Contextual Explication of Idioms: Igbo Proverbs in African Drama
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Date
2011-06
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Publisher
Ogun Journal of Arts
Abstract
Modern African writing can be traced to the history of European
education in Africa. The modes of literary expression in the works of
modern African writers derive from the language of the colonial
educators. Learning, speaking and writing in foreign languages are
accompanied by hindrances in translation and transliteration. A
consequence of this can be the loss of meaning. But what is the need of
communication without meaning? This essay considers the renewed
call for language and cultural revival in Nigeria and the important
role of proverbs as technical device of writing in the folkloric mode. It
examines how Nigerian, specifically Igbo writers, utilize the local
language idioms and proverbs as technique to convey meaning, and
enrich the wisdom contained in the Nigerian languages which capture
the folkloric essence of their local milieu. It also looks at the social and
aesthetic functions of local proverbs in African literary writing; how
they are derived, and how young writers can emulate the derivative
techniques. The discussion further shows that the proverb in folklore
is a veritable classroom technique (method) and not style
(appearance), that not only generates interest from the candidates
whenever it is given as illustration, but also excites nostalgic hunger
for their traditional roots. It will also draw a parallel between proverbs
which elucidate and sometimes prophesy impending course of action
in the plot of a story against idioms which are closed, clannish and
more dialectic.