THE NEED FOR DOCUMENTATION AND PRESERVATION OF YORÙBÁ PROVERBS AS CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

Proverbs and sayings are an integral part of African cultures. They have been passed down through generations for centuries. To be precise, proverb is an important aspect of indigenous culture in Yoruba society. Yoruba proverbs reflect the cultural values, beliefs and wisdom of the people, providing insight into their history, customs and way of life. Yoruba proverbs are often used figuratively as 
a way of conveying messages, lessons and wisdom to listeners. As revealed by the recent happenings, Yoruba proverbs as an important cultural heritage are threatened and close to extinct. Investigation reveals that certain factors are responsible for its continuous disappearance among the Yoruba communities, in the language structure and creative speeches which give the unique identity to the Yoruba people. Among the factors responsible for its disappearance include: total assimilation of western culture, the nuclear family syndrome, absence of moonlight stories by the elderly, the concept of modernity and urban nature of Yoruba towns. This paper highlights the importance of Yoruba proverbs as means of expressing some socio-cultural identities as well as other functions as contained in the Yoruba ways of life. As strong tools for bringing out inherent traits that run through a group of people, the paper advocates for the documentation, promotion and preservation of Yoruba proverbs.