This research has deeply examined the linguistic and rhetorical features of proverbs in Arabic language and literature. By comprehensively addressing the grammatical structures, narrative techniques and rhetorical features of the parables, the study has shown how impressive and instructive these elements are. The research also analyzed the role of parables in contemporary Arabic literature and how they approach modern social and cultural issues. The findings revealed the rich and diverse effects of parables on language and rhetoric, indicating that Arabic parables are powerful and effective literary tools in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the place of parables in contemporary Arabic literature, how this literary genre approaches social and cultural issues, and the effects of these approaches on society are detailed. In conclusion, this study highlights the effects of Arabic parables on language and rhetoric and how this literary form has evolved in modern times and its role in social communication. For future studies, it is recommended to conduct comparative analyzes with a wider range of texts and in various geographical and historical contexts. This will better reflect the cultural and historical diversity of Arabic parables and allow us to delve more deeply into the effects of modern technology and media.

2.1. Grammatical structures of proverbs

Parables represent an instructive and expressive use of language in Arabic literature, and therefore grammatical structures play a critical role in conveying messages clearly and effectively. The grammatical structures used in proverbs significantly affect the understandability, rhythmic features and aesthetic value of the texts. In this section, the basic features of the grammatical structures of proverbs will be discussed and the literary and rhetorical functions of these structures will be emphasized.

Arabic proverbs often use the VSO (predicate-subject-object) sentence structure. The reason why this structure is preferred is to place the predicate at the beginning of the sentence to ensure focus on the action of the story and to immediately attract the attention of the listener or reader. This structure also presents the main idea of the parable in a more dramatic and emphatic way (Wright, 2001) [3].

Pronouns are often used in parables, which allows the story to flow more smoothly and in an integrated manner. The use of pronouns is an effective tool for connecting relationships and actions between characters and helps to narrate the text more compactly and concisely. In addition, pronouns contribute to preventing repetition while preserving the overall semantic integrity of the story (Ryding, 2005) [2].

In Arabic parables, the conjugation of verbs and the tenses used determine the time frame of the story and the tone of its telling. While the past tense expresses that the events described have been completed and the parable offers a teaching, the use of present or future tense emphasizes that the lesson given by the parable is continuous and universal. This use of time makes the message of the story more dynamic and interactive (Badawi & Haleem, 2008) [4].

The use of prepositions and conjunctions in parables organizes the flow of the story and ensures that different ideas or events are connected harmoniously with each other. These grammatical elements allow transitions within the text to be smoother and layers of meaning to be clearly revealed. Especially in complex or multi-layered stories, prepositions and conjunctions support semantic integrity and structural fluency (Al-Batal, 1990) [6].

This linguistic analysis on the grammatical structures of proverbs shows what kind of language mastery and richness of expression Arabic literature contains. These structures reveal that parables are constructed with not only narrative but also linguistic finesse, and that the expressive use of language is one of the basic features of this literary genre.

2.2. Language and expression techniques used

The language and narrative techniques used in parables are critical to more effectively convey the story's themes and didactic messages. In this section, we will examine the various language and narrative techniques observed in Arabic parables.

Arabic parables often use metaphors and similes. These techniques enable a deeper and more effective understanding of stories by making abstract ideas concrete. Metaphors strengthen the emotional dimension of the message by creating vivid images in the minds of the readers and help make instructive elements more permanent (Wright, 2001) [3].

Parallel structures and repetitions are often used in parables to increase the rhythmic structure and emphasis of the narrative. These techniques increase the memorability of the story and allow important themes or advice to be emphasized. Additionally, these techniques help maintain the listener's or reader's interest and interaction in the story by increasing the musicality of the text (Ryding, 2005) [2].

Hyperbola is a narrative technique frequently encountered in parables and is often used by exaggerating the characteristics of characters or the severity of events. These exaggerated expressions increase the dramatic impact of the message and serve the didactic purposes of the story. The use of hyperbola leaves a strong impression on the listeners by making the parables fun and memorable (Badawi & Haleem, 2008) [4].

