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Sociolinguistic Investigation Of Some Hausa Proverbs
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The term “proverbâ€
has been defined or described by various people and all the definitions
point at a particular focus. One interesting definition is the one in
Encyclopedia Britanica, volume 9 and it states, “Proverbs are succinct
and pithy sayings in general use, expressing commonly held ideals and
beliefs’ (749). They are part of everyday language and are related to
such other forms of folk literature as riddles and fables that have
originated in oral tradition.
According to Chamber’s English
Dictionary, proverbs are defined as “short familiar sentences expressing
a supposed truth or moral lessons and requires explanations†(1177). No
matter which part of the world proverbs are found, it is discovered
that the same kernel of wisdom may be gleaned under different cultural
conditions and languages.
Proverbial sayings are
very important part of folktale. They are not limited to only a
particular set of people in society, but to both people of high cultures
as well as the uncivilized. It is therefore impossible for a man to be
considered a good orator unless he makes ample use of proverbs in his
everyday speech. In societies where moral behavior of people is governed
by social norms, proverbs are very effective checks on people’s
behavior. Proverbs censor defaulters or praise those who conform to the
ethics of the tribe. Societies also use proverbs to rebuke the young
ones who err in such societies.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]This research work is on Sociolinguistic Investigation of Some Hausa Proverbs. The Hausa term for proverb is Karin Magana and they are one of the oldest and most important types of myth, which form part and parcel of the Hausa culture. These wise sayings form a very crucial phase of the ways of life of the people who use them. They vary in meaning, depending on the way the speakers and listeners understand them. The consequence of proverbs on the general public depends on the context in which th ... Continue reading---
