PROVERBS, VALUES AND THE DEVELOPMENT QUESTION IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF YORUBA PROVERBS
PROVERBS, VALUES AND THE DEVELOPMENT QUESTION IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF YORUBA PROVERBS

Summary/Abstract: If culture is a veritable instrument of development, if language is a carrier of culture and if the relationship between language and culture is like that between two sides of the same coin, then the role of proverb as a metaphorical use of language cannot be overemphasized in any development discourse. The paper examines this invaluable nexus between language and development, with particular emphasis on how the use of proverb and its lessons could help revive moral/cultural values, and thus be used as a veritable instrument of development. This is done by taking as a foil a content analysis of some of Yoruba proverbs, particularly the proverbs whose subject matter is centered on development-related themes such as care for others and cooperation, leadership qualities, advice, reproach and punishment, conflict resolution and warning.

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