The article explores how exotic animals such as elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, camels, tigers, lions, and parrots are symbolized in Russian proverbs and sayings. By analyzing their meanings, origins, and cultural functions, the study demonstrates how foreign influences have shaped Russian linguistic and cognitive frameworks. The findings reveal that exotic animals serve as metaphorical tools to express exaggeration, insincerity, foolishness, endurance, danger, strength, and mimicry in Russian paremiology.

Paremiology, Exotic Animals, Russian Proverbs, Linguistic Identity, Metaphor, Cross-Cultural Influence

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