Thematic Analysis of Some Selected Hausa Proverbs

Abstract

Proverbs as a form of oral Literature are the most consistent and most employed by the Hausa people than folktale, songs, chants, myth etc. They are frequently used in everyday situation .Hausa people as a society have their own culture which is strictly followed according to its doctrines that are strongly rooted in morality. In Hausa society, proverbs express morals and ethics of the people. Hausa proverbs maintain conformity to cultural values and accepted pattern of behaviour. Thus, proverbs are filled with allusions to several aspects of life. Proverbs are employed in different kinds of situation in Hausa society to control several activities without the use of force or harsh language. The themes which feature in Hausa proverbs are characteristically the same ones that form the basis of other literary forms. There are the theme of human vices, nature, social norms, good manners importance of children, nature of women and routes to successful life. There are many proverbs that relate to situation of despair, hope, courage, poverty and others. They are also use to caution, advise, praise and educate. Thus, this shows the extreme diversity of themes which feature in Hausa proverbs. This paper views some of the themes of Hausa proverbs.