The Characteristics, Classification, Examples and Functions of Proverbs

Characteristics of proverbs:

(a) Proverbs are concise and straightforward.

(b) Proverbs convey the wisdom and philosophy of a society's life. They draw our attention to the general reality around us and are considered the collective property of the society in which they are used. It is rare to know the originator of a particular proverb. Proverbs only make sense when they are directly applied to specific situations or problems. The value of a proverb lies in its applicability to a concrete situation, how it assesses it, and possibly suggests a solution to it. Often, we find proverbs that can be applied to different situations with different interpretations, which may explain the existence of seemingly contradictory proverbs. Therefore, proverbs should always be interpreted in context, and a scholar dealing with proverbs out of context should try to reconstruct the situation in which the proverb would be applied. Proverbs are a type of conversation shorthand, and their meaning is usually hidden and needs to be worked out.

(c) Proverbs often appear in fixed patterns, and there is limited scope for the performer to modify them.

(d) Proverbs are sayings that have been accepted by and are therefore a part of society. (e) Proverbs draw their material and images from a specific environment or society. Hence, proverbs from different societies or communities may differ in their use of images, even though they may communicate the same message.

Classification of proverbs:

1. Proverbs on fate. 
2. Cautionary proverbs. 
3. Proverbs on greed and selfishness. 
4. Proverbs warn of pride and arrogance. 
5. Proverbs on communal life. 
6. Proverbs as embellishments to speech/communication. 
7. Proverbs on authority. 
8. Proverbs on cooperation. 
9. Narrative proverbs: those that serve to reinforce the desirable pattern of behaviour as considered by the community. 
10. Reflective proverbs: those that mirror the community's attitudes, thoughts, and worldview. Summative proverbs: those that are longer and draw analogies between phenomena and consist of two parts.

Functions of proverbs:

Achebe in "Things Fall Apart" says, "Proverbs are the palm wine with which words are eaten." The Yoruba have a metaphor that proverbs are the horses of communication. These two sayings point out that proverbs are facilitators of verbal communication. Proverbs serve several social functions, including:

1. Reflective proverbs:

Reflective proverbs are proverbs that express tested truths arrived at through reflection of human thoughts. The custodian of a loaned cow milks it while looking out - Luo proverb A man's son may be a coward, but he is still his son - Maasai proverb A monkey's tail never breaks in smoke - Luo proverb

2. Cautionary proverbs

Cautionary proverbs caution against certain actions or behaviours. Walls have ears - Gikuyu proverb Slipperiness knows no king - Luhya proverb He who goes up the ladder eventually comes down - Kiswahili proverb

3. Counsel proverbs

Counsel proverbs are proverbs that offer advice or counsel. If you are patient, you will see the eyes of the snail - Gikuyu proverb Corrupt gifts darken the hands of the wise - Maasai proverb. A wise man climbs Mt. Elgon on his knees - Luhya proverb. One who is travelling to a distant place must have a good eye - Kiswahili proverb. A chief is like a dust heap where everyone comes with rubbish - Luo proverb. Wealth is like dew; it is inside

4. Warning

Mugi ni mutaare
He is wise who has listened to advice (never say you were not warned).
Asiyefunzwa na mamaye ufunzwa na ulimwengu.
He who does not heed his mother's counsel will be taught by the world (the hard
way)
One who excretes on the road will find flies when he comes back.
(Every action has
consequences)

5. Consolation

Guturi muthenya u kiaga na ungi
No day dawns with another; every day has its joys and pains.
Baada dhiki faraja
After sorrow, there is joy.

6. Normative proverbs

These are proverbs that prescribe the mode of behaviour expected of a
person in a particular
society.
- The satisfied child has burned the granary.
- Kinship is kinship.

7. Summative proverbs

These are proverbs that are used to summarize a situation. While giving
advice, instead of
telling a person that if he continues in his belligerence he might end
up being hurt. One can
simply use the proverb:

“A strong man’s head is full of scars.” To summarize the lesson.

8. Proverbs used as an embellishment to speech

Often times proverbs are used to make the art of conversation more beautiful

Need help with notes on essay writing, set books, oral literature and other topics? 📚✨