0Proverbs are renowned sayings that use least amount of words to state general truth or provide wisdom that can help us in our daily lives. Another way to think of them is short, generally known sentences of the tradition which contain wisdom, truth, ethics, and customary views in a symbolic, fixed, and memorable form and which is handed down from generation to generation. These adages develop time to time, based on individual’s experiences and learning. Some of them are ancient while others are of recent times. Let’s take an example to get further clarification on this. The axiom “a dog is man’s best friend” has been known since ancient times while “one picture is equal to a thousand words” was told in modern times. It is however possible that the gnomes are altered to fit the present generation and situation.
Phrases can be used in the attainment of motivation and for the purpose of making thought progression in one’s personality. A proverb can be rhythmic for e.g. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” where the formation of reoccurring sounds is clearly visible. The dictum signifies healthy lifestyle. It states that eating healthy and nutritional food daily will keep you well. And, as a result you won’t be required to visit a physician or hospital.
Let us have a look at some of the frequently used and most preferred proverbs in English language along with their meanings:
i. Cleanliness is next to godliness:
Meaning: It’s good to be clean. God is clean, and you should be too.
ii. Don’t judge a book by its cover:
Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone.
iii. God helps those who help themselves:
Meaning: Don’t just wait for good things to happen to you. Work hard to make them happen.
iv. Practice makes perfect:
Meaning: The more you do something, the better you will develop at it.
v. Laughter is the best medicine:
Meaning: When you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get over that situation.
vi. Two wrongs don’t make a right:
Meaning: If someone does something bad to you, and you respond with similar behavior; it doesn’t justify your act. You must stick to your goodness.
vii. The pen is mightier than the sword:
Meaning: A pen is much more powerful than any sword. You can get your point across much more effectively with the help of words, instead of a sword.
viii. Fortune favour the bold:
Meaning: If you are courageous, then you will definitely be rewarded. Don’t get swayed away or discouraged by tough times.
ix. When in Rome, do as the Romans:
Meaning: When you visit or migrate to a foreign land, it is recommended to follow their customs. Else, survival will become a challenge for you.
x. No man is an island:
Meaning: No one can survive by themselves. Everyone needs a friend or family for emotional, financial or any other kind of support.
Any language is incomplete without comprising proverbs in it. Aphorisms are basically a custom of any language. They are usually used in our society by the people to relate something with a specific situation. Some proverbs may be prominent in a novel, dialects, culture or even holy books such as The Bible. Although their forms are diverse from each other they all mean the same. The Bible is significant in every phase and it can be trustworthy for the realities it states. The book of proverbs certainly illustrates this point very well.
Knowledge of idioms from different countries can create an optimistic picture of the speaker in the eyes of the listeners as it would make them create a positive impression in front of the other person. We can confirm it is a human nature that people like to engage in conversation with those who have mutual culture, language, tradition etc. Proverbs are typically very short in the form of text so it becomes easy for a beginner to learn.
Let us look at some famed Proverbs from Various Cultures:
- Arabic: An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.
- Finnish: Even a small star shines in the darkness.
- Jewish: God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.
- Italian: After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box.
- Spanish: Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.
- Russian: Better to stumble than make a slip of the tongue.
- Necessity of idioms in society.
Proverbs are an amalgamation of understanding & perspective. They are a sort of sayings which can’t be deprived of or ignored. The words of the ancient truisms are nevertheless inscriptions on rock. Their objective is not to argue over a point or explain something in particular; it merely tells us a truth in the most significant way. The design of proverbs can lead any language to a respectful direction and project its calibre. It helps summarize lengthy discussions and speeches using few words. It would be justified to say that using proverbs in a speech is like adding certain flavour to your dish to make it more delicious and garnishing. They always provide a variety to the language as we gain access to learn something different and fascinating.
You will come across as an expert in your domain if you attain a strong frequency of utilizing proverbs or idioms in your speech, dialogue and discussion. These words can help you emerge a style of keeping connections with the world in a strong manner. Power of pleasing the people with your companionship can be improved as every person would be willing to talk to you; you come across as an energetic, friendly and generous personality. Knowledge of Proverbs can label you as a creative and innovative person who is very much valuable and reliable for any organization. The person carrying this type of gesture can be considered as an inspiration for many individuals.
Role of Proverbs:
Proverbs have many objectives in society. The first most general role that it plays is in the filed of education. Idioms can be used by an expert while giving advice in a conversation or imparting knowledge on a particular topic. Regardless of the culture, there is a proverb for just about every circumstance and they can be relevant to any situation.
Humans are bounded by idioms every day. Whether at work, school, church during a conversation with a friend, the probability of hearing a proverb is high. Despite the existence of diverse beliefs, customs and school of thoughts, you can be sure to witness many throughout your life.
Ways of learning Proverbs:
- Make a list of at least 50-60 proverbs along with their meaning by means of books, newspapers or internet.
- Level of idioms as per the list should be not being very high. They should be simple and applicable in everyday life.
- Design categories such as: Love, hate, family, work, health, money, humanity etc. and insert each proverb in its respective category from your list.
- Learn one proverb daily with its meaning.
- Apply it in your routine conversations to flourish.
- Create illustrations with idioms in your classroom, cubicle or area of work.
- Take guidance from a person with developed intellect of idioms as it will help you avoid errors.
- While attending seminars, webinars or workshops, keep a note pad to jot down the idioms spoken by the speaker.
- Engage in exercises such as match the following proverbs with their meanings can be supportive for understand better.
Many proverbs comprises of arguable facts. For example: Don’t judge a book by its cover; Honesty is the best policy. These can be used as a tool to aid students in developing their argumentative approach. This might also help them prompt their agreement or disagreement with the means of the selected idiom and deliver a definite piece of evidence to support their point.
