An appraisal of the use and presentation of arabic and yoruba proverbs in selected works of art

Abstract

Proverb is a global phenomenon. For its inestimable values, it means many things to different people. The Arabs call it ‘Misbāhu al-Kalām’ (the lamp of speech) while the Yoruba refer to it as ‘Ẹsin ọ̀rọ̀’ (the horse of speech). Virtually, all nations around the world have ways and means of preserving their proverbs from one generation to the other. The Arabs and the Yoruba are not exemptions in this regard. This paper examines how Arabic and Yoruba proverbs are being perpetuated for posterity in selected works of art like, prose, poetry and music. This invariably adds to the elegance and the mastery of the users’ language. As regards the use and presentation of Arabic proverbs, the paper draws samples from the work of a Nigerian Arabic writer, Kamāldeen Balógun, as well as various poetical compositions of the Arabs. Furthermore, it draws samples from the work of another Nigerian Yoruba prose writer, Ọládèjọ Òkédìji, and the musical works of a Sákárà artiste, Sànúsí Àká. The paper ends with some recommendations.