Whether you realise it, you probably speak in proverbs every day. Phrases like, “Actions speak louder than words,” and “When it rains, it pours” are so common we rarely think about how much meaning is packed into just a few words. Proverbs have been part of a people's tradition and customs since time immemorial. The philosophical language used reflects a people's life, thinking, and environment. The way some Africans think about the world and behave and relate to one another are governed by discourses. Proverbs and popular sayings play a great role in mediating this.

To discuss the significance of Provebs in today’s society, we are now joined by Professor Leketi Makalela, Professor of Language and Literacy Education And Founding Director Of The Hub For Multilingual Education And Literacies, Wits University.