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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Tiv proverbs as a means of social control |
Author: | Bergsma, H.M. |
Year: | 1970 |
Periodical: | Africa: Journal of the International African Institute |
Volume: | 40 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 151-163 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Northern Nigeria |
Subjects: | Tiv proverbs |
External links: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/1159571 https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pao:&rft_dat=xri:pao:article:4011-1970-040-00-000012 |
Abstract: | Of all the Tiv verbal art forms, the proverbs are the most consistently used in everyday situations. Proverbs are used by elders in their conversation to prevent young listeners from understanding what they are talking about. Proverbs are also employed to control activities without the use of force, as devices for shaming, for getting out of difficult situations without losing face, as a means of praise, in prophetic utterances, and as general explanations for that sphere of Tiv environment which is beyond comprehension, especially illness or 'acts of God'. To illustrate the particular situational usages of proverbs within Tiv culture some examples are taken from Anzaakaa (A pamphlet prepared by the Dutch Reformed Church Mission, Gaskiya Corporation, Zaria, Nigeria). These selected proverbs are presented with translation and commentary. Ref., French summary. |