The Proverb In Akan Culture

    Proverbs transcend boundaries through their ability to adapt to the situation they represent. The proverb is a delicate entity that can be interpreted many different ways to different people, providing each with a potentially different message. Because of its many forms understanding the intention of the proverb in its real context has proven difficult to cultural outsiders. To better understand proverbs and their meaning, it is important to see what roles proverbs play in society.

    Proverbs are "an algorithm of bits and pieces of wiselore passed on by past generations, to maintain or restore social equilibrium, or insecure society against the threat of chaos." ( Yankah, 9) Proverbs combine creativity, context and comprehension to produce the individuals interpretation of the situation described. In producing a interpretation of the proverb people develop names and strategies to help them deal with the situation. These strategies represent the relationship of the individual to the social discourse at hand, and because of this the specific actions taken by the individual vary in proportion to the individuals understanding and affectedness of the discourse.