Proverbs, by definition, are short but powerfully structured sayings, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Frequently, proverbs are anchored on the belief system, culture and traditions of the particular society from which it arose. These are regarded as “values” that the individuals practicing the same culture live up to, thus, turning out to be a major reason behind their behavior and disposition. Moreover, those may also originate from a certain event that may have happened in that particular community for a certain duration of time.
Below are examples of different proverbs from varying ethnic origin:
Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm. – Malayan Proverb
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese Proverb
Ask the experienced rather than the learned. – Arabic proverb
The beginning is the half of every action. – Greek Proverb
If you scatter thorns, don’t go barefoot. – Italian Proverb
The kick of a female carabao, the massage of the male. - Ilocano Proverb
With these in mind, we can say that proverbs mirror the society itself. Proverbs are gateways to understanding a certain culture and in the same way help sustain its existence. Thus, the preservation of proverbs is as crucial as preservation of the history and identity of a society.
