SANKOFA CREATIVE COMPETITION : PROVERB OF THE DAY

FIND THE PROVERB IN THIS PICTURE. 

Its no secret that proverbs are hard nut to crack and many find it difficult to understand them on the go. Comprehensive or not, proverbs carry more stories and in-depth knowledge than any literally device could ever depict. Proverbs being part of our culture as Ghanaians and Africans, they can never be forgotten due to such a wonderful role they play in our day to day interaction. Africans and proverbs are analogous to monkeys and trees. You always find one accompanying the other. 

Today I will share with you a commonly used proverb in my local dialect and tell the tales behind the usage of the proverb. Proverbs often come with best usage scenario. 

Obanyansafoo yebu no be, yenka no asem, literally meaning the wise is spoken to in proverbs, not in plain language. 

                                                                                   This proverb is from the Akan twi language and has several meanings. 

                                                        MEANING OF THE PROVERB

As cultural heritage of Akans, you are deemed wise if you can relate to situations and pick wisdom from it. You need not be told what to do before you act and that led to the origination of this fine proverb. Traditionally, the Akan don’t like addressing individuals in plain language. The proverb also depict that you need not over highlight and explain one point or information to the wise. The wise one always get the message you are putting across in a single sentence.

The usage of this proverb in this sense relates to the English proverb “ A word to the wise is enough”.

TALES BEHIND THE PROVERB

In the Akan setting, you are not to ask for the meaning of a proverb. When one ask for meanings to proverbs they are often considered as fools. If that is the case, then how do you get the understanding of a proverb. Proverbs are quiet vague on usage and their true meaning depends on the circumstance of usage. They behave as a double edged sword where every angle is able to cut. 

I quite remember when this proverb was first used on me. I thought i was being called a fool. But upon critical analysis of the use, i found out it was just a mere caution. It was one warm afternoon after school that i decided to visit a friend. Normally, i will pass by my fathers workplace to greet him to make him aware that i had closed from school. Upon arriving to my father's workplace, i found out that he had travelled so i continued to my friends house. 

Evening dawn upon me as i walked back home to realise everyone was searching for me as they did not know where i had gone. I came home very shy and no one spoke a word or reprimanded me. I was shy to even go out. My sister entered my room and the only sentence that came out of her mouth was  "Obanyansafoo yebu no be, yenka no asem". No one needed to punish me or needed to tell me to never stay late outside. I learnt from that mistake and it taught me till date. This is one of the best case use scenario of the proverb. 

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS ARTICLE EDUCATIONAL. TILL NEXT TIME. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOU THOUGHTFUL COMMENT BEHIND. THANKS.