SOCIOLINGUISTIC INVESTIGATION OF SOME HAUSA PROVERBS

1.1 Introduction

Proverbs are folklore texts particularly valuable for studying a culture, as they are based on the mechanisms of conceptualization which reflect the so-called Linguistic View of the World (Underhill 2011; Bartmiński 2006). They reflect the beliefs and perceptions of a people as it relates to human characteristics, qualities and traits. Proverbs are important because they promote social virtues and encourage people to emulate such virtues. Proverbs, like other aspects of folklore, reflect gendered stereotypes about men and women. Similarly, hausa proverbs are also regarded as short, witty sayings that can be comforting or insulting in nature, depending on who or what the particular proverb is targeted at. Apart from giving one and insight into human behaviour and psychology, proverbs also serve as mirrors of the cultural values of communities (Zakariyah, 2013: 174; Abdulkarim & Abdullahi, 2015: 27; Yankah, 1989: 326).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

People commonly use different forms of expressions which are peculiar to their societies to express their views and for effective communication. These expressions can be verbal and non-verbal, including signs and symbols among others. The verbal forms and include forms such as songs, riddles, poems and adages. Whatever forms of expressions used in any society, they aim at expressing values, ideas, emotions, and desires, which are used to educate, caution and enlighten such society. Just like most African societies, the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria make use of proverbs known as “Karin Magana” to indicate subjects of interest. Proverbs are of great practical values and are used to portray social conditions, express feelings, admire, detest, warn and encourage people.

A proverb is a saying popularly used to express simple and concrete truth based on common sense and the experience of people. According to Bascom, “Proverbs which are the most important type of aphorism in Africa have a deeper meaning than is stated literally; a meaning which can be understood only through the analysis of the social situations to which they are appropriate” (438). Hausa proverbs (Karin Magana) are said to be the oldest and the most important genre of folklore which are used by the people in many contexts. Hausa proverbs give answers to recurrent problems; they are also used to revive history, develop language, entertain and educate. The proverbs touch on almost every aspect of the people’s life. Akporobaro rightly observes that “Proverbs in Hausa language manifest the same wide range of topical interest and close attentiveness to the facts of human life, as do the proverbs from other major social ethnic groups” (89). In addition, Hausa proverbs reflect the religious temper and heritage of the Hausa people. Hausa proverbs are used to express social approval and disapproval, praise, criticize, warn and advise. Karin Magana is very valuable to preliterate people, for whom words cannot be read, they are more valued when heard. In many African societies, the instinct for language for imagery and for the expression of abstract ideas through concise and allusive phraseology can be seen particularly in proverbs. Karin Magana can be seen to have an immense value to speakers and orators.

The term “proverb” has been defined or described by various people and all the definitions point at a particular focus. One interesting definition is the one in Encyclopedia Britanica, volume 9 and it states, “Proverbs are succinct and pithy sayings in general use, expressing commonly held ideals and beliefs’ (749). They are part of everyday language and are related to such other forms of folk literature as riddles and fables that have originated in oral tradition.

According to Chamber’s English Dictionary, proverbs are defined as “short familiar sentences expressing a supposed truth or moral lessons and requires explanations” (1177). No matter which part of the world proverbs are found, it is discovered that the same kernel of wisdom may be gleaned under different cultural conditions and languages.

Proverbial sayings are very important part of folktale. They are not limited to only a particular set of people in society, but to both people of high cultures as well as the uncivilized. It is therefore impossible for a man to be considered a good orator unless he makes ample use of proverbs in his everyday speech. In societies where moral behavior of people is governed by social norms, proverbs are very effective checks on people’s behavior. Proverbs censor defaulters or praise those who conform to the ethics of the tribe. Societies also use proverbs to rebuke the young ones who err in such societies.

Proverbs have significant impacts on the lives of the people of the communities that use them, and they occur in different categories depending on the context and situation. Proverbs also go a long way to enhance the social relationships of the members of particular societies. However, in this generation, a lot of people, especially the youths, have neglected the use of proverbs and consequently, the significance and impact they have on them (youths) and the society at large. They believe that proverbs are meant for only the old ones. These beliefs have gone a long way to reduce cultural heritage in many societies today. It is against this background therefore, that we shall take a look at some Hausa proverbs, their significance and impact on the lives of the members of the community and restore certain heritage that is fast fading because of the nonchalant attitude of the people.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to find out what proverbs are, their uses, impact and significance on individual / community and the possible lessons to learn for the future.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that many African societies are suffering from sharp decline in their oral tradition partly because of negligence. This has for some time now been a serious problem to contend with, especially among the Hausa speaking people of Northern Nigeria who regard oral tradition with high esteem. The people, especially the young ones do not see any need of using proverbs to spice their everyday speech. They are mostly of the opinion that proverbs are meant exclusively for the old ones.

They also think that using proverbs is a rural affair and that the residents of the urban areas have no need of them. For these reasons, they do not really see any need for the proverbs within the Hausa domain. This study will therefore go a long way to correct this misconception by making the people, especially the youth, to see the significant linguistic and cultural role proverbs play among the Hausa.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to find out what proverbs are, their uses, impact and significance on individual / community and the possible lessons to learn for the future. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To discover the true meaning of proverbs;
2. To identify the uses of proverbs; and
3. To ascertain the significance and impact of Hausa proverbs on Hausa people.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is the true meaning of proverbs?
• What are the uses of proverbs in hausa?
• What is the significance and impact of Hausa proverbs on Hausa people?

1.6 Significance of Study

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Sociolinguistic Investigation of Some Hausa Proverbs.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.9 Definition of Operational Terms

Form: This refers to the arrangement of or part, of words that follow correct ordering of English sentence pattern.

Pattern: Regular arrangement of sentence structures that strictly follows rules of sentence formation in English. I.e. (SVOCA), as well as the changing patterns of these sentence structures in Hausa language.

Distribution: The way and manner in which a proverb of a particular situation or register is used among a particular group of people.

Variety: This refers to the component of sentence element and their functional position that a linguistic unit can occupy in a sentence.