Description
"The Proverb" delves into the cultural and communicative power of proverbs in African societies, particularly within oral traditions. The text emphasizes that proverbs are not mere sayings but are deeply embedded tools of wisdom, used to teach, advise, critique, and resolve conflict. They serve as a form of communal knowledge, passed down through generations, and are often used in social discourse to convey complex ideas with brevity and nuance.
The piece explores how proverbs function in everyday communication, especially in contexts where direct speech might be inappropriate or disrespectful. Through metaphor and indirectness, speakers can express criticism, reinforce moral values, or maintain social harmony. The use of proverbs reflects a society’s worldview and its respect for tradition, tact, and diplomacy. Ultimately, the text presents proverbs as a sophisticated linguistic device that bridges language, culture, and wisdom in the governance of social life.
The book, originally a doctoral thesis at Indiana University, won the Ghana Book Development award in 1991. Its second edition was published by the African Diasporic Press of New York in 2012. It is used as a textbook in several universities, and is based on the author’s award winning doctoral dissertation at Indiana University, which earned Yankah the Esther Kinsley award for outstanding doctoral dissertation in 1986, the first African to win the prestigious award. The book also won the Ghana Book award in 1991.
