

expressions provides a comprehensive overview of

the linguistic richness, cultural depth, and

communicative versatility of the Italian language.

Through the exploration of diverse themes such as

family and relationships, food and cuisine, nature and

environment, work and occupation, and emotions and

feelings, we have gained valuable insights into the

cultural values, social dynamics, and linguistic

intricacies that characterize Italian idiomatic

language- Crocco, C. (Ed.) (2018).

Italian phraseological expressions serve as

windows into Italian culture, reflecting Italians' deep-

rooted connection to their heritage, traditions, and

environment. They encapsulate centuries of history,

regional diversity, and societal norms, offering a

nuanced perspective on Italian identity and social

interactions. By categorizing Italian phraseological

expressions based on their thematic content, we have

uncovered the underlying patterns, cultural motifs,

and linguistic nuances that shape Italian language

usage.

Furthermore, the exploration of Italian

phraseological expressions highlights the importance

of context, imagery, and symbolism in conveying

meaning and emotion in language. Italians' use of

metaphorical language and vivid imagery reflects

their sensitivity to the subtleties of human experience

and their appreciation for the power of language to

evoke emotions, memories, and sensations.

In conclusion, the thematic classification of

Italian phraseological expressions enriches our

understanding of Italian language and culture,

offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage, social

norms, and linguistic creativity that define Italian

identity. These expressions serve as bridges between

past and present, tradition and innovation, connecting

individuals across generations and geographical

boundaries through the universal language of human

experience. Through continued exploration and

appreciation of Italian phraseology, we can deepen

our appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and

resilience of the Italian language and its role in

shaping the cultural tapestry of Italy.

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