Proverbs exist all over the world. Even among people whose mother-tongue does not have a script, proverbs function like laws. This lesson teaches you the characteristics of a proverb, its definition, its functions, the collection and publication of proverbs, the wisdom displayed by their creators, and the relationship between proverbs and tales, riddles and conventional phrases.

Proverbs reveal something about the experiences of the people who create them. There are several synonyms for the word 'proverb' in Tamil. But all the words indicate its antiquity, brevity and its tendency to compare. When elders use these proverbs in their speech, it enhances the effectiveness of their point.

It was Tholkappiar who gave us the first definition of a proverb. According to him, any saying that expresses a profound truth (applicable to a particular situation) clearly, simply and briefly, can be called a proverb. Various scholars have defined the proverb in various ways which agree mostly with the definition given by Tholkappiar.

The first collection of proverbs was "Pazhamozi Naanooru" (400 proverbs) authored by Munturaiaraiyanaar. It was a foreigner who realised the need to collect and publish these proverbs. In 1842, Peter Percival published the book, "Ullathu Ullapadi". This was followed by other books containing more than 20000 proverbs. However, not much research has been done on proverbs.

What are the uses of proverbs? They teach us what to do and what not to do. They warn us about the dangers of life; they ridicule us; sometimes they console us; they were born out of the wisdom acquired through experience. They are a great help to future generations, because they serve to lead us along the right path. Certain phrases, which form a part of a proverb, may be used in isolation in ordinary conversation. There is a close relationship between proverbs and riddles, proverbs and tales. and between proverbs and phrases.

Proverbs are in use even today. They form an essential part of a good speech.