Proverbs and the Ethnography of Speaking Folklore

Abstract

Like other forms of folklore, proverbs may serve as impersonal vehicles for personal communication. Folklore is used primarily as a means of communication, and it is as communication that it needs to be studied. Like other short forms of folklore, such as riddles and jokes, proverbs could be made the subject of an ethnography of speaking folklore especially easily and profitably. One important aspect of Yoruba child training has to do with teaching the child the proper sets of relationships to be maintained between himself and his parents, his siblings, members of his lineage, and unrelated elders. Although most proverbs are transmitted by speech, some on occasion are communicated by drums. Although drummed proverbs may be used to insult an individual, generally drumming is a channel of communication utilized for ceremonial purposes, such as a funeral, a marriage, a naming ceremony, or the installation of a chief.

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