Body parts in Hausa proverbs Cover Image

Body parts in Hausa proverbs
Body parts in Hausa proverbs

Author(s): Sergio Baldi
Subject(s): Customs / Folklore, Cognitive linguistics, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Hausa language; proverbs; body parts

Summary/Abstract: The word “proverb” from Latin “pro-verbium” (“pro” meaning “in front of” and “verbium” meaning “word”), suggests that a proverb takes the place of ordinary words. Proverbs have had a great influence on the lifestyles of many people, mainly through means of religion and culture. They are very common and employed in African societies, particularly in Hausa, a language very rich in this field. In this paper 28 Hausa proverbs, related to 14 human body parts, are quoted and some metaphorical usages of them, found in works listed in References, are given.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 46
  • Page Range: 7-21
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English