Proverbs and Counter-Proverbs: Meaning, Contexts, and Uses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55595/qwr2de93Keywords:
counter-proverbs, ethno linguistics, orality, San proverbsAbstract
One of the hallmarks of eloquence in African ethnic groups is the use of proverbs. It is
commonly said that the appropriate use of proverbs reflects a high level of proficiency in the local
language. In the same vein, a dialogue composed entirely of proverbs would be considered as the
superlative degree of that language. In other words, this refers to a communicative situation where
both proverbs and counter-proverbs are used. A counter-proverb is a proverb used in response to,
or more precisely, to contradict another proverb. It can be found in any speech situation involving a
dialogue. Compared to a detailed sentence, the counter-proverb moves in the same direction as the
proverb. In a dialogue situation, the counter-proverb plays the same role as the proverb. For us, the
study of proverbs and counter-proverbs goes beyond an academic exercise. It is the expression of a
segment of the rich intangible heritage that we have received, preserved, and are responsible for
transmitting. Thus, the analysis in this article will be based on a corpus of eighteen (18) proverbs and
counter-proverbs collected in their natural context of use
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