Frames of Reference in African Proverbs on Disability

Abstract

Selected proverbs relating to disability from sub-Saharan African countries are presented as texts that can be deciphered for larger frames of reference of personhood and cosmogony. Fifty-five proverbs were collected in the course of ethnographic fieldwork and from literature searches. Existential insecurity is identified as a frame that refers to a characteristic of personhood, derived from proverbs that include the implications of laughing at a disabled person. A sense of integrity is identified as another characteristic of personhood. A search for the function of disability-related proverbs leads to a greater understanding of the expectation of acceptance-as-is, an acceptance of limitations and an understanding of disability vis-a-vis a creator and the act of creating. Brief suggestions are given to apply insights into cultural sensitivity in special education and rehabilitation work.

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