ɛbɛ (Proverbs)

Proverbs: Ɛbɛ

Level 6

ɛbɛ (proverb), mmɛ (proverbs), bu bɛ (use a proverb): Tikoro nkɔ agyina (One head does not go into council, so decide together).

How It Works

1. The words
Ɛbɛ means proverb, and also parable; the plural is mmɛ. To use a proverb is bu bɛ, literally break a proverb: Ɔbuu bɛ bi (He told a proverb).

2. Bringing a proverb in
Speakers often credit the elders: Mpanimfoɔ se ... (The elders say ...) or Akanfoɔ bu bɛ sɛ ... (The Akan have a proverb that ...). Just as often the proverb comes in the middle of the talk with no lead-in at all.

3. What proverbs do

  • Advise: Tikoro nkɔ agyina (One head does not go into council): talk it over with others.
  • Persuade: Dua koro gye mframa a, ebu (When a single tree meets the wind, it breaks): we must stand together.
  • Warn gently: Aboa bi bɛka wo a, ɛfiri wo ntoma mu (If a creature is going to bite you, it comes from inside your own cloth): harm often comes from people close to you.
  • Comment without naming anyone: see Indirect Criticism: akutia.

4. Their grammar
Proverbs state timeless truths, so they favour the plain present and Timeless Truths in Proverbs. Many drop articles and prefixes, as in Old Forms in Proverbs, and many set two halves side by side, as in Balanced Two-Part Proverbs, often with If: sɛ ... a.

5. Using them well
Proverbs carry weight, so they suit elders and serious occasions: chiefs' courts, where the ɔkyeame (see Speaking Through the Ɔkyeame) is known for them, as well as funerals, weddings, sermons and politics. A younger speaker adds mpanimfoɔ se to show respect. Many Adinkra Symbol Names are proverbs cut down to a few words.

Examples (6)

  1. Ɔbanyansafoɔ yɛbu no bɛ, yɛnka no asɛm.

    A wise person is spoken to in proverbs, not in plain words.

    Word by Word: wise-child we-break him proverb, we-not-say him matter

    A proverb about proverbs: the wise understand a hint.

  2. Tikoro nkɔ agyina.

    One head does not go into council.

    Said when someone wants to decide alone: two heads are better than one.

  3. Dua koro gye mframa a, ebu.

    When a single tree meets the wind, it breaks.

    Unity is strength. The condition closes with a, even without sɛ.

  4. Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa a, yenkyi.

    If you forget something and go back for it, it is not forbidden.

    The proverb behind the word Sankofa: it is never wrong to go back and learn from the past.

  5. Mpanimfoɔ se: Aboa bi bɛka wo a, ɛfiri wo ntoma mu.

    The elders say: if a creature is going to bite you, it comes from inside your own cloth.

    Mpanimfoɔ se (the elders say) is a common way to bring in a proverb.

  6. Ɔtoaa so buu bɛ bi.

    He went on to tell a parable.

    Bu bɛ, literally break a proverb, is how Twi says use a proverb or tell a parable.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving off the a that closes a sɛ condition.

    Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa, yenkyi.
    Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa a, yenkyi.

    A condition opens with sɛ and closes with a, as in If: sɛ ... a. Proverbs keep this frame even when they drop other small words.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ɛbɛ (Proverbs)Level 6Proverbs: Ɛbɛ

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