Aesop’s fables in ancient Greek, Latin, English and Maltese : a study of cultural and linguistic change

Abstract

This dissertation examines the enduring impact of Aesop’s fables and the aesopic tradition, and focuses on their role in education, literature, and moral instruction across various languages and cultures. Countless fables have been attributed to Aesop, and these stories have been translated, adapted and retold countless times, demonstrating their continued relevance. The study focuses on one popular fable, The Lion and the Mouse, comparing it over four adaptations in ancient Greek, Latin, English, and Maltese. Using Systemic Functional Linguistics theory as the theoretical framework, combined with a comparative analysis, this analysis explores how linguistic features, and cultural context shape the fable’s moral message and rhetorical style. Key differences include the Greek version’s focus on persuasion, the Latin’s introspective tone, and the English and Maltese versions emphasis on emotional expression and power dynamics. The findings reveal how each language and culture adapts the story’s moral to reflect its own cultural values, from resilience and unexpected help to kindness and forgiveness. The study also highlights differences between ancient and modern retellings, with modern versions using simpler, more engaging language for younger audiences, while classical versions rely on more complex structures and subtler moral reasoning.The dissertation concludes that Aesop’s fables continue to be an important part of children’s literature due to their accessibility, universal themes, and adaptability across languages and cultures.