PROVERBS AND PARABLES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This unit focuses on proverbs and parables. It delves into the features and communication functions.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit of study, should be able to:

1. Define proverbs and parables
2. Discuss the features of proverbs and parables
3. Discuss the communication functions of proverbs and parables
4. Dicuss that differences and similarities between proverbs and parables

3.0. MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Proverbs (Anzaakan in Tiv; Atutu-Inu in Ukwuani; and Ilu in Ibo) and Parables

Oreh (1980) stated that proverbs, riddles and narratives are modes of communication in African societies. These, he said, may talk of daily events, myths, folktales and legends. Proverbs are witty sayings said in verse, prose or song that are meant to deliver strong messages. They communicate time tested truths abouth human endeavours, life situations, morals and values. So, proverbs are apt sayings, linguistic expressions meant to heighten or embellish one’s manner of expression. According to Babs (1974), quoted in Mede (1998:2), proverbs are used to “bring out clearly, the meaning of obscure points in conversations and arguments”

They are indirect modes of communication which is yet more effective than direct speech. Knowledge of proverbs is a sign of wisdom and is a preserve of the old

although close association with elders can enable youths acquire such knowledge. Akpan (1977) also added that proverbs are in addition loaded with morals.

A parable (comparison or similitude) is “a short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson, especially one of those told by Jesus as recorded in the Bible.” (Hornby, 2000:845). Essentially, it is a brief, succinct story, in prose or verse that is told to illustrate a religious, moral or philosophical idea in rhetoric. The Greeks originally gave the name parable to any fictive illustration introduced in the form of a brief narrative. It later transformed to mean a fictitious narrative or allegory by which moral or spititual relations are typically set forth. From a linguistic perpective, it may be defined as a designed use of language, purposely intended to convey a hidden and secret meaning other than that coined in the words themselves, and which may, or may not bear a special reference to the hearer or reader.

A parable describes how the decision event occurs when the listener see juxtaposition of parabolic content with their own contemporary self understanding. The purpose of a parable is to strengthen people’s spiritual understanding by presenting what we believ in in the language of what we know to confirm both our belifes and knowledge.

So, a parable is a fictious story from which a moral or spiritual truth may be drawn and from the above definition, the origin of parable might be traced to Christianity or the Greeks.

3.2 The Features of Proverbs and Parables

A proverb is a tool used in public speaking. Akpan (1977) asserted that proverbs are used mostly among elderly persons in the village, and that it is a restrictive form of communication because only people who share a common frame of reference can decode the messages in proverbs.

Proverbs are tied to culture and exist in more many cultures.Proverbs have intricate meanings, which can only be decoded by people who are well versed in the language with which it is spoken. The use of proverbs in communication is largely confined to elders in communities, rather than the young ones. In order to be able to decode the meanings which are embedded in proverbs, one must have a thorough knowledge of the language with which it is spoken.

There are different types of proverbs and for whom they are meant to address their issues. There are those that address male issues, female issues, or both. Others are for children’s, youth’s and the mature or elderly people’s issues in the communities.

The features of parables include following:

1. It is the simplest form of narrative; sketches a setting, and describes an action and its results. It often involves a character facing a moral delimma, or making a queatinable decision and then suffering the consequences of that choice
2. It involves placing two, at least, apparently dissimilar ideas or concepts in comparison with one another. One idea becomes an analog for the other. Only one of the concepts or idea will be directly addressed in the parable, but the other will be present by implication.
3. It relates a single, simple and consistent action, without extraneous detail nor distracting circumstances
4. A parable is like a metaphor that has been extended to form a brief, coherent fiction. The parallel meaning of parables is unspoken and implicit, though not secret
5. It is longer than proverbs
6. It employs the use of symbolism i.e. the use of one thing to presnt anotherIt is a short narrative used used to teach a moral or religious lesson
7. It is favoured in the expression of spiritual concepts.

3.3 The Communication Functions of Proverbs and Parables

Otasowie (1981) and Akpan (1977) indicated that proverbs are used as means of communication in villages. Proverbs are used to convey some types of information in the village – information on social values, cultural practices, environment of the other town and other miscellaneous information. According to Akpan (1977), the elderly people in Erian village also use proverbs to tell stories and to drive home their points in any argument.

Proverbs are mainly used to express feelings or thoughts which meanings cannot be adequately expressed through simple words. They are also used to substitute words that are regarded as too big/deep to be expressed in simple terms. Essentially, they are used to obscure sensitive issues or to obscure delicate words or statements. As it is said in Yoruba “Owe lesin oro, bi oro ba sonu, owe la fi nwa.” This means ‘proverbs are vehicles through which words that could otherwise have been lost are recovered”.

Proverbs are also used to buttress points and to draw analogy to past, present and future events. This is because proverbs are believed to have their origin from specific past events or particular circumstances that are very significant.

So, proverbs are recognised channels of communication amongst Africans. They carry distinct meanings depending on the context that it is used. In Africa, it is generally regarded as a powerful tool for correction or advice instead of using whips. It is used as a means of correcting someone or people, a tool for advice, especially during ceremonies such as marriage, burial and so on.

The purpose of parables is to focus and strengthen one’s spiritual understanding. Parables provide guidance and suggestions for proper action in life, teach morals, communicate age long concepts; and used in sending warning signals’ motivate people. For instance, in the Holy Bible, they were used to arouse interest and stimulate curiousty about the teachings of Jesus Christ. By shrouding what critics see as controversial ideas in the cloak of parables, Jesus Christ conveyed messages without prejudice. The knowledgeable people grabbed the meaning in the Parables of Jesus Christ and felt the rebukes He hid in them. Luke Chapter 15 of the Holy Bible was dedicated to parables (parable of the lost sheep, lost coin and prodigal son). Perhaps the most famous of all Jesus’ parable is the Prodigal Son in verses 11-32 of Luke chapter 15.

3.4 The Differences and Similaities between Proverbs and Parables

Although proverbs and parables may appear similar, they are not the same. Proverbs are usually short witty sayings widely used to teach practical precept express basic truth, give advice or say somthing that is generally true while parables are narratives that teach moral or spiritual lessons. Proverbs are subject to cultural interpretation while parables have a central theme that transcends diverse cultures. Proverbs in most cases are brief sentences, parables are in form of short stories; proverbs are derived from true events, parables are often fictious; proverbs contain idiomatic expressions, parables have figurative meanings; proverbs are used to explain words, actions, circumstances, parables are illustrations; proverbs are culturally based, most parables have their origins from Greek mythologies or religion; and while proverbs are literally understood, parables are not easily understood as its meaning could be very deep (dark).

The use of both proverbs and parables are exclusively to the experienced people.

4.0 CONCLUSION

A proverb is a short statement of wisdom or advice that has been passed from generation to generation. It is a recognised channel of communication amongst Africans. It carries a distinct meaning depending on the context that it is used. In Africa, it is generally regarded as a powerful tool for correction or advice instead of whips. It is used as a means of correcting someone or people; and a tool for advice, especially during ceremonies such as marriage, burial and so on. It also concludes that a parable is a short narrative used used to teach a moral or religious lesson.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit discussed proverbs and parables. It looked at the features of proverbs and parables, delving into their communication functions, differences and similarities. It wrapped it up with examples of proverbs from parts of Nigeria.

Self Assessment Exercise

1. What are the features of provebs?

6.0 TUTOR - MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. What is a proverb?
2. List five functions of proverbs