The sayings of Africa are some of the most profound words you will ever hear. Take the famous Tanzanian proverb many hands make light work'. This is a saying that has been adopted all over the world and encourages people to work together. Another famous example is the Nigerian proverb It takes a whole village to raise a child'. These words of wisdom span the globe appearing in American movies and books.
The value of African idioms and proverbs is far reaching; there are numerous examples of the benefits of proverbs:
1. They share with the world the practical wisdom African people have learnt in their way of life. Take the Zulu proverb You cannot chase two antelope at once' this proverb developed when African people found they could only capture one animal at a time because if they tried to focus on more then one they would all get away. This practical wisdom of tackling one thing at a time applies to people all over the world not just those chasing after wildlife.
2. They provide an understanding of the way of life in Africa. The view on gender roles in Africa is summed up by the proverb from Ghana that says A woman is a flower in a garden; her husband is the fence around it'.
3. They help to dispel the belief that African people are barbaric and uneducated. There is often a stigma surrounding people who cannot speak English and are not educated in a typical western manner. When these proverbs are translated it is easy to see the intelligence and life experience African people possess. This can help make people understand that one society and its way of life is not superior to any other society and its way of life.
4. They sum up a moral or lesson in a clear and concise manner. It is often said that a picture can tell a thousand words. Proverbs have the ability to explain a thousand words in one simple sentence or statement. There are many long winded essays, articles and papers on how thinking positively is beneficial. The Tanzanian proverb One who bathes willingly with cold water doesn't feel the cold' sums this up in one line.
5. They tend to be uplifting and inspiring. One such example is the Zulu proverb You should face your responsibilities squarely, no elephant ever found it's trunk too heavy.'
6. Proverbs can get a hard hitting message across in a profound rather then a nasty or demoralizing manner. One such example is when you bite indiscriminately, you end up eating your own tail' (Zulu proverb). Another example is the Gambian proverb Words are like bullets; if they escape you can't catch them again'. These proverbs subtly warn people of the consequences of their actions.
7. They unify people around the world. Many proverbs can be interpreted in the same context by people with different cultures, religious beliefs and languages. The truths they speak can span the globe. The Ethiopian proverb No fly enters a mouth that is shut' is spoken in not only African villages, but in many middle eastern and European countries.
8. Proverbs can open the door to insightful and entertaining discussions. Using proverbs in a discussion is an entertaining way to narrate your point. They can also give a greater potency to any message you are trying to convey. For example, if you wanted to try and explain to someone the consequences of lying the Yoruba proverb You may tell little lies, small as a thorn, but they will grow to the size of a spear and kill you' poignantly teaches this lesson.
Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1007906-sayings-africa-profound-words
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