The Language of Colors: Symbolism of Hues in Kazakh Proverbs and Cross-Cultural Comparison

This paper explores the symbolic and cultural meanings of color terms in Kazakh proverbs. It examines how colors such as white (ақ), black (қара), red (қызыл), yellow (сары), and blue (көк) function as cultural codes that convey moral values, aesthetic ideals, and philosophical concepts within Kazakh traditional thought. Proverbs that include color references reflect complex ideas about truth and justice, beauty, patience, and respect for the natural and spiritual world. The study is based on a qualitative linguo-cultural approach, using Kazakh paremiological dictionaries as primary sources and employing comparative analysis with Turkic and global proverb traditions. The paper also addresses the contemporary relevance of color-based proverbs in Kazakh media, public messaging, and educational discourse, showing how they retain pedagogical and communicative power. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the role of color symbolism as a medium for transmitting cultural memory and shaping national identity across generations.