The interconnectivity of Indonesian and Arabic proverbs and its impact on students’ competence in constructing metaphorical discourse

This study explores the meanings and values embedded in Indonesian proverbs (IPs) and their parallels in Arabic proverbs (APs), investigating their interconnectivity to understand how values evolve through proverbs. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis via Possible World Semantics (PWS) and quantitative analysis using the Kruskal-Walli’s test. Data were collected through documentation analysis, surveys, and tests. Thematic analysis of PWS revealed four main features: (1) distinct structural elements in APs and IPs; (2) shared topics with divergent expressive strategies; (3) two proverbs reflecting the same situation; and (4) one meaning conveyed across two different settings. Interconnectivity was observed in shared life values, where natural metaphors act as identifiers, and social problems offer contextual dimensions that deepen the understanding of the relationship between APs and IPs by highlighting common experiences and societal challenges. Quantitative analysis using the Kruskal-Walli’s test indicated a significant effect (p = 0.021 < 0.05), suggesting that proverb comprehension significantly influences metaphorical writing competence. These findings emphasize the value of integrating APs and IPs into educational frameworks to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and language skills, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing students’ ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts.