By Tumelo E. Phali | Posted: October 14, 2005
Well, this is it – the concluding editorial for the year for this section. On this occasion Around The Fire celebrates African oral culture and the wealth of wisdom that exists in our customs and traditions across the mother continent.
In Africa today most conversations are still usually laced with wisdom and advice that is based on a familiar proverb or folktale. And while we usually get the point, quite often we miss the full import of the lesson to be learned or the insight that is offered because we are insensitive to, and ignorant of, its language-related origins.
African oral practice has always preserved the continent's historical milestones, the tribe's precious memories, the family's essential bonds. Before the advent of contemporary information technology and related new media devices, generation after generation of Africans learned from each other through storytelling, folk wisdom and proverbs. Spoken words made up the cultural DNA that transmitted Africa's genetic markers down through history.
These traditional expressions have always provided us with guidance and leadership. They have served as a humane and moral compass in times of conflict and stress. They have brought divided peoples together, instilled courage when it was lacking, cultivated respect when it was due, consoled us in times of pain, and celebrated the beauty and bounty of nature while encouraging us to live in harmony. Proverbs and folktales stand the test of time. In fact, they continue to be as relevant to our lives today as the prosaic coffee machine in the company kitchen.
African sayings, "words of wisdom" and proverbs were orignally astutely crafted by our Elders through perceptive observation and sensitive interpretation. These sayings have diverse roots: in nature and the environment, in family relationships, in what men and women say to each other and to their children, in cultural events, political strategies and religious observances. They are intrinsically linked to our histories and folktales.
These idioms are truly a treasure trove bequeathed to us by our ancestors - they celebrate the glorious landscapes of our languages.
Please enrich your knowledge further on this topic by visiting the links below and let’s gather around a much bigger FIRE next year!
Khotso (Peace)
tumelo. e. phali
The following sites offer detailed explanations and origins of many known and unknown African sayings plus much more rich and interesting topics from and about the continent:
http://www.afriprov.org/resources/explain.htm - a vast collection of African sayings and proverbs
http://www.africanevents.com/AfricanQuotes1.htm - African proverbs, sayings and idioms from Ghana.
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/africa/history/index.htm - history of Africa – the origins of African nations and boundaries.
http://www.africa.wisc.edu/links/big-list.htm - a comprehensive list of topics in African studies.
http://www.kabiza.com/African-Directory.htm - colourful tales and sounds and sights of East Africa.
http//www.rastafarispeaks.com - for rivetting and piercing insight into African history, politics and cultural dynamics
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