International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT)

ISSN: 2617-0299
www.ijllt.org

The Socio-didactic Function of Oral Literary Genres: A Paremiological Perspectivism of

Selected Ethical Proverbs
Bazimaziki Gabriell*, Bisamaza Emilien2, Ndayishimiye Jean Leonard3 & Nsabumuremyi Leonce4
1
Lecturer of Literature, Department of Humanities and Language Education, University of Rwanda
2
Assistant Lecturer of Swahili, Department of Humanities and Language Education, University of Rwanda
3
Assistant Lecturer of Kinyarwanda, Department of Humanities and Language Education,University of Rwanda
4
Assistant Lecturer of French, Department of Humanities and Language Education, University of Rwanda
Correspondence Author: Bazimaziki Gabriel, E-mail: [email protected]

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Received: January 12, 2019 Literature is an art, a product of society which produces and mirrors society as it
Accepted: February 19, 2019 looks at human beings at various levels, social and cultural sides out weighing the
Published: March 31, 2019 rest. Through its generic forms, literature depicts the human beings and how they
Volume: 2 cope with life. It is a mirror through which people perceive their behaviours, ape
Issue: 2 and correct where necessary and reject what is not benefitting them. With this
DOI: 10.32996/ijllt.2019.2.2.3 regard, this study explores the social and didactic functions of oral literary
KEYWORD genres with particular interest in proverbs from four languages used and taught in
Rwanda viz Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili. The choice of the four
Art, oral literature, proverb, languages goes with the researchers’ domains as language teachers in higher
didactic, function, education in particular. The study is qualitative and bears literary analysis. Using
paremiology, perspectivism, paremiological perspectivism, the researchers throw light on proverbs as the tools
multifunctional, aphorism for learning and teaching society; source of knowledge and ethical values for
people to cope with life issues. It was demonstrated that most of the proverbs
discussed are ethically and socially didactic as they warn, caution and teach about
wisdom, respect, and various human values. Those oral literary genres are source
of knowledge and wisdom
which are pedagogical materials for human lives from generation to generation.

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND are pedagogical tools which serve to transmit

Literature appears in many forms proverbs included. knowledge and wisdom from a generation to another.
According to Frye, literature is "the place where our That is, following Mieder (1997), proverbs are gems
imaginations find the ideal that they try to pass on to of generationally-tested wisdom which help us in our
belief and action, where they find the vision which is everyday life and communication to cope with the
the source of both the dignity and the joy of life." And complexities of the modern human condition.
the critical study of literature provides a basic way "to Proverbial literary forms will reveal that literature and
produce, out of the society we have to live in, a society cannot be disconnected as it is a product of
vision of the society we want to live society about society for society. Analysing literature
in."(Bazimaziki, 2017). Ordinarily, literature is a and the authors of literature, be it written or oral, aims
multifunctional art as it is a tool for artistic expression primarily at finding truth and human experience in the
in human society. Particularly, oral literature augurs world since various literary genres have various
critical knowledge and wisdom for both literate and functions (Bazimaziki, 2017). Oral literature is a
non-literate societies. Through its oral genres like receptacle of knowledge and wisdom and holds human
proverbs and many others, pre- literate societies could life. It is richer and has wider audience than written
express human values and their life experiences until literature as both literate and non- literate audience can
it is still useful among literate societies from enjoy it. Inherently, African oral literature is
generation to generation. In this connection, literature community property, simply emerging from
- oral literature, and proverbs specifically, is a means communal consciousness whereby four components
of communicating ideas and human experience with comprising an oral performance: the composition, the
much emphasis on warning, correction, advice and transmission, the audience and the context; play an
instruction on what people should do and how they important part (Muleka, 2014). In Africa, the oral
should do it to better their community. As forms of tradition has played a vital role by not only helping
oral literature, proverbs Africans to sustain their culture and
 IJLLT 2(2):20-27