Some parables use irony and sarcasm to make social criticisms or make you think by indirectly conveying instructive messages. These techniques encourage exploration of the depths of the message and enable listeners or readers to listen or read the story more carefully. Irony and sarcasm allow parables to function not only as an educational but also as a critical tool (Al-Batal, 1990) [6].

These language and narrative techniques show how Arabic parables are structured and how the language is skillfully used. These techniques increase both the educational and artistic value of parables by allowing messages to be conveyed more effectively.

2.3. Rhetorical and stylistic features

Rhetorical and stylistic features shape the narrative of Arabic parables and allow messages to be conveyed more effectively. In this section, we will discuss the rhetorically and stylistically important features of parables.

Arab parables generally have a narrative narrative form. This format allows stories to flow from beginning to end and helps the reader easily become involved in the story. The narrator is often presented as a trustworthy voice, which allows the message to be conveyed in a more convincing and authoritative manner. This narrative technique reinforces the didactic and uplifting elements of the story and allows listeners to understand the story more deeply (Wright, 2001) [3].

The language and vocabulary used in Arabic proverbs are generally distinguished and rich. This use of language increases the aesthetic value of the parables and creates vivid images in the minds of the listeners. Additionally, the choice of specific words and phrases sets the tone and atmosphere of the story and strengthens the emotional impact of the message. This choice of language supports the educational purposes of the parables and helps present the teachings in a more impressive way (Ryding, 2005) [2].

Parables are often constructed through recurring themes and motifs. These themes often contain moral, ethical, or social messages and support the overall structure of the story. Repetition of motifs ensures the unity of the story and helps reinforce the main message. This stylistic feature increases the didactic quality of parables and makes it easier for listeners to understand the story in depth (Badawi & Haleem, 2008) [4].

The use of rhythm and rhyme in parables highlights the acoustic properties of the text and increases the listener's interest in the story. Rhyme, especially in poetic parables, makes the text more memorable and aesthetically pleasing. Rhythm emphasizes the message and increases the fluency of the story, thus helping the listener maintain attention throughout the story (Al-Batal, 1990) [6].

These rhetorical and stylistic features allow Arabic parables to be evaluated not only as narrative but also as an artistic expression. These features of parables allow stories to be conveyed more effectively and emotionally, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with the stories.

3.1. Use of rhetorical techniques in parables

Rhetoric techniques are one of the basic building blocks of Arabic parables, and these techniques aim to leave a deep impression on the listener or reader by strengthening the impressive and instructive aspects of the parables. The variety of rhetorical techniques used in parables shows how this literary form pushes the boundaries of language and contributes to the enrichment of meaning. This chapter will focus on the use of rhetoric in parables and consider how these techniques are integrated into the telling of stories.

Metaphor and allegory are rhetorical techniques frequently used in parables. These techniques make the narrative more lively and interactive by concretizing abstract concepts. For example, the relationship between the "wolf and the lamb" in a parable may represent the social dynamics between the strong and the weak. Such symbolic expressions encourage in-depth consideration of the parable and allow for its didactic messages to be conveyed more effectively (Al-Jurjani, 1910) [5].

Hypothesis and antithesis are another rhetorical technique used in parables, which creates a thought-provoking effect by bringing opposing ideas together. In parables, this technique usually occurs in the form of comparison of characters or events. For example, by comparing one character's good intentions with another's bad intentions, a moral lesson can be emphasized. This technique is especially effective in the conflict and resolution parts of the story and allows the listeners to grasp the message more clearly (Ibn Khaldun, 1377) [8].

Parallel structures are used in parables to create a rhythmic effect and also reinforce the didactic aspects of the story. These structures appear especially in the form of repeated sentences or similar plots. Parallelism increases the parable's memorability and allows listeners to more easily perceive the story's themes and motifs. This technique also contributes to a more effective presentation of teachings by increasing the emphasis of the message (Al-Batal, 1990) [6].

Rhetorical questions in parables are a method of encouraging listeners or readers to think actively. These questions are often used at the end of the parable or at critical points and help the listener internalize the message of the story. Rhetorical questions encourage reflection on the message and enable a more in-depth analysis of the lessons learned by the listener from the story (Ryding, 2005) [2].

