techniques for collecting large numbers of proverbs

[Anonymous]

When we try to collect large numbers of proverbs, people can quickly give us a few well-known one, but soon people cannot remember any more. This is largely because people think of proverbs in a context, not in lists.

If anybody has developed any techniques for helping people remember large numbers of proverbs, I'd be grateful.

Pete Unseth

[Anonymous]

Respected Sir,

Memory is dependent on so many factors whether it is related to proverbs or words or objects.

Proverbs should be registered in the LONG TERM MEMORY for them to be recalled easily and the steps to be followed should be tailored to a long term memory acquisition.

First, a proverb is remembered by the individual for him to use it but HOW it is remembered is what matters in its recollection. For example, if a proverb is remembered as a prototype to categorize a contextual action, then, it is difficult for the individual to recollect the proverbs in large numbers for he has to remember them in a thesaurus pattern and there may not be many synonymous proverbs for the same prototype of praxis. Again, the memory gets activated only when a particular category of action is obtained in the context. Therefore, there is a double burden on the memory system: first it has to recall the categorial practice and next the prototypical praxis in the proverb. But such a practice by the missionaries will help them to categorize action and then remember the appropriate action. It will make them analytical and introspective in their preaching.

Second, FREQUENCY in the use of a particular proverb is what gets it entrenched in memory. A conscious use of a proverb is important in a context of its usage. As you might be aware, in the vedanthic tradition, they speak about VASANAS, deep seated impressions in the mind of behaviour. When an action is performed, it leaves its impression in the mind but when it is repeatedly and consciously performed it becomes a strong impression. Such strong impressions are so strong that they activate action without any antecedent or precedent cause. For example, if a man is habituated to be angry, he becomes angry without any conscious effort. He doesn't have to make any effort to become angry: IT RESULTS IN AUTOMATICITY IN BEHAVIOUR.

Third, such AUTOMATICITY in behaviour is obtained by ABHYASA or conscious insightful practice and such practice easily gives strong memory of the action, in our case , proverbs. Frequency and abhyasa are inter-related and inter-connected. The preachers should get habituated to use proverbs regularly in every type of categorial action. My mama does that and proverbs became a part of her grammar just like words. In their construal of reality, they are superimpositionally ( adhyasa) cognized. Every action is interpreted in terms of proverbs and not proverbs in terms of actions. This is what used to be in the ancient times when proverbial usage was abundant.

Fourth, ASSOCIATION of proverbs with events and not the other way round. In such a practice, proverbs are the primary focus of memory and events are secondary. For example, dokin ba ya yaki sanye ' A mated horse is not fit for racing' is a proverb coming under the subject horse and if I remmber the proverb as applied in a context of indisciplined people not making progress, it will be remembered just as I recollected it now.

Fifth, REmembering proverbs by their UNIQUENESS. For example, certain proverbs have beautiful stories (aetiology) behind them and remembering the stories will make the PROVERB-ER remember them. So also catching imagery , humour, etc. also should be focussed upon in order to remember them.

Sixth, memory is dispositionally controlled. It depends on the individual and his liking for inter- actional prototypical cognition of a social praxis. So, if the preachers are trained in the initial stages to look at Biblical Action in terms of proverbial action as and when it fits it, then, they become regulated in the individual's system and be remembered in large numbers.

Seventh, a subjectwise browsing of proverbs from a dictionary will increase the count.

I hope these tips will be of some help to u.

I will write a technical explanation of these features after two months for u if the group is interested.

Yours in Sri Samkara Bhagavatpujyapada's oceanic love

Chilukuri Bhuvaneswar
Moderator
Proverbial Linguistics Group
bhuvaneswarc@yahoo.co.in

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