Italian proverbs about family

Abstract

The research aimed to present the concept of family in Italian proverbs. The analysis was based on major Italian paremiological dictionaries and began with an examination of the etymology and meaning of famiglia and its synonyms. This was necessary because proverbs refer to family through various related terms (e.g. casa, focolare, gente, sangue) and through names of family members. Despite conflicts and tensions, Italian proverbs reflect a deeply rooted cultural emphasis on unity, community, and mutual support within the family or clan.