Proverbs of Africa: Human Nature in the Nigerian Oral Tradition ~ An Exposition and Analysis of 2,600 Proverbs from 64 peoples by Ryszard Pachocinski
Binding: Soft cover
Book Condition: Good condition
Edition: 1996
Pachocinskis collection is a truly fascinating read either for the dilettante or for the specialist. Additionally, this opus is most important in that it organizes, codifies and preserves the culture of the oral tradition.... Pachocinskis scholarly collection is carefully and very consistently explained in the bracketed passages following each entry. Indeed, these explanations are often the key to the proverb. Finally, page and chapter layout as well as conservative pricing...make this a very desirable volume in a subject area that remains less than commonplace.Kenneth L. Nalibow, Proverbium 16 (1999)
This is one of the best compilations of proverbs that I have seen. This collection indicates that the Africans have distilled over millennia their basic values and have encapsulated these values in the form of proverbs. Proverbs are pithy and easy to understand. They have been used for didactic purposes to train the young, and also to express ideas and values to others.
What we have here is an extraordinary range and rich mix of proverbs dealing with all aspects of life. Despite the vast range of cultures, there appears to be a common view about the world. It should be a valuable resource to all persons interested in the oral and living traditions of Africa.Elliott P. Skinner, former U.S. Ambassador to Upper Volta (Burkina Faso), Franz Boas Professor of Anthropology, Columbia University, Author of Roots of Time: A Portrait of African Life and Culture
The oral tradition of passing on stories and riddles, songs and legends plays a vital role in the cultures of the peoples of Nigeria. African proverbs reach deep into the wells of wisdom, abundantly springing forth and enriching generation after generation.
Pachocinski has achieved for the proverbs of Nigeria what Jan Knappert has done for the myths and legends of the Swahili. He introduces these treasures to readers in the English language, allowing for a better grasp of the underlying beliefs and values of Africas most populous nation.Kenneth R. Gray, Editor of The Second Scramble for Africa and Associate Professor of International Business, Florida A&M University
Proverbs of Africa is an excellent book...by far the most important work on West African proverbs since the work of Rattray.Jan Knappert, Senior Researcher, Institute of African and Oriental Studies, University of London
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