Metaproverbs in Three Tigraian Languages

This study was carried out to explore the extent to which proverbs about proverbs (i.e., metaproverbs) exist in three Tigraian languages (viz., Ge'ez, Tigrinya, and Saho) and explain their roles and meanings. Metaproverbs were collected from selected books, dictionaries as well as other sources that are mainly shared among Facebook users. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the data sources. The sample proverbs and associated instances of language use were then thematically organized and analyzed, considering the communicative functions and related contextual features. As part of the rich collection of proverbs, metaproverbs that convey different messages and facets of the cultural milieu of Tigrai were found and widely used. They appear to be frequented along with the other types, implying the rationale and contextual features for using them in communication. In addition, metaproverbs appear to be central in conveying the important role proverbs in general have. For an exhaustive understanding of metaproverbs and other forms in Tigraian languages, it is recommended that more studies be carried out, focusing on additional instances of use (if any) and other local languages in the region.