![](../image/11book.jpg) |
|
I want to emphasize however that while it is interesting
to reel a parable from a writer's binded collections, not all that are in those
collections are actual EDO parables or proverbs. Many of them are imports from
other groups and of course, the whiteman's and translated into EDO for inclusive
binding purposes. Perhaps, those writers may themselves not even know that some
of those parables are not EDOIDS'. All the same, they all serve their respective
similar intents and purposes. A case in point is the CATS and RATS - belling
the Cats by the rats parable. That one was not an original EDO proverb. It is
European.
Let me emphasize here however, that there is such
a very thin line between what may be a proverb/parable from one group of people
to the other. A natural and original proverb of one people, by same people and
for same people, can also be a natural and original proverb/parable for several
other groups of people, by these groups of people and for these groups of people
respectively. This reasoning is based on the concept of universal forms, formations,
leaning, behaviors, components and expectations. A natural form with associated
behavior in one part of the world, can and is often same in several other parts
of the world and in some physical cases, anywhere in the cosmos. An adaptive
translation of such sets of variables in combinatorial and or associative functions
from the bases of long term experiences and exposures to same, would yield similar
or perhaps, an exact translation and usage as well as reactive inclinations
of all people with such exposures in spite of localities or locations. This is
the bases of universal similitude and in this case, parabolic and proverbial.
The above, also makes it some-what difficult to
apply simple similitude in the cultures of people, as the fundamental driver
for determining and reaching a conclusive positioning about the origin of a
group of people. The possible implication and actual reality, perhaps, beyond
real proof, is that such classified people or group of people may not even be
related and may never have met. THIS IS A CASE FOR DEEP THOUGHTS. {Nowa, we
have some > > unfinished discussions on these things...remember?}
*************************
|
|
The Political & Spiritual Purpose of the
Holy Land
![](../image/ads.ht1.jpg) |
|
|
By what method does one determine that a proverb
is originally European? They cannot be carbon dated. Pity that we did not put
things down in writing.
You say: 'A case in point is the CATS and RATS
- belling the Cats by the rats parable. That one was not an original EDO proverb.
It is European.'
How do you know that? If so do you know when it
crossed over into Edo literature? That our generation heard it first in the
white man's school does not mean it did not exist in our own culture - from
which we are increasingly alienated. There are parables that exist in multiple
cultures.
There are parables that are peculiar to certain
cultures. I have had fun here in South Carolina teasing some English Professors
with some Edo proverbs that certainly do not exist in English. I have also done
some cross referencing with books of African proverbs from outside Nigeria.
There is some overlap - but not much.
Poser: Would a parable in the Bible be considered
European? Yet, if it got disseminated via Christianity, it just might be noticed
across cultural lines. And its judaic origins may be missed - not to mention
even earlier origins perhaps even from Africa - preceding the old testament.
When we sent ambassadors to Portugal did we impart
any proverbs and parables to the white man? Or did our representative simply
sit in the court of that country moping? |
|
|