identity but also empowering their wisdom, dignity, 3. AIMS OF THE STUDY
aesthetic and poetic attributes (Kizza, 2010). Proverbs Every research project starts with an idea; something
are not exception. Most of studies conducted on these that the researcher is interested in knowing more about
literary forms contend that they are multifunctional. or is worried about; something that is perceived as a
Ordinarily, these are wise saying often time short. problem or as a knowledge gap that needs to be filled
They are succinct oral literary forms which constitute (Hewitt, qtd in Bazimaziki et.al., 2017). The aim of
a socio - cultural and didactic tool in different this study is three fold. First, we wanted to
situations. People from different historical and demonstrate that literature is an art that depicts humans
physical settings often resort to such genres to give a at social and cultural levels. Following closely,
pithy warning or caution, advice and/or correction to researchers wished to identify the didactic function of
those with whom they live and cope with life together. oral literature with particular interest in proverbs, thus,
They are literary forms which help people to sustain throwing a light on Paremiological approach and apply
their culture especially values and wisdom. In the it in the study of oral literary forms. Second, we
present study, most of the proverbs discussed are wanted to show that short oral literary forms can depict
ethically didactic as they warn, caution and teach the human behaviours in the world they live and lastly
about wisdom, respect, and various human values. to critically examine contextual meaning and socio-
They are thus pedagogical tools which serve to didactic function of some selected proverbs often time
transmit knowledge and wisdom from a generation to used among Rwandans through four languages spoken
another. there. The study will mainly have a two-fold
significance namely for academic literature and social
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT literature studies.
While literature is concerned with human action and
experience, in some African societies including 4. METHODLOGY
Rwandan, the problem of illiteracy persists whereby Research conducted on proverbs posit that these
many people are still unable to read books yet they are literary forms are multifunctional. Proverbs are old or
repositories or owners of wisdom. Their wise sayings freshly coined shorter and more allusive aphorisms
are still relevant and didactic materials to the whose dynamics are not well known (Vansina, 1985)
community in which they live, hence an inherent place but are very vital to human community. In this regard,
that oral tradition still holds among African societies. the researchers deem necessary to critically analyse
While from time immemorial Rwanda has been selected proverbs using a paremiological approach.
distinguished by skillful and powerful oral expression Not all proverbs can be studied in this single paper.
in social scenes (Teta, 2016), the function of oral Rather, researchers dealt with some ethical proverbs as
literary genres has not attracted attention of local selected taking into consideration the four languages
researchers and has therefore been an under researched used in Rwandan society such as Kinyarwanda, a
area. In this regard, this study sought to explore the common local language to Rwandan people and used
socio-cultural and didactic function of oral literature in as an official language besides English, French and
Rwandan context with particular interest in proverbs Swahili (Bazimaziki, 2018). The study is concerned
which teach unity, friendship, sharing and with qualitative analysis of selected proverbs from
cooperation; patience and caution/ paying attention to four languages used in Rwanda. Using Paremiological
different situations; right choice in life and respect; theory, the researchers look into the socio-cultural and
hardworking; saving and time management; among didactic function of selected proverbs. Analysis is
other ethical values. The researchers seek to answer systematic in the sense that proverbs which are bound
the question about the socio cultural and didactic role to the same ideals and values are discussed together.
that oral literature plays in Rwandan society having Paremiology is deemed relevant to spearhead this
some people unable to read books yet they can teach study since it is concerned with addressing questions
others through wise mouth words. The concerning the definition, form, structure, style,
researchers applied a paremiological approach framed content, function, meaning and value of proverbs
on the belief that studies in proverbs are mainly (Mieder, 2004). Researchers in this study framed on its
concerned with addressing questions regarding the relevance and usefulness to cement the discussion and
definition, form, structure, style, content, function, beckon analysis. Many of the proverbs involved were
meaning and value of proverbs (Mieder,2004). More defined and possible meaning were ascribed to them
importantly, researchers consider the belief that oral while analysing them basing on their social and
literature cannot be distanced from society simply educational role to the community in/ to which they
because it is a product of society which produces for
society in turn.

