1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN PROVERBS
The word proverb comes from the Latin proverbium (pro meaning "in front of, on behalf of" and verbium meaning "word"), suggesting that a proverb takes the place of ordinary words. ... The shortness of proverbs helps in the memorization of the proverb itself. ... A well-chosen proverb can have a far more greater impact than a good deal of ineffective talk. ... When a word is lost, we use a proverb to find it." ... For instance the African proverb: "Mouth not keeping to mouth and lip not keeping to lip, bring trouble to jaw," we find paraphrased in the familiar proverb: "Talk is silver, silence ...
- Word Count: 2075
- Approx Pages: 8
- Grade Level: High School