The ever-changing nature of the proverb, it is often difficult to study. Despite such, researches have created a basis for the study of proverbs. Researcher Joyce Penfield focused her study on the following seven elements to gain better understanding of the subject. She based here work on " 1) interpretation of overt observed behavior in which proverbs were used; 2) recall of past or hypothetical interactional settings in which proverbs were utilized; 3) interpretations of recalled past or hypothetical interactional settings in which proverbs were utilized; 4) provision of information regarding various aspects of the Igbo way of life 5) use of Igbo folk terms and other explanations; 6) Participant observation carried out by the author, and 7) tape recordings of international settings in which proverbs were spontaneously used." (Yankah, 60) Using these methods, the reality of the proverb is grounded firsthand experience that can be recalled and analyzed as needed. This allows the researcher to revisit the context of the proverb in its original situaiton and in its original context. It also shows the many areas a proverb may draw from to successfully convey its meaning.
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