These rhetorical techniques used in parables reflect the rich linguistic and rhetorical traditions of Arabic literature. These techniques strengthen both the artistic value and the educational and didactic aspects of the stories, so that parables not only entertain but also teach and provoke thought.

3.2. Persuasion and influence methods

The persuasive and influencing power of parables is one of the basic methods of telling instructive and uplifting stories in Arabic literature. In this section, we will focus on the persuasiveness and influencing methods that enable parables to be so powerful and impressive.

Parables influence listeners and readers, often by using emotional appeal. Parables appeal to the emotions of the listeners through the experiences of the characters, the problems expressed and the solutions offered. This method allows listeners to empathize with the story and internalize the teachings, especially when teaching difficult moral or ethical lessons. Establishing an emotional bond helps the message to be felt more deeply and be more permanent (Al-Jahiz, 776-868) [7].

Parables also persuade by establishing logical arguments and clear cause-effect relationships. The scenarios presented in the stories and the situations faced by the characters often contain universal life lessons, and these lessons are explained logically. This method allows listeners to logically understand and accept the message of the story, thus making the principles taught more persuasive (Ibn Rushd, 1126-1198) [11].

Parables establish moral authority and credibility, often through strong and ethically sound characters. These characters serve as models of ideal behavior and guide listeners on how to act. The presentation of ethical behavior contributes to strengthening the overall moral lesson of the parable and increasing the listener's respect for the story (Al-Ghazali, 1058-1111) [12].

The language of the proverbs is often designed in an elegant and impressive way. The high level of language and narrative style used increases the authority and seriousness of the parable. Fluent and impressive use of language makes the message more professional and memorable. This creates a subconscious effect on the audience and helps make the lectures presented more persuasive and effective (Al-Batal, 1990) [6].

The persuasive and influencing methods of parables enable them to become powerful instructive tools rather than just entertaining stories. These techniques allow parables to leave a lasting impact on listeners and allow for a deeper understanding of the moral and ethical lessons presented.

3.3. Analysis through sample texts

In order to better understand the rhetorical techniques and persuasive methods of proverbs, detailed analyzes based on specific examples are of great importance. In this section, analyzes of two selected Arabic parables will be presented and the language, narrative techniques and rhetorical strategies used in these texts will be discussed.

Sample Text 1: "The Lion and the Mouse"

Text Summary:

In this classic parable, a lion saves the life of a mouse because it lets go instead of hunting him. Later, the lion falls into a hunter's trap, and the mouse returns the favor by releasing the lion.

Analysis:

Emotional Appeal: The story of the lion sparing the mouse's life and then being rescued by the mouse deals with strong emotional themes such as compassion and gratitude. This plot allows readers to empathize with the characters and helps the message be felt more deeply.

Logical Arguments: The parable emphasizes the importance of mutual kindness and cooperation. The interaction between the lion and the mouse supports the idea that good deeds can be reciprocated in unexpected ways.

Rhetorical Questions: Throughout the story, the reader is asked "How can a little mouse help a lion?" Questions such as these may be asked. These types of questions make the surprise ending of the story more impressive and help emphasize the message.

Sample Text 2: "Wind and Sun"

Text Summary:

Wind and Sun compete to see who can take off a traveler's coat. No matter how hard the wind blows, it fails because the traveler holds his coat tightly. The sun, with its warm and gentle rays, persuades the traveler to take off his coat.

Analysis:

Ethical Behavior and Reliability of Character: The gentle and patient method of the sun shows that soft power can be effective instead of brute force. This characterization reinforces the Sun's moral superiority and influence strategy.

Language Selection and Expression Style: The warm and relaxing approach of the sun is supported by the soft and inviting tone of the language. This use of language allows the message to be presented in a more comfortable and convincing way.

Theme and Motifs: The theme shows that understanding and patience are superior, not force. This provides a particularly powerful lesson about strategic approaches to conflict resolution and relationships.

The analysis of these two examples shows how parables are strategically designed and constructed to create maximum impact on listeners or readers. Each rhetorical technique and method of persuasion supports the didactic and uplifting aspects of the parable and reinforces the permanence of these stories in literature and culture.