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The Socio-didactic Function of Oral Literary Genres: A Paremiological Perspectivism of Selected Ethical Proverbs

are used. By and large, the methodology is mainly be upset when something bad really does happen.
qualitative literary analysis. From this situation, getting discouraged before an
event comes is a sign of weakness that people should
5.DISCUSSION try to avoid. In the similar vein, French ordinarily
Various forms of oral literary genres have various argue that “Petit à petit l’oiseau fait son nid” which
functions. Proverbs range among these literary forms can literally be translated as “Bit by bit a bird makes
and claim to hold important rooms to depict human life its nest”. The meaning, according to the Swahili
experience and convey vital messages. Through these saying, is that “Pole pole ndio mwendo” (Slowly but
pitchy and often time metaphoric statements, both pre- sure) much as a step by step process of doing things
literate and literate African societies conveyed wise leads to effective results. From these proverbs, it is
messages when they interacted verbally. These social understandable that generally patience and much
interactions teach people of different categories from caution leads to positive ends.
various parts of the globe including African children, More so, in a well built and united society, values such
young, adults and old people as well. In the words of as making friend and holding together, doing well and
Mieder (1997), the educational and communicative comforting in case of trouble are, among other things,
power of proverbs in African societies lies in their use important factors for a more successful life. Various
as validators of traditional ethics, procedures, and proverbs are at the center of these values. Saying for
beliefs in teaching children as well as adults. Through instance, “Inshuti nyayo iboneka mu byago” (A friend
proverbs, thus far, people could teach, warn and in need is a friend indeed) reflects that coming to one’s
caution their peers, mates and or descendants; hence help in any trouble holds a lot as regard human values.
the inherent role of proverbs as receptacle of wisdom. This is similar to a common Swahili saying “Akufaaye
Proverbs are didactic tools whose embodiment of kwa dhiki ndiye rafiki” (A true friend is known in
knowledge and cultural/human values are undeniable. trouble). In fact, a trouble shared is solved in half and
In Dunde’s view, a proverb sums up a situation, passes sharing the ups and downs among community
judgment on a past matter, or recommends a course of members is what makes them hold together to cope
action for the future (Qtd in Mieder, 2007). In some with life hurdles. Elsewhere, Mieder(1997), one of the
societies, to cope with life challenges human beings leading paremiologists, contends that proverbs
should be patient and not cut moral. Thus, patience is continue to play a major role as a pedagogical tool in
a value that can help one perform well a toil work and modern societies, especially among family members
achieve more in their life. Literature teaches a lot about and at school. To illustrate, the Kinyarwanda saying
these values particularly through various sayings. that “Inkingi imwe ntigera inzu” (No man is an island)
Mieder (1997) points out that proverbs contain much and the French that “Les petits ruisseax font de
educational wisdom, and they have long been used as grandes rivières” translated literally as “The small
didactic tools in child rearing, in linguistic and streams make long rivers” convey the message that
religious instruction in schools, and in teaching about union bears power as “two heads are better than one”,
general human experiences. Saying for example “All hence united people can stand firm and achieve a lot
things come to those who wait” reveals that a patient unlike divided ones whose scattered efforts can lead to
person will be satisfied in due time. It is similar to the failure. This is not distanced from doing well among
common saying that “A watched pot never boils” peers and/or community members as the Kinyarwanda
which carries the idea that time feels longer when saying goes that “Gira so yiturwa indi” (one good turn
you're waiting for something to happen. Thus, being deserves another) which implies mutual help and love
patient in any situation and wait the ripe time to get reflected in lavishing give and take services among
what is reserved to us is a golden key to opening a people.
window to successful ends as Rwandese often time
say that “Uwitonze akama ishashi” equivalent to the Proverbs are important tools which admit various
French sayings that “Tout vient à point qui sait attendre» interpretations as they transmit social ideals and define
and closely related in meaning to the Swahili speech standards and deviations from the [social] norms
community saying “Mchumia juani hulia kivulini” (Mieder, 2009); serve as repositories of wisdom and
(both meaning ‘Patience is a virtue’). The ideal is that knowledge for many traditions that are mostly and
the ability to wait for something without getting upset predominantly oral. Saying “Akebo ni geramo” (One
is a valuable quality in a person’s life. Elsewhere, the good turn deserves another) teaches much about a give
saying in English “Don't cross the bridge till you come and take situation which is an important value among
to it”, adds more to the already mentioned point. It human community. The saying expounds the idea of
carries the meaning of not crying before you are hurt coping with selfishness among community members
or not being upset about a bad thing that might happen; and teaches them that the culture of sharing can make
only society prosper. In

