Constructing Situation-like Proverbs in Cairene Arabic

Abstract

Situation-like proverbs in Cairene Arabic are perfect representations of what is called "constructed dialogue". When used in everyday conversation, these proverbs are created anew. The user creatively reshapes the proverb in different ways that reflect certain features/ serve certain goals of the surrounding conversation. The constructed proverb gives cues of personal involvement, pragmatic competence, knowledge exchange and influential power. The discourse and pragmatic features within the proverb and in the surrounding conversation can give a good idea of how and why a proverb is constructed.