ilu & whakatauki
Author: Oli Ogbonna
Publisher: OLILEANYA OGBONNA
Published: 2021-05-09
Total Pages: 24
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →This piece is done as part of my quest to train our kids to appreciate the right values using elements in diverse cultures particularly those of my parents (Igbo) and those of tangata whenua (Maori) - the land where we now reside. Parents have a role to train their children. This involves inculcating certain values in the children. Language is a basic tool for communicating concepts and thoughts. Different elements are available in the use of language irrespective of nativity. Proverbs referred to in Te reo as ‘whakatauki’ and in Igbo language as ‘ilu’ are a well-used tool to pass on information. The Igbos have a statement that “Ilu bu mmanu eji eri okwu”. That statement means that proverbs are the sauce used to consume / eat words or discourse. The proverb is set in the context of food (kai) and feeding. While children can be said to learn better with visual communication of the message being passed across, using proverbs helps in passing across an instruction, moral or standard. In this book and the ensuing series, my daughters and I will explore the use of whakatauki, as well as ilu to describe situations and proffer solutions and suggestions. We will look at various whakatauki (ilu / proverbs) and seek to use experiences that children will find easy to identify with.