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other words, something given in return for an item of Saving and good time management are other important
equivalent value - like tit for tat is a sign that there is factors among those affecting human life and can
harmony and mutual understanding. Doubtlessly, this change it in one way or another. Human being are then
builds a well-made and inclusive society where people warned and taught about the two through oral literary
act as one by holding together. genres. Proverbs are good genres to convey these
messages. Saying for example, “A stitch in time saves
Making the right choice in life is a way to success nine” implies that time effectively used is very
while wrong choice leads to serious effects. Choosing beneficial. The saying brings out the essence of doing
requires a critical thinking about what is beneficial and the working time rather than postponing it for later.
what is not. In other words, good choice makes human From this situation, it is important to know that one
beings prosper while bad ones make them fall into stitch at the right time saves nine or more others that
serious losses and failures. Along the same line of one would be forced to stitch if they hadn’t done it at
interpretation, “The French statement that “Pierre qui the expected time. Similarly, the Swahili saying
roule n’amasse pas mousse” (A rolling stone gathers “Chelewa chelewa utamkuta mtoto si wako” or the
no moss) propagates that someone who does not settle Kinyarwanda that “urabangira ikaguruka” (time and
in one place rarely prospers. This proverb refers tide wait for no man) or the French saying that “Les
metaphorically to what is well known about mosses retardateurs ne trouvent que les os” equivalent to
and lichens - that they are slow-growing organisms “late comers eat bones” carry the same meaning
that don't thrive on disturbance. In that regard, a sure implying that time well used is oftentimes fruitful.
way to prevent a colony of moss from growing on a These proverbs are actually relevant to people in terms
stone is to move it about. A 'rolling stone' refers of teaching them that they should not waste their time
literally to a wanderer, unable to settle to any job or or delay to doing things. In fact, how one manages
lifestyle and therefore characterised as unreliable and his/her time affects greatly them in what they are
unproductive. Thus, stability and sticking to a choice doing. Here, the reduplicated stem, chelewa chelewa,
is what makes one stand and cope with hurdles. This (being late and late again) implies that there is
idea is echoed in “Tout ce qui brille n’est pas de l’or something wrong with time management which can
(All that glitters is not gold) meaning that not impede or affect one’s goal achievement. A similar
everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is proverb is “Time is money” which carries the idea of
valuable. In many cases, people fall victims of external expecting a positive end when one manages well their
judgement of things and feel attracted by the outer time. We know that money holds an important part in
parts which leads to further serious effects due to lack the human lives and equating it to time effectively
of deep analysis of the status of the things. Matching used means that the more you save time the less you
this is another good French saying “L’habit ne fait pas run risks of not achieving what is targeted. In the same
la moine” or Kinyrwanda statement that “Babona token, it is often said that ‘A penny earned is a pen
ishya itamba bagata urwo bari bambaye” or the saved’. Such saying is teaching how to save, not only
Swahili proverb going this way: “Usiache mbachao time but also money as it is an important weapon to
kwa msala upitao” approximately meaning “All that solving human needs, ‘a good servant but also bad
shines is not gold”. In fact, the tool that has been being master’, thus, say, a ‘golden key that can open many if
used for long may be more important and harder than not any door’. Without money, life can be affected and
the newer that is often fragile and cannot last for long. jeopardized in one way or another as it is central tool
From this situation, one can learn that we should not that helps human beings cope with life difficulties as,
rely on appearances because they are sometimes to quote Ayn Rand, “it is only a tool which will take
deceptive. Rather, the quality of a tool is determined you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as
by its worth but not how it appears at its first sight. the driver.”
Elsewhere, the similar saying goes that “You should
There is no doubt that proverbs are gems of
not judge the book by its cover”. Half a loaf is better
generationally-tested wisdom which help us in our
than no bread: Something, even if it isn't what you
everyday life and communication to cope with the
ideally would prefer, is better than nothing. Still in the
complexities of the modern human condition (Mieder,
same connection, “A rose by any other name would
1997). In everyday life, for example, human beings are
smell as sweet” meaning that what matters is what
supposed to be held accountable and be responsible for
something is, not what it is called. In most of cases,
the task they are assigned. In this regard, paying
appearances are deceptive and at first sight, one may
attention to what one is doing can serve as a weapon
be mistaken that something is good and s/he feels
to carry it out in the best possible way and in case of
attracted yet it is the case of “All that shines is not
failure, they should primarily lay
gold”.

