Proverbs

A strategy for resolving conflict in Yoru ba' society

Bibliographic Data

ID2172849
AuthorsJames Bode Agbaje
Year2002
Volume15
Issue2
Pages237-243
Publication date2002-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of African Cultural Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6815 • E-ISSN: 1469-9346
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1369681022000042673
OpenAlexW2093153750
LanguageEN
Citations received6

In this paper, proverbs are defined as a rich source of imagery and succinct expression, encapsulating abstract ideas and allusive wording, usually in metaphorical form. As in many parts of the world, the Yoru ba' holds proverbs in high esteem because they are regarded as the wisdom lore of the society. Yoru ba' elders constitute the repository of the traditional intelligence, logic and verbal or oral wit. Proverbs can occur in various contexts but they seem to be particularly important in situations where there are conflicts and some obligations. The reconciliatory effect is one of the prescriptive functions of proverbs in Yoru ba' society as exemplified in this paper. Any kind of penetrating comment on behaviour may be made in the form of a proverb and used to warn or advise or bring someone to his senses. Therefore, whenever the appropriate proverb is presented to the parties in dispute, the tensions that are inherent in such relationships are controlled through the use of elliptical proverbial speech

Political science · Sociology · ICT in Developing Communities · Language, Linguistics, Cultural Analysis · History

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