1. Proverbs

2. Definition
Proverbs are popular sayings which contain advice or state a generally accepted truth

3. Cultural Meanings
folk wisdom
cultural values
physical environment

4. Understanding Proverbs
metaphorical (figurative) meanings which cannot be taken literally
understanding of culture helps in understanding its proverbs

5. Oral tradition easy to remember
alliteration, rhyme, repetition, imagery
little change over time

6. Common Proverbs

7. Don’t judge a man until you walk two moons in his moccasins ~Native American

8. Look before you leap ~traditional
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch ~English

9. The early bird gets the worm ~United States
A man can't get rich if he takes proper care of his family ~Navaho

10. Unplowed fields make hollow bellies; unread books make hollow minds ~Chinese

11. Hygiene is two thirds of health ~Lebanon
A tiger does not have to proclaim his tigritude ~Nigeria