4.1. Themes and motifs in parables

Arabic parables cover a variety of themes and motifs, offering in-depth commentary on social values, ethical norms, and human situations. This chapter will examine some of the basic themes and motifs commonly found in Arabic parables and discuss how these elements are processed and shape social communication.

Justice and equality are frequently mentioned themes in Arab parables. These themes are generally addressed through topics such as interactions between rich and poor, relations between the strong and weak, and the provision of justice. The parables emphasize the correct attitude of the individual in the face of injustice and the importance of ensuring equality in society. Such parables emphasize the message that social order should be preserved and justice should be applied equally to everyone (Al-Jahiz, 776-868) [7].

Moral and ethical behavior is one of the most prominent themes of Arab parables. These themes are generally addressed through the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and their reactions to these situations. Proverbs highlight values such as truth, honesty, generosity and sacrifice and teach how these virtues should be applied in individual and social life. Additionally, bad moral characters are often presented as cautionary examples and moral lessons are reinforced (Ibn al-Muqaffa', 8th century) [13].

The theme of power and responsibility focuses on how leaders and authority figures should behave. This theme, which is frequently used in parables, focuses on the consequences of the abuse of power and the responsibilities of powerful individuals towards society. Such stories promote the just and wise use of power and address the influence of leaders on their societies (Al-Ghazali, 1058-1111) [12].

Intelligence and cunning is another common theme, especially through animal figures. In these stories, smart and cunning characters use their intelligence to overcome difficulties and protect their interests. These motifs emphasize that intelligence and agility can be more effective than physical strength and show how intelligence can play a role in overcoming life difficulties (Ibn Khaldun, 1332-1406) [14].

The theme of the human condition addresses the universality and complexity of human experiences. Parables comprehensively cover human experiences such as life, death, love, betrayal, hope and disappointment. These stories delve deep into the human soul and make one think about the fundamental truths of life (Al-Ma'arri, 973-1057) [15].

These themes and motifs in Arabic parables show that literature is not only an entertaining tool, but also a mirror in which social values, ethical norms and human experiences are reflected. These stories encourage listeners and readers to think from a broader perspective and play an important role in shaping social communication.

4.2. Social, cultural and historical contexts

Arab parables often focus on the social structures and class relations of society. These stories deal with the relationships between rich and poor, dominant and submissive, strong and weak, and offer insights into how these relationships should be managed within the framework of justice, equality and moral values. For example, the story of a rich merchant helping a poor beggar or a peasant opposing the unjust decisions of a king emphasizes the importance of social justice and individual courage (Al-Jahiz, 776-868) [7].

Cultural elements are deeply processed in Arabic parables. These stories reflect the core values, traditions and norms of Arab culture and Islam. Themes such as family ties, hospitality, understanding of fate, and religious beliefs are detailed through parables, and the effects of these cultural values on society are discussed. In addition, parables function as an example of cultural interaction and integration by being enriched with motifs taken from different cultures (Ibn al-Muqaffa', 8th century) [13].

Arab parables are also important as narratives documenting the socio-political and economic conditions of various historical periods. For example, while parables written in the early years of Islam provide information about the social order and religious structures of that period, parables in later periods reflect the expansion of the Islamic world and interactions with various cultures. These stories show how Arab society evolved throughout history and the effects of the political events of the period on daily life (Ibn Khaldun, 1332-1406) [14].

In addition to their literary richness, Arabic parables are also considered invaluable resources in understanding the social, cultural and historical structure of a society. These stories serve as a bridge from the past to the present, helping us better understand the complex structure of Arab society and the expanding Islamic world.

4.3. Social and cultural functions of parables

Arab parables are a rich source of moral lessons and social norms passed down from generation to generation. These stories promote universal values such as truth, honesty, justice and generosity. In addition to teaching these values to children and youth, parables also serve as reminders to adults. These teachings shape the social behavior of individuals and strengthen the moral structure of society (Al-Jahiz, 776-868) [7].

