Proverbs, parables and wise sayings are life experiences. In actual fact, these are wisdoms, truths, warnings, morals, experiences and traditional views passed down from generation to generation. These proverbs, parables and wise sayings express the wisdom of African people and are also the resources that are used to understand the Africans past and present lives. In Sierra Leone each ethnic group used proverbs, parables and wise sayings in their conversations as a way of life. The role and importance of proverbs, parables and wise sayings in each ethnic groups conversations provide a colorful and poetic picture of the culture and its characteristics.
This book contains a list of African proverbs, wise saying and words of wisdom from around the continent.A proverb is a simple, concrete, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. Collectively, they form a genre of folklore.Many African proverbs are strongly tied to the earth and animals, conveying lessons of life and learning often through daily, seemingly menial, procedures. An example of a Zimbabwean proverb is "there is honey but no bees" - describing a situation when you find something free for the taking and without consequence.Every culture has its share of wise proverbs or sayings, usually single sentences, passed down from one generation to the next. While these sayings may vary from one language, culture, and country to another, the wisdom they convey is universal. Africa, in particular, is overflowing with inspirational sayings, many of which provide a captivating insight into the rich and vibrant cultures that crafted them.
Proverbs, parables, and wise sayings are meaningful short sayings or vehicles through which morals are transmitted to adults, youths, and children. They are life experiences that Africans utilized to understand their past and present lives. These means of expressions are vital to the African culture as they transmit wisdom, truth, morals, and lessons that convey traditional views passed down from generation to generation. Africans and mostly older Africans communicate to adults, adolescences, and children by means of proverbs, parables, and wise sayingstransmitting messages, imparting warnings, solving problems, influencing behaviors, helping to avoid unwanted outcomes, and shaping or molding, especially the children as they journey through life. Proverbs, parables, and wise sayings are the instinctive or spontaneous methods of learning anytime and anywhere through conversations in an African community. As the conversations linger, they are revitalized by these short sayings. These modes keep the African children active and interested in the world around them, as well as their own development. These short sayings, in simple terms, are the daughters of daily-life experiences. They are not explained after they have been expressed; instead, adults, youths, and children used them to improve their communication and listening skills, develop creative imaginative and thinking skills, understand the meaning of life, and be familiar with the element of each proverb that was transmitted. Proverbs, parables, and wise sayings are the oral literature of the Creoles or Krios of Sierra Leone. Each proverb is understood when expressed in ordinary conversation. The role and importance of proverbs, parables, and wise sayings in conversations of each ethnic group of Sierra Leone provide a colorful, vibrant, and poetic picture of the African culture and its characteristics.
This extensive collection of 1755 proverbs spans all regions of the African continent, revealing much about the wisdom, humour, and character of its people and culture. Each proverb is arranged alphabetically by key words and includes the country, province, or tribe of origin. Charmingly illustrated with traditional African art from museums and collections around the world.
African Proverbs for All Ages is a beautifully-illustrated, engaging picture book about the power of proverbs, how they evolve over time, and the wisdom of various cultures in Africa. It has been said that a proverb is a short sentence based on long experience. Whether you are young or old, proverbs can open your mind to a whole new way of seeing the world. We underestimate children when we assume they are incapable of understanding metaphor and deeper meaning. There are multiple ways that children learn, but for each method by which they learn, they need their imagination engaged and their visual sensibilities ignited. And as adults, we underestimate ourselves when we allow our lives to be about practical matters only. Proverbs can stir our soul and spark our imagination. --Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. President Emerita of Spelman and Bennett Colleges In African Proverbs for All Ages, noted anthropologist and educator Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole and award-winning illustrator Nelda LaTeef invite children and adults to explore and reflect on complex notions about relationships, identity, society, and the human condition. A Roaring Brook Press and Oprah Book
An African proverb says: It is from the home that wares are being carried to the market place; meaning, the treasure without, comes from within; or better still, charity begins at home. So with the 1st edition of this book series, I'll be sharing proverbs and wise sayings related to my fatherland, translated from my mother_tongue. As a Nigerian we will begin this book series with series of proverbs across the Niger, within the borders of Nigeria.
this collection, readers will discover a wide range of wisdom through stories and sayings, including new phrases to pepper daily language and Swahili love poetry. African Proverbs and Wisdom serves as a historical calendar and a highly browsable reference. Woodcut illustrations.
Our ancestors have thrived on the use of proverbs to educate, provide clarity and help us understand life for centuries. These proverbs have been passed down in our generations and are still widely used all over Africa today as an integral part of our culture. In this book, I compile some commonly used West African Proverbs and some of my favorite Liberian sayings. There are millions of African proverbs and other wise sayings, but my intention was to create a short list that is easy to read, remember and pass on. I hope you enjoy reading this short book.
The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 2 is a compilation of over 100 ancient proverbs and words of wisdom from the continent of Africa. Africa is the birthplace of human civilization and home to some of the most ancient wisdom on the planet. The continent of Africa is an extremely culturally rich region and home to over 2,000 languages, 3,000 ethnic groups and numerous belief systems. The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 2 provides a diverse and expansive collection of timeless wise sayings and knowledge which have been collected from every region of Africa including west Africa, central Africa, east Africa, south Africa and north Africa. This valuable collection of inspirational sayings seeks to share Africa’s wisdom which has been passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years.
The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 1 is a compilation of over 100 ancient proverbs and words of wisdom from the continent of Africa. Africa is the birthplace of human civilization and home to some of the most ancient wisdom on the planet. The continent of Africa is an extremely culturally rich region and home to over 2,000 languages, 3,000 ethnic groups and numerous belief systems. The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 1 provides a diverse and expansive collection of timeless wise sayings and knowledge which have been collected from every region of Africa including west Africa, central Africa, east Africa, south Africa and north Africa. This valuable collection of inspirational sayings seeks to share Africa’s wisdom which has been passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years.
