Here is a more detailed and specific explanation of the classification of proverbs:
1. Classification by content
As the crystallization of folk wisdom, the content of proverbs covers all aspects of life. Depending on the subject and content expressed by the proverb, we can divide it into the following categories:
Social proverbs
Social proverbs reflect the experience and wisdom that people have accumulated in their social life. They usually involve aspects such as interpersonal relationships, moral norms, social phenomena, etc. For example, the proverb "people who are good are bullied, and horses are good are ridden" reveals a phenomenon that exists in society, that is, people who are too kind are often easily bullied by others. This proverb is meant to remind people to learn to protect themselves while remaining kind.
Farming proverbs
Agricultural proverbs are the experiences of farmers summed up in the long-term practice of agricultural production. They involve aspects such as the cultivation, management, harvesting, and weather changes associated with crops. For example, the proverb "Bright Snow Mega Year" expresses the positive effect of snow on crop growth. This proverb has great significance for guiding agricultural production.
Life proverbs
Life proverbs are summaries of wisdom about everyday life. They relate to aspects such as diet, daily life, health, entertainment, etc., and are designed to guide people to live better. For example, the proverb "Go to bed early and wake up early, be healthy and smart" emphasizes the importance of good work and rest habits for physical health and intellectual development.
Learn proverbs
Learning proverbs are words of wisdom that encourage people to learn and pursue knowledge. They relate to aspects such as learning methods, learning attitudes, learning goals, etc. For example, the proverb "live to be old, learn to be old" expresses that learning is a lifelong career, and you should maintain your enthusiasm and motivation to learn regardless of your age.
Health proverbs
Health proverbs are words of wisdom about maintaining good health and preventing disease. They involve dietary hygiene, exercise, psychological regulation, etc. For example, the proverb "100 steps after a meal to live to 99" emphasizes the benefits of moderate exercise for good health.
2. Classification by form
Proverbs also have their own peculiarities in form, and according to different formal characteristics, we can divide proverbs into the following categories:
Duality proverb
Duality proverbs use the form of antiphon to express meaning, making sentences more neat and harmonious. For example, the proverb "sow melons and get melons, sow beans and get beans" takes the form of duality, expressing the clarity of cause and effect.
Rhyming proverbs
Rhyming proverbs use rhyming syllables at the end of a sentence to make the sentence more catchy and easy to remember. For example, the proverb "If you don't listen to the elderly, you will suffer in front of you" uses a rhyming form to emphasize the importance of following the advice of the elderly.
Figurative proverb
Figurative proverbs use figurative devices to convey meaning, making abstract things concrete and vivid. For example, the proverb "Good medicine is good for the sick, but good advice is good for the ear" takes the form of a metaphor, comparing good medicine and good advice to something that is beneficial but difficult to accept.
3. Classification according to **
The ** of proverbs is also varied, and according to different **, we can divide proverbs into the following categories:
Han proverb
Han proverbs are proverbs that are derived from the Han culture. They reflect the wisdom and experience accumulated by the Han people in the long course of history. Han Chinese proverbs are numerous and rich in content, and are an important part of Chinese culture.
Minority proverbs
Ethnic minority proverbs are proverbs from various ethnic minorities in China. They reflect the cultural characteristics and life experiences of ethnic minorities. For example, the Tibetan people's "ghee and tsampa are eaten as meat, and barley wine is used as water to drink" reflects the characteristics of the Tibetan people's plateau life.
The above is a more detailed and specific explanation of the classification of proverbs. I hope it will help you better understand and use the form of proverb as a form of folklore.