Proverbs
Definition Proverbs are popular sayings which contain advice or state a generally accepted truth
Cultural Meanings folk wisdom cultural values physical environment
Understanding Proverbs metaphorical (figurative) meanings which cannot be taken literally understanding of culture helps in understanding its proverbs
Oral tradition easy to remember alliteration, rhyme, repetition, imagery little change over time
Common Proverbs
Don’t judge a man until you walk two moons in his moccasins ~Native American
Look before you leap ~traditional Don’t count your chickens before they hatch ~English
The early bird gets the worm ~United States A man can't get rich if he takes proper care of his family ~Navaho
Unplowed fields make hollow bellies; unread books make hollow minds ~Chinese
Hygiene is two thirds of health ~Lebanon A tiger does not have to proclaim his tigritude ~Nigeria