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The Socio-didactic Function of Oral Literary Genres: A Paremiological Perspectivism of Selected Ethical Proverbs

blame not only on the tool used and other external have the certainty of a small thing than the possibility
factors regardless of their role as performers. Some of a greater one which may come to nothing. This
proverbs put it simple. Saying for example, “A bad warns against taking unnecessary risks - it is better to
workman blames his tools”, one literally means that keep what you have (a bird) than to risk getting more
when someone performs a task unsuccessfully, the and ending with nothing (two birds out of your reach).
blame is always laid on the quality of their equipment, This saying coheres with a Kinyarwanda and a Swahili
or other external factors, rather than take responsibility sayings that “ Amavuta y’ umugabo ni amuraye ku
for their own failure. As such, it is important to be munwa”/ Chako ni ulichokula, kinachobaki ni cha
responsible or held accountable in case one fails to mucimba kaburi (One’s ice or meal is the one s/he has
fulfill a task assigned pretending that all is due to the already eaten) or more simply one’s expectations are
materials used. Inherently, when one says in what s/he already has at hands now rather than what
Kinyarwanda “Imbwa yarihuse ibyara ibihumye” or in they expect to have further . In fact, having consumed
French that “Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point” is better than waiting to consume. It is thus important
(Haste makes waste), the idea is that rushing into a to seize a chance or an opportunity at a ripe time before
decision may cause mistakes that waste more time than it fails us or is lost.
would have been taken by proceeding more carefully.
The idea is that we should be more cautious and pay Literature involves people’s experiences in the world
much more attention before taking any decision which and this is depicted through different literary genres
is more often than not affective in one way or another. (Bazimaziki, 2017) be they oral or written. Among
other genres, proverbs reflect human behaviours in
Additionally, Paremiologists acknowledge the general some circumstances including difficult or times of
or universal truths and values embodied in proverbs as hurdles. The above stand is congruent with another
they convey messages about the world view about how saying that “Lorsqu’on a pas ce qu’on veut, on se
human beings should behave and act among contente de ce qu’on a”(when you don’t get what you
themselves. When one says “Il ne faut pas vendre la wanted, you better feel content with what you have) or
peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué” or “Don't count more clearly “Necessity is the mother of invention”
your chickens before they are hatched”, there is a lot which conveys the message that once man in nature is
to learn from what is meant. Actually, in their daily at stake or is in a situation where there is no adequate
life, human beings consider that the future will spring solution to a problem they face, it is worth using the
from the present and start planning for the future available means to cope with it. In the same token,
income. In this context, the core advice is not to be people often say “He is poor who does not feel
hasty in evaluating one's assets. Ordinarily, chickens content” and much can be learnt from this saying.
are products from eggs laid and hatched by a hen Human beings are always in need of goods and
during twenty one days. Notwithstanding the context, services. The one who has is the one who wants more
one may have a hen that is set to hatch with, let’s say, as the saying goes that “The more you have, the more
eighteen eggs and feels that all will come out well. you want.” The question that one would ask is
They will therefore start counting and hope to have in probably to know whether there are on earth many
the end eighteen chickens while some eggs may people who confirm that they are “satisfied”. A
actually be broken down or fail to be hatched or get millionaire would like to become a billionaire; the
spoilt or none at all will be hatched as all depends on owner of a cattle wishes to have two much as the bus
the hen’s habit and other factors. This is a similar owner would like to have the second while the house
situation to starting enjoying the fruits of a work not owner would be happy if he builds another or more.
done yet or an opportunity or a promise not delivered Despite these wishes of ‘the haves’, there might be
yet or celebrating an important day or event before it some ‘havenots’ who are contented with a very little
takes place. From this case, such proverb is didactic in thing they might get. The whole situation teach people
that it teaches that it is better to wait for results before to feel content although it is not easy to feel satisfied
one can enjoy what they don’t already have. Waiting with what they have. All depends largely on human
for a ripe time is what benefits more than anticipating nature where the thirst of riches is never quenched.
with what one does not have in hand. In the same light, More importantly, among the things proverbs are
saying in French “Un tiers que tu as vaux mieux deux concerned with, motivating people to work hard holds
que tu auras “A bird in hands is worth two in the bush” another important place. Saying in French
will reveal that what you have is better than what you « Comme on fait son lit, on se couche (As you sow so
intend to have as the hand is nearer than the bush that shall you reap) serves as illustration of this point. In
is far. Catching a bird in the bush will take much more most of cases, one’s deeds, good or bad, will repay
time than making use of what one already holds at
hands. Thus, it’s better to