As important parts of Arab culture and history, parables have a critical role in preserving cultural identity and heritage. These stories contain various cultural elements—traditions, rituals, beliefs—and contribute to the survival of these elements. In addition, parables establish cultural ties between different Arab communities and the wider Islamic world and reinforce a sense of common identity (Ibn al-Muqaffa', 8th century) [13].

Arab parables often contain content that criticizes existing social and political structures. These stories question authority and shed light on the injustices of the current order. With their critical tone, they prepare the ground for social change and reform. Thanks to their indirect and symbolic language, parables provide the opportunity to make social and political criticisms that sometimes cannot be expressed openly (Ibn Khaldun, 1332-1406) [14].

Parables are effective tools used in education. Aimed at children and adults, it makes it easier for them to understand difficult concepts and life lessons. Through storytelling, parables make complex ideas more accessible and understandable. Their educational value is one of the reasons why these stories have been used in schools and within families for generations (Al-Ghazali, 1058-1111) [12].

Arab parables have versatile functions such as transferring social norms and cultural values, encouraging social criticism and change, preserving cultural identity and heritage, and being used as an educational tool. These stories serve not only as cultural archives but also as engines of social and cultural development for Arab society and the wider Islamic world.

5.1. The role of parables in contemporary Arabic literature

Contemporary Arab writers deal with the problems of modern times using traditional parable formats. These parables address contemporary issues such as globalization, identity crisis, immigration, and political conflicts. By blending traditional parable elements with the complexities of modern life, these writers build bridges between the past and the present and reach a wide readership (Mahfouz, 1988) [16].

In contemporary Arabic literature, parables have witnessed innovations in terms of literary form and narrative techniques. Authors add new dimensions to the narrative by reshaping classical parable narratives with deconstructive and postmodern techniques. These innovations show that parables are not only carriers of cultural heritage, but also literary experiments that push the boundaries of language and narrative (El Saadawi, 2007) [17].

Contemporary Arab parables are also used as a powerful tool of social and political criticism. Writers adopt the parable format as a way to critique issues such as authoritarian regimes, social injustices, and gender inequality. These stories deal with sensitive topics through the use of indirect and metaphorical language, and reach large audiences and initiate thought-provoking discussions (Kanafani, 1972) [18].

Modern Arabic parables also serve to preserve and transmit regional and cultural values. These parables redefine the riches of Arab culture in the context of the modern world and pass it on to younger generations. By presenting traditional motifs and themes in a contemporary framework, authors contribute to the maintenance of cultural identity and heritage (Darwish, 1995) [19].

In contemporary Arabic literature, parables fulfill important literary and social functions by presenting a unique synthesis of traditional and modern elements. These stories are both deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts and play an innovative and critical role on the modern literary scene. This two-way function ensures that Arabic parables have a permanent place in literature and social dialogues.

5.2. Modern and postmodern approaches

Modern literature generally centers on the inner world of the individual and his place within social structures. In contemporary Arabic parables, modern approaches manifest themselves through the themes of character development, internal conflicts and individual freedom. This approach increases the psychological depth of the characters and focuses on the loneliness of the individual in society. Modernist writers experiment with form and content, changing narrative structures and adapting traditional parable narrative to reflect the complexities of modern life (Mahfouz, 1988) [16].

Postmodernism emphasizes the polyphony, relativism and deconstruction of texts. Postmodern techniques in contemporary Arabic parables include the nonlinear structure of the narrative, intexts, and strategies to engage the reader in an active dialogue with the text. Postmodern writers go beyond fixed meanings and singular interpretations, offer various interpretation possibilities and invite the reader to discover the meaning of the text. This approach allows parables to be expanded to include not only the society in which they are told, but also universal themes (El Saadawi, 2007) [17].

Both modern and postmodern approaches are effective in making cultural and social criticism. While modernist parables question the role of the individual in society and social changes, postmodern works question assumptions about cultural identities, power structures, and historical narratives. These writers use parables as a means of addressing taboo aspects of society and exposing existing ideological structures (Kanafani, 1972) [18].

