Thursday , 9/8/16

What is a proverb? A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.

Common Proverbs "Two wrongs don't make a right." When someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will only make things worse. "When in Rome, do as the Romans." Act the way that the people around you are acting. This phrase might come in handy when you're traveling abroad notice that people do things differently than you're used to.

"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones." Don't criticize other people if you're not perfect yourself. "Never look a gift horse in the mouth." If someone offers you a gift, don't question it.

p. 110 “Poor Richard’s Almanack”, Benjamin Franklin An aphorism is a short, pointed statement that expresses a wise or clever observation about human experience. Which aphorisms are your most and least favorite, why? Connect Franklin’s aphorisms to your own experiences. Then make a list of the aphorisms that you have found to be true.

Which of Franklin’s aphorisms do you think would be most relevant in today’s society? Would any be irrelevant? Which of Franklin’s aphorisms have a connection with something in your life? What does Franklin say will sink a great ship? What do you think he means by this?

P. 112 Dichos, Americo Paredes Cognates:When you're learning a new language, a cognate is an easy word to remember because it looks and means the same thing as a word you already know. For example, gratitude in English means the same as gratitud in Spanish. tierra (Spanish), terra (Latin), territory (English) These cognates are from the latin word terra, meaning land.

Inductive reasoning involves using specific information or observations to form a general conclusion. Hard knocks make a good horseman. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. No gains without pains. What does each proverb mean? What general conclusions can you draw about life from these sayings?

Which of these dichos seem similar in meaning to any English sayings or proverbs that you know? Which dicho presents the most positive view of the human condition? Which presents the most negative view?

Daily Work: Come with 8 of your own proverbs.