Abstract
Proverbs are the treasure of linguistic system that can be used as a measure of the extent to which a person knows the depth of the language. They are transferred from generation to generation. Along this transition, some of the proverbs shred of their intended meaning while some intensify their original meaning, regardless of the impact the meaning has on the society.
This research was prompted by the researcher’s observation of the conduct exhibited by some members of society, with proverbs as a reason for their behaviour. This study was therefore intended to study about the role that is played by proverbs to perpetuate acts of oppression, abuse and gender-based violence. The study investigates how proverbs, which are used to spice linguistic presentations, contribute to the social illnesses that engulf the daily live practices among the members of society.
The review of literature related to this study revealed that proverbs are biased towards prejudicing women as a weaker gender. African proverbs regard women as objects of men. However, this study revealed that although most proverbs oppress women, there are proverbs that are similarly oppressive to men and children. Abuse and gender-based violence can also be instituted towards men, women and children through proverbs. This study therefore classified proverbs according to those that perpetuate oppression, those that instigate abuse and those that promote gender-based violence against humanity.
This study is foregrounded on the Marxist critical theories which allowed the researcher to interrogate the normal use and interpretation of proverbs which has always been acceptable. The researcher’s questions relate to whether the current interpretation and actualisation of some proverbs serve the intended purpose and synchronises with the modern lifestyle. It goes further to investigate the possibility of adapting certain proverbs to align with the current legal and democratic order.
The study adopted the qualitative research approach, using observation, gatherings and document analysis as the data collection methods. Linguistic callisthenics which involves the use of proverbs exhibited during various forms of gatherings were the greatest source of data that was used in this study. The analysis of data shows that there are proverbs that are oppressive, abusive and instigate gender-based violence.
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These proverbs must be adapted and modernised to sing the same tune with modernity or be archived as they are no longer relevant in their current form and interpretation. The interpretation of some proverbs must be twigged to make them relevant. The study further indicates how certain proverbs can be adapted syntactically by inserting relevant words or phrases.
The adaptability and flexibility of proverbs is one of the ways in which some proverbs can be preserved, or else they will diminish as their existence has become irrelevant, derogatory, belittling, and chaotic to society.