Research project on Masculinity in Ganda proverbs.

Abstract

Proverbs are an innovative, distinct Ganda style of thematic realism. They arouse a fresh perception of contemporary values and familiar culture themes in an intriguing perception and intelligent understanding of various alternatives In 1964, Achebe was confronted with the idea that African writers should deal with the here and now rather than the past. According to Killian ( 1973:32 )he argues he would be more satisfied if his novels especially those set in the past did more than teach his readers that,... their past with all its imperfections... was not one long night of savagery from which the first Europeans acting on God's behalf delivered them. Perhaps what he wrote is applied art as distinct from pure. But who care? Art is important but so is education of the kind I have in mind .And I don't see that the two need be mutually exclusive. In chapter 4 we saw how these proverbs innovatively redefined the aspect masculinity in the light of gender balance where it is seen as an appreciation of full human design according to the nature of tradition that the Ganda society holds. These proverbs have assumed a sense of combativeness on the people in the society to fight and defend their existence and the tradition addressing clarity of nationalist themes that have been derived form societal tradition experience and wisdom for example, gender balance and traditional heritage of norms and values embedded in such proverbs that leads to indigenous civilization and intelligence.