Tag Archives: proverb

Patience is a Virtue

Nationality: Iranian- American
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, California
Language: English

Text: Patience is a Virtue.

Context: Informant first heard this proverb, from word of mouth, when they moved to college. Informant, however, does acknowledged hearing some rendition of this proverb from films before hearing it from their mother. Informant was on the phone with their mother complaining about the dynamics of dating in college. When emphasizing their desire to find “the one”, the informant’s mother responded with this proverb. Because this is a commonly discussed topic for the informant and their mother, this phrase is heard at least once a month. Thought the informant finds it annoying, they acknowledge the truth and underlying wisdom of the proverb. They are also aware that their mother has their best intentions in mind, so they recognize the importance of the phrase.

Analysis: Upon having this conversation, I immediately began to consider why the informant described being slightly annoyed by the repetition of this proverb. I, too, agree that it becomes slightly annoying to hear. I think this is likely associated with Gen Z’s desire for instant satisfaction. In almost all aspects of life, such as wealth, romance, and health, Generation Z seeks out the quickest way to achieve results. This proverb dives into the truths of hard work that are so closely tied to older generations. The differences between the ideals and philosophies of these generations is what causes some irritation when hearing this proverb. I believe the ease of access to everything, via the internet, and the instant satisfaction that is provided by this ease, is key to understanding the generational differences in acceptance of this proverb. I am curious to see if aging will revert Gen Z’s beliefs on this proverb, or if technological advancements will continue to widen the gap.

Proverbs of Friendships

Nationality: Korean- American, Indigenous
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, California
Language: English

Text: A Friend to All is a Friend to None

Context: Informant is a diehard Taylor Swift fan who can recognize and recite most of her discography. When asked if they knew any proverbs, informant immediately began thinking of certain lines they have heard in Swift’s music. Informant then recited, in a melodic fashion, “A friend to all is a friend to none,” from Swift’s song Cardigan. Informant describes that this proverb seems too old- fashioned to use in daily speech. However, they do describe the application of its message to daily life. Being a college student, Informant describes how this proverb allows them to understand and stay precautious of relationship dynamics at a large university. The informant describes that their choice to withhold certain information from certain people, being fearful they may tell it to others, it rooted in this proverb.

Analysis: I believe this proverb, and the specific interaction in which it was brought up, offers many insights into the modern distribution of folklore. Music, especially on a mass scale, has the ability to distribute messages to large groups. These folk groups are specific, however, as they are all listeners of the genre. It is also interesting to note that this proverb was recited in a manner very similar to how it was sung in the song. This preservation of oral- tradition may be unique to music, at least in terms of large scale distribution, as the audience canonizes this specific rendition. This proverb, and its non-melodic oicotypes, are likely to become more popular as technology advances because of the modern ease of spreading information. Especially within the youth populations, social media has become a primary means of forming and destroying relationships. As a people, we value trust. Social media has the ability to violate this trust at an unprecedented speed, allowing this proverb to be even more important now than it was in the past.

Spanish Proverb

Nationality: Mexican-American
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Residence: United States
Language: English

Text:

Spanish: “el que se enoja, pierde”

Translation: “The one who gets mad loses”

Context:

“It’s kind of hard to pin point as to when I first heard it. I’ve always known this phrase since I was young. I think my grandpa was the one who taught me this concept since I would often talk back or argue with my siblings. I think the phrase explains that when we become very emotional in any given situation, like being angry, we often don’t think rationally.”

Analysis:

This phrase represents Latin culture, showing the informant’s culture to be considered as hard-workers and diligent in the workforce, which also emphasizes the group’s oichotype. For the literal meaning, the phrase values and favors those who are patient rather than those who let their anger win. The saying also consists of an importance within family values as the informant states that she mostly heard it within family contexts. This relates to the folk as the informant family in addition to their culture with the lore showcasing the idea of patience winning over anger. It’s used in situations of emotions or a battle between favorable and undesirable feelings.

Glass Houses – Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Residence: United States
Language: English

Text:

“People in glass houses should not throw stones.”

Context:

“my dad used this saying a lot when i was little so that’s where i learned it. i think it means to not be hard or talk down to or about others because you probably are just like them in one way or another. and i use it in softball when my teammates talk down about the way someone hits or fields a ball when we all know everyone has had their off days”

Analysis:

The folk group that this proverb is used in seemed to evolve. The informant first learned this saying from their father, which then spread into being used within their softball team, showing the spread of this phrase. The saying itself seems to refer to the idea of being nice to everyone instead of immediately getting upset and “throwing stones” when you yourself might have been in the same situation. It’s purpose is to teach a lesson to other people who may be to focused on their anger and frustration.

You are enough even when you don’t feel like it – Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 22
Occupation: Student & Restaurant Employee
Residence: United States
Language: English

Text:

“You are enough even when you don’t feel like it”

Context:

“I saw a picture of it on TikTok lol. I usually use it to make someone feel better if they are feeling overwhelmed or upset.”

Analysis:

Though coming from social media, the post itself may derive from different authors as it is constantly reposted and changed to become longer or shorter. There’s different variations of this quote, such as the most common “You are enough.” These don’t necessarily have authors, rather they are used as sayings in specific contexts. The informant continues to reuse and recycle this saying, especially in situations to show kindness, showing or saying it to a particular group of those in pain or needing cheering up. Sayings and phrases like these continue to spread and expand among those who are kind-hearted or in situations that require this feeling.