IGBOZURUOKE MEDIA

The Igbo language is a means of communication and an integral part of Igbo culture. When proverbs are deployed to communicate in Igbo language, it is meant to enhance Igbo linguistic by exemplifying the gambit in the communication. To an Igbo, speaking the language well is a virtue but employing notable Igbo proverbs to clarify or support a point is spectacular

Consequently, the use of Igbo proverbs in speeches is a testimony that the speaker has mastered the use of Igbo linguistic to communicate effectively and aesthetically. Since the mastery and use of any language is enviable, the addition of Igbo proverbs when marshalling a point in communication is at a high level surpassed only by the use of fables/allegories/stories in support of Igbo communications. Thus, the need to understand and appreciate the use of Igbo proverbs when communicating is exemplified by this  maxim: Onye atụrụ illulu/ilu, kowara ya, ego ejiri luọ nneya furu ọhia,  (wich means, the bride price of a mother, whose son cannot  decipher an Igbo proveb put to him is a complete waste.)   

Like in the use of other languages, to inject proverbs when making use of Igbo language, demands caution. First, the use of Igbo proverbs is age, gender, place and time bounds. That is, there are rules guiding the use of each proverb. However, unlike in the use of other languages, especially, the non- Negroid ones, certain observations and adherence must be followed.  This is because the catchphrase in Igbo that Ilu Anaghi Asọ Anya (a proverb does not fear circumstances) is misleading in certain cases. For example, it is unacceptable, for an Igbo man, no matter his status or age, to use a proverb, especially, one that is derigatory to females and their genitals in a gathering where his mother is present.

Second, unlike in the application of fables/allegories/stories; proverbs can be intuitively created to suit a point or a narrative while making a epeech by a pundit, and if that proverb is apt, it could gain acceptancy and becomes a tool.

Therefore, the above proverb, an advisory and one that cautions, is used widely in Igbo land. Its provenance is from the Owerri sub-cultural area and falls within the range of adult age groups of either sex.

In some Owerri sub-cultural communities, Nchaku, connotes a baby snake or reptile, while Agwọ ewi, that means a big snake that hunts rabbits, connotes a monstrous snake.  

Purpose: The purpose of this proverb is to caution a love and younger person by a relation or a well-wisher. It is an advice or caution meant to dissuade a younger doer or aspirant to retrace his or her steps from an endeavour or to abandon it completely. This may be so that the venture could succeed later, under a different scheme or to avert an impending doom.

Lessons from the Proverb:  (1) The lessons from the proverb are encompassed in the presentation of another iconic Igbo proverb that says, “the success of Mr. tortoise’s escapades is imbedded in his cautious and measured steps.”  (2) There is a second leg to this proverb—the reflection of success or survival through caution. The proverb exhausts the importance of adequate preparation before any endeavour.

Notification: Like the Igbo would say: “Amamihie bu oke ọhia, anaghi amacha n’ya amacha” (Knowledge is an infinity that cannot be exhausted)

In view of this, we concede that this article may be circumscibed in some aspects,  therefore, we implore  our readers who have what may be needed to further consummate our presentation, to cantact the editor for any inclusion,  after appropriate verifications and attributions  must have been made.

 To our subscibers, we state that this article is subject to review at any time new facts necessary to enhance its credibility emerge; such reviews, additions etc., would be at no additional cost to the subsciber.

Boniface Alanwoko