24
 IJLLT 2(2):20-27

them in kind. Similarly, “Early to bed and early to rise is thus a guidance to humans in the world they live.
makes man healthy, wealthy and wise” implies that They give a pithy warning, correct and advise the
working hard bears fruits of what we have done as time community members how to cope with life and endure
well managed is more beneficial and fruitful. pain and sorrow or to last through hardship and /or
Elsewhere, the Kinyarwanda common saying that suffering without quitting. Notwithstanding the
“Isazi y’ubute ntirya igisebe” (The early bird catches discussion, we believe that this study is not exhaustive
the worm) which succinctly means success comes to since studies on proverbs can outweigh the perspective
those who prepare well and put in efforts; is another used in the present. As proverbs have contextual
saying which motivates people to work for effective application in that if they are applicable in one context,
ends. In similar context, “Il faut battre le fer quand il they may be inappropriate in another, we would
est encore chaud” (strike the iron while it is hot) recommend that the gaps in the current study be
teaches to act decisively and take opportunities when bridged by exploring proverbs using a contrastive
they arise. One can learn a lesson of not wasting the analysis or contextual approach.
ripe and convenient time of doing things. The
pragmatic allusion in this proverb is actually the ABOUT THE CORRSPONDING AUTHOR
blacksmith at his forge. Generally, when a farrier Gabriel Bazimaziki is a holder of Master of
delays in shaping the iron when it is hot, a pliable Education in English and Literature from Kampala
metal soon cools and hardens and the opportunity is University, Uganda. He is currently lecturer Literature
lost. The idea is that any delay in doing what one is in English in university of Rwanda, College of
supposed to do bears bad consequences as those Education. He pursues PhD in English Education in
resulted from a cool iron which is not easy to shape. University of Rwanda. His career has been and is still
“No pain no gain” or Kinyarwanda statemnet “Imbuto teaching. Gabriel has taught in Mahatma Gandhi
y’umugisha yera ku giti cy’umuruho (There is no sweet University- Rwanda in Post Graduate programs. He
without sweat) similar to French proverb “Aide-toi le has also taught as a part time lecturer in Mount Kenya
ciel t’aidera” (God helps those who help themselves) University- Rwanda. His area of interest include but
are also pedagogical tools to enliven courage and are not limited to Literature, literary theories, English
aspirations into people and call them to work hard for Education, Linguistics and Education. His research
a positive result before hoping and waiting for support based mainly on reviewership and
assistance without playing their part. Elsewhere, publications. He has been awarded various academic
saying in French “Vouloir c’est pouvoir” (where there certificates including Post Graduate Certificate in
is a will, there is a way”) conveys the message that Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
when committed and determined, one can achieve (PGCLTHE) (Awarded November 2nd, 2019 in
what they wanted whatsoever. Put another way, University of Rwanda); Certificate of Excellence of
