ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel MinuteEarth Why You Shouldn’t Give Ginger To Monkeys (and other animal sayings)
Have you ever noticed how different cultures use animals in their sayings? It’s pretty fascinating! For example, when it’s sunny and suddenly starts raining, people in Australia and the US call it a “sunshower.” But in England and Japan, it’s known as a “fox’s wedding.” In India, they call it a “jackal’s wedding,” while in Syria and Lebanon, it’s a “rat’s wedding.” In Iran and Armenia, they say it’s a “wolf’s wedding.” Even though the idea of animals getting married might sound strange, these expressions are quite popular, even if the original meanings are not always remembered.
So, why do we use animals in our expressions? It might be because animals have unique traits that people can easily recognize. For example, monkeys are often seen as playful, and owls are considered wise. But these meanings can change depending on where you are. In China, monkeys are seen as noble, while in India, calling someone an owl means they are foolish.
The way we use animals in language can tell us a lot about our cultures. Take the saying, “Do not cast pearls before swine.” This means you shouldn’t give something valuable to someone who won’t appreciate it. In Spain, they say, “don’t give honey to donkeys.” In India, it’s “don’t give ginger to monkeys,” and in Japan, it’s “don’t give coins to cats.” Even though the animals change, the idea stays the same.
This pattern appears in many expressions. An American might say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” which means don’t assume something will happen before it actually does. In France, they say, “don’t sell the bear’s skin before it’s been killed.” In English, you might hear, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig,” meaning you can’t change something’s true nature. In Spanish, they say, “A monkey in silk is still a monkey.” Even if the animals are different, people everywhere love using animal expressions. If you don’t like them, you might be called a “black sheep,” or in Russia, a “white crow.”
Think about an animal and a unique trait it has. Create your own saying using this animal and its trait. Share your expression with the class and explain what it means. This will help you understand how cultural expressions are formed and why they are meaningful.
You’ll receive a list of animal expressions from different cultures. Your task is to match each expression with its meaning. This activity will help you learn about the diversity of animal sayings and their cultural significance.
In groups, choose an animal expression and create a short skit that demonstrates its meaning. Perform your skit for the class. This will help you understand the context in which these expressions are used and make learning fun.
Pick an animal expression from a culture different from your own. Research its origin and how it’s used today. Present your findings to the class. This will deepen your understanding of how language and culture are intertwined.
Create a piece of art that represents an animal expression of your choice. Use any medium you like, such as drawing, painting, or digital art. Share your artwork and explain the expression it represents. This will allow you to express your creativity while learning about language.
In Australia and the US, when it’s bright and sunny outside and then it suddenly starts raining, people call it a sunshower, which makes sense. However, in England and Japan, this phenomenon is referred to as a fox’s wedding. In India, it’s called a jackal’s wedding, while in Syria and Lebanon, it’s known as a rat’s wedding. In Iran and Armenia, it’s referred to as a wolf’s wedding. The expression is quite common, even if the connection between simultaneous rain and sunshine and animal weddings is not widely remembered today.
This raises a broader question about why animals feature prominently in our expressions. It might seem that animals are used because they have distinct characteristics and behaviors that are easily recognizable—like how monkeys are often seen as silly and owls as wise. However, these associations can vary significantly across cultures. For instance, in China, monkeys are viewed as regal, and in India, calling someone an owl implies foolishness.
The way we incorporate animals into language can reflect aspects of our own cultures. Take the saying, “Do not cast pearls before swine.” Variations of this expression exist in many cultures. In Spain, it’s expressed as “don’t give honey to donkeys,” while in India, it’s “don’t give ginger to monkeys,” and in Japan, it’s “don’t give coins to cats.” This suggests a shared understanding that good things should not be given to those who won’t appreciate them, though the specific animal used varies by culture.
This pattern holds true for many expressions. An American might say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” to caution someone against getting ahead of themselves, while a French person might say, “don’t sell the bear’s skin before it’s been killed.” Similarly, an English speaker might say, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig,” whereas a Spanish speaker might say, “A monkey in silk is still a monkey.” Even when specific animals differ, the fondness for animal expressions is a common thread among humans worldwide. If you don’t appreciate them, you might be considered a black sheep—or, as the Russians would say, a white crow.
Animals – Living creatures that are not plants, including humans, birds, fish, and insects. – In sociology, studying how humans interact with animals can reveal a lot about cultural values.
Sayings – Short, commonly known phrases that express a truth or piece of advice. – Many cultures have unique sayings that reflect their beliefs and traditions.
Culture – The beliefs, customs, arts, and way of life of a particular society or group. – Understanding different cultures helps us appreciate the diversity of human societies.
Expressions – Ways of conveying thoughts or feelings through words, gestures, or art. – Facial expressions can communicate emotions without the need for words.
Meanings – The ideas or concepts that words or symbols represent. – In literature, authors often use symbols with deeper meanings to enhance their stories.
Traits – Characteristics or qualities that define a person or thing. – Sociologists study personality traits to understand how they influence social behavior.
Playful – Full of fun and high spirits; light-hearted. – A playful attitude can make learning more enjoyable and engaging.
Wise – Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. – Listening to wise advice from elders can help us make better decisions.
Valuable – Having great worth, importance, or usefulness. – Education is a valuable tool that can open many doors in life.
Recognize – To identify someone or something from having encountered them before. – It’s important to recognize the contributions of different cultures to our society.
