Motivational Elements in Malay and Arabic Proverbs: A Rhetorical and Psychological Analysis

This article examines the motivational elements embedded in Malay and Arabic proverbs through rhetorical and psychological lenses. Proverbs in both cultures serve as concise vehicles for transmitting values, shaping behavior, and guiding individuals, yet there is limited comparative research on how these proverbs function as motivational tools and the mechanisms underlying their influence. The study addresses this gap by analyzing the rhetorical strategies such as metaphor, symbolism, and rhetorical questioning used in Malay and Arabic proverbs to convey encouragement, moral guidance, and emotional resilience. Methodologically, the research synthesizes findings from qualitative analyses, textual reviews, and paremiological studies, drawing on over 10 proverbs and examining their use in both everyday discourse and literary forms. The scope includes the exploration of proverbs’ roles in encoding emotion, promoting work ethics, and fostering values like courtesy, humility, and perseverance, as well as the challenges of translating culturally specific meanings. Key findings reveal that Malay proverbs utilize vivid imagery and environmental references to promote positive behaviors and emotional intelligence, while Arabic proverbs, particularly through rhetorical questions, invoke shared cultural presuppositions to motivate and persuade. Both traditions demonstrate that proverbs are not only linguistic artifacts but also psychological tools that reinforce social norms and individual character. The study concludes that understanding the rhetorical and psychological dimensions of proverbs enhances their educational and cultural significance, and that effective translation and interpretation are crucial for preserving their motivational impact across languages and societies