FUNCTIONS OF PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGS.
Basically there are four main functions of proverbs and wise sayings as elaborated below:-
- Aesthetic function.
Proverbs and wise sayings are used to embellish verbal communication. This is supported by Achebe’s constant use of the saying “proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.
In this context, proverbs and wise sayings make verbal communication more interesting and colorful. This is achieved through the following ways:-
1) Getting the message across more strongly
2) Involving the audience by challenging their conceptual and inference abilities.
3) Entertaining the audience by breaking monotony of sentences used.
Proverbs and wise sayings in this aspect also make speech lively. This function mainly involves humorous proverbs such as:-
Jakuodho oyie dhaw (luo)
The air polluter is ever ready for a fight.
- Reflective function
Proverbs and wise sayings also act as a mirror through which the society looks at itself and conveys its past wisdom from past experiences its attitudes and through processes
Examples:-
Mburi yene mwuita ni gutu (kikuyu)
The best part of the goat is the ear.
Kukopa harusi kulipa matanga (Swahili)
Borrowing is a wedding and returning a funeral
- Normative function.
Proverbs and wise sayings are also used to remind people of what the society considers noble or ignoble. In other words, proverbs and wise sayings are used to correct, caution, advice, admonish, console, counsel and advice.
Examples
Muicii na kihii atigaga kitha kiurua (kikuyu)
He who steals with a boy will live in fear until the boy is circumcised
Mucingu munonoi unaga hiti kuguni (kikuyu)
The scent of roasting meat broke the hyena’s leg
Opuk pek ne otenga (luo)
The tortoise is too heavy for the kite to carry.
- Summative function.
Proverbs and wise sayings are also used to summarize experiences. Such proverbs are mainly used by artists and other communicators to underscore the point they are putting across. Examples.
Rumo kitam (luo)
Depletion is never prevented.
Dhungo iro ok e tedo (luo)
Emitting a lot of smoke doesn’t imply cooking.