commitment and determination are key to success in outstanding Performance in Masters Research Thesis
what one has undertaken. From all these proverbs, (Awarded by Kampala University, Uganda in 2013);
humans can learn to endure pain and sorrow or to resist Certificates of Excellence in Reviewing (Awarded in
hardship and /or suffering without quitting. 2018 by Asian Journal of Education and Social
Studies in Recognition of outstanding Contribution to
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION the Quality of the Journal); Certificates of Excellence
The oral tradition can still be put to great use in the 21st in Reviewing (Awarded in 2018 by Journal of
century and even beyond (Kizza, 2010) although many Education, Society and Behavioural Sciences in
societies have advanced with alphabetization, there are Recognition of outstanding Contribution to the Quality
still people who are unable to read black on white yet of the Journal); Certificate of Publication in
they hold a lot about oral tradition including wisdom International Journal of Scientific Research and
and knowledge embodied in their wise sayings known Management(IJSRM); Certificate of Publication in
as proverbs, genres which play a vital role to people International Journal of English, Literature and Social
and those whom they live and cope with life together. Sciences( IJELS); Certificate of Digital story telling:
They are literary forms that help people to sustain their Turning a story into a story Book awarded by The
culture especially values and wisdom. Most of the African Story Book Org. in collaboration with the
proverbs discussed are bound to social function and University of Rwanda; to name only a few of them.
are ethically didactic as they warn, caution and teach
about wisdom, respect, thus define and convey various
human values and general truths about how human
being should act and behave in various situations. The
teaching they offer

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The Socio-didactic Function of Oral Literary Genres: A Paremiological Perspectivism of Selected Ethical Proverbs

Membership International Journal of Scientific Research

- Reviewer for Trans stellar Journals (International and Management. 5(11).pp 7456-7467.
Journal of English and Literature; Reviewer for Bazimaziki, Gabriel (2017) Depiction of Human
International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts Society through Epic Literary Genres: A
and Literature; Reviewer for International Journal for Comparative Perspective of the Function of
innovation Education and Research; Reviewer for two African Heroic Epics. International
Asian Journal of Education and Social Sciences; Journal of English and Literature. 8(5).pp.
Reviewer for Journal of Education, Society and 63-73.
Behavioural Science , Asian journal of Language,
Literature and culture Studies among others.
His publications include: REFERENCES
Bazimaziki Gabriel (2018) A Synchronic Approach to [1] Azizollah Dabaghi, Elham Pishbin & Leila
Kinyarwanda language variation among its Niknasab (2010) Proverbs from the
native speakers. International Journal of Viewpoint of Translation. Journal of
Linguistics and Culture (IJLLC). 4(3), Language Teaching and Research, Vol. 1,
345.doi:10.21744/ijllc.v4i3.672. No. 6, pp. 807-814.
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