The Eve-Speaking Peoples

Abstract

Eʋe-speaking peoples, whose folk proverbs or wise sayings constitute the African tree of life on to which 'shoots' from the biblical proverbial tree of life might be 'grafted' are found in Kpando, Hɔhɔe, Ho, Tanyigbe, Adaklu, Peki, Tɔŋu and A;ŋlɔ areas of Southeastern Ghana and in Togo, Agɔme Kpalime, Agɔme Tɔmegbe and neighboring areas, in Benin and parts of the Niger basin. The language and culture of these groups of Eʋe-speaking peoples differ from each other only slightly. After having introduced the Eʋe peoples and the forms, types and characteristics of their folk proverbs, this chapter turns our attention to a discussion and analysis of two of the four major virtues which are the selected trees on to which the 'shoots' from Proverbs can be 'grafted'. The Eʋe folk proverbs, which have been analyzed above, focused on activities and images that promote Diligence and Humility.Keywords: diligence; Eʋe folk proverbs; Eʋe-speaking peoples; humility; Southeastern Ghana