Examining the effectiveness of imagery in Rutooro proverbs. a case study of food proverbs.

Abstract

Kanat (2014) argues that “Everyone knows that the wisdom and spirit of the people are manifested in its proverbs and sayings, and acquiring proverbs and sayings of one‟s own nation or other nations, not only contributes to a better knowledge of the language, but also promotes a better understanding of the way of thinking and the nature of the people who speak it. Proverbs and sayings are pearls of folk wisdom. In fact, as people interpret artistically various aspects of life, social experience, their outlook is revealed, the originality of artistic attitudes and tastes, mental and ethical and aesthetic values, and social ideals cultivate new generations from century to century. The main purpose of proverbs is to give people's assessment of the objective reality of phenomena as an expression of the world. In proverbs and sayings are expressed the peculiar store or mindset of the peoples‟ intelligence; way of judgment; view of features; indication of the way of life and everyday life; the spirit and character of the people; their manners and customs, and beliefs and superstitions.” (318-319). Just as Kanat argues, the purpose of this dissertation is to provide better knowledge and deeper understanding of the Batooro culture and traditions through the food proverbs. Similarly, the dissertation intends to avail ample and relevant information to researchers and readers of the same field just as topical as this research stands. Most especially, the research will furthermore prove how imagery affects and influences meaning and better understanding of proverbs. Inspired by the studies about culture and traditions under oral literature, the research will also help to reveal more about Batooro culture through the proverbs used herein as well as shading more light on the witty use of language and how rich it is. Whereas Africa‟s enriched use of oral literature was also seen as underdeveloped, especially a genre for the illiterate, the research will also help me to prove a point that such a belief was a misconception but African oral literature genres like proverbs were potentially rich in language and not for all.