The Use of Proverbs in a Collection of Unity Hymns

Abstract

Proverbs and the use of proverbial expression have been employed by many poets not only in the Pashto language but also in other languages. This widespread use is largely due to the brevity, precision, and simplicity of proverbs. Their value lies in their ability to convey life experiences and observed realities in concise statements; it is well known that brief expressions are more easily retained in the mind. Proverbs are precise because they are not imaginary but rather reflect real events and lived experiences. Another source of their authenticity is that they represent the collective wisdom and consensus of the people. Their simplicity derives from the fact that they are expressed in the common language of the public and reflect the speech of ordinary people. Proverbial expression is closely connected to proverbs and may be regarded as their essential counterpart. The literary significance of using proverbs in poetry lies in the sense of authenticity they impart to poetic expression, making it more credible and convincing to readers. Moreover, they condense meaning and render poetry more accessible and widely understood. For these reasons, both proverbs and proverbial expression constitute important areas of literary research, and scholars have conducted studies on them. However, their use in the poetry collection Unity Hymns has not previously been examined, and this article seeks to address that gap.