Another important aspect of modern and postmodern approaches is that they integrate the effects of technology and media. Contemporary Arabic parables discuss the changes brought about by the digital age and their impact on human relations, modes of communication, and perception of identity. These stories explore the transformative power of media and technology on individuals and societies and offer literary reflections of these new realities (Darwish, 1995) [19].

Modern and postmodern approaches in contemporary Arabic literature frame parables not only as echoes of the past but also as visions of the future. These theories redefine the form and content of parables and reposition them on the global literary stage.

5.3. Examples from contemporary authors and works

Contemporary Arabic literature is in constant transformation with dynamic writers and their innovative works. In this section, we will focus on some of the prominent writers and their works that reshaped modern Arabic parables, and the literary and social contexts of these works will be discussed.

Naguib Mahfouz – The Journey of Ibn Fattouma (1983)

Naguib Mahfouz is one of the most famous writers in Egypt and the Arab world and winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Literature. His work, The Journey of Ibn Fattouma, describes the search for an ideal society using a traditional journey parable format. In this work, Mahfouz combines modern and postmodern techniques and explores different social structures and the effects of these structures on the individual. The work also deals with universal themes such as individual freedom and social justice (Mahfouz, 1983) [16].

Ghassan Kanafani – Men in the Sun (1962)

Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani is an important figure in Arabic literature and his works often contain political and social criticism. His novella Men in the Sun is about the escape of three Palestinian refugees to Kuwait and tells the tragedies they experience in the process. By adopting the social realism movement in this work, Kanafani draws attention to the refugee problems in the Arab world and subjects the human condition to an in-depth criticism (Kanafani, 1962) [18].

Nawal El Saadawi – Woman at Point Zero (1975)

Egyptian feminist writer Nawal El Saadawi focuses on the place of women in Arab society. In her work titled Woman at Point Zero, she addresses the difficulties faced by women and gender inequalities through the story of a female prison inmate. With this work, El Saadawi makes a strong defense of women's rights and questions gender norms (El Saadawi, 1975) [17].

Mahmoud Darwish – Why Have You Left the Horse Alone? (1995)

Palestinian poet and writer Mahmoud Darwish is one of the greatest names in modern Arabic poetry. Why Have You Left the Horse Alone? The poetry collection explores Darwish's relationship with personal and collective memory. The work deals with themes such as identity, belonging and finding a homeland, with a postmodern approach. Darwish brings a new interpretation to Arab identity and history by using a wide range of metaphors in his poems (Darwish, 1995) [19].

These writers and their works show how rich and diverse contemporary Arabic literature is. Each, with their own unique perspective, enriches modern Arabic parables and addresses cultural, social and political issues. These works reach wide audiences, both in the Arab world and globally, reflecting the impact of literature on universal values.

This research comprehensively examined the linguistic and rhetorical features of proverbs in Arabic language and literature. The grammatical structures of the parables, the narrative techniques used and their rhetorical features were discussed, and it was shown how these elements contributed to the impressive and instructive capacity of the parables. Additionally, it was focused on how parables evolved in contemporary Arabic literature and how they address modern social and cultural issues. These analyzes revealed how parables are powerful and effective literary devices in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Arab proverbs stand out with the richness of language and expression. Grammatical structures and narrative techniques make the parables understandable, memorable and impressive. Rhetorical features, especially the use of metaphor, allegory, and parallelism, help parables create deep layers of meaning. This study has revealed these effects of parables on language and rhetoric in detail, so that the linguistic and rhetorical richness of this literary form can be better understood.

The limitations of this research depend primarily on the number of texts and examples used. The overall validity of the findings may be increased if more texts and a broader range of parables from various periods are examined. Additionally, language and narrative analyzes can be supplemented by further linguistic and rhetorical theory.

Suggestions for future studies may include a comparative examination of parables from different geographical regions and periods. This would better reflect the cultural and historical diversity of Arabic parables. Additionally, exploring the effects of the digital age on parables can help understand how this literary form has evolved in modern technology and media environments.

This study has revealed the rich and diverse effects of Arabic parables on language and rhetoric. The research shows how powerful and influential this classical literary form can be socially and culturally in modern times. Building on these foundations, future studies can continue to explore the meaning and function of Arabic parables in greater depth.