A literary analysis of Krachi Proverbial expressions-context and tropes

Abstract

This ethnographic study examined Krachi proverbs, which, like many African proverbs, employ literary features such as metaphor and personification. The study focused on the analysis of Krachi proverbial expressions in relation to context and tropes. Guided by three research objectives, it employed audio and video recordings and interviews as the main data collection tools, with participant observation used as a supplementary tool during cultural events such as funerals, naming, and outdooring ceremonies. The study was anchored in Richard Bauman’s Verbal Art as Performance, which emphasizes the role of oral performance in meaning-making and Peter Newmark’s Translation Theory, which provided insight into the interpretation and translatability of culturally embedded expressions. A qualitative approach was adopted, with thematic analysis guiding the interpretation of data. The research was conducted in Dadekro, Gyengyen, and Krachikrom; communities within the Krachi Traditional Area where the Krachi language is spoken in its pure form. Findings revealed that Krachi proverbs are deeply connected to the natural environment, particularly vegetation and animals. The study further established that context plays a crucial role in the meaning and application of Krachi proverbs: a single proverb may convey different meanings depending on the situation, audience, or speaker’s intent. For instance, “Faa kira ɔkyɩ yɩ fʋ bɩra nyiŋi mʋ abibte” translated as “You do not divorce a woman and still recall the colour of her waist beads” was cited by a 60-year-old farmer during a dispute settlement but could also be used during marriage ceremonies to offer advice. The study also uncovered that metaphor and symbolism are significant literary features that characterise most Krachi proverbs. Considering the mutual intelligibility between Krachi and Nchumurung languages, a comparative analysis of their proverbs is recommended for further research