Compilation of Proverbs
Forgiveness is the best revenge....
By Bipul K Debnath
Proverbs, an important part of any culture, are brief expressions of truth in a particular language. They are used largely in daily communication. They are often rhythmic, poetic and capable of articulating the thoughts of the speaker powerfully. A proverb, originating from the Latin word proverbium, may come into use only after an incident has occurred time and again, for a long time.
We have an infinite number of proverbs in our Bangla language and culture, and similarly, there are countless proverbs in the English language and culture. Bound in a figurative nature-covered edition, Bangla-English Proverbs, written both in Bangla and English by Dipak Kumar Karmaker, takes a self-challenging insight into the most defining collection of proverbs. It not only explores the informative boost of the proverb, but also brings its many explanations thereby, providing readers with an honest comprehension that responds and answers simultaneously.
For Karmaker, the term proverb goes beyond its physical presence, and presents itself as a pinching reminder of the usages of proverbs and their implementation in a particular language, such as--That penny is well spent that saves a groat; Trouble brings experience and experience brings wisdom; Custom makes all things easy; The cat would eat fish and would not wet its feet; Procrastination is the thief of time; Experience is the mother of wisdom-- and so on.
Proverbs are designated as moral and applied frequently in daily life. It is, thus, a very interesting book that entraps the reader from the fascinating beginning till the final pages, retelling the proverbs unknown to many and providing those with keen interest a vivid collection with explanations, which can help them make their speech more pleasant and meaningful.
Yet, it does not stop there. Karmaker takes his passion a step forward by adding the facts to references, and shares a glossary of proverbs both in Bangla and English languages. Compiling proverbs and ethical sentences from The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs--Rosalind Fergusson, Proverbs-- Martin H Manser, Bachon O Probachon-- Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Bangla Probad Porichiti--Mohammad Hanif Pathan, Bangla-English Proverbs stands as a significant reference to the most important proverbs of both languages. The book also combines a portfolio of family proverbs.
A short description about the book is written on the back flap by the writer which not only elaborates his intention behind producing such a book, but also explains the importance of proverbs, whereby language lovers and users are to be benefitted. In most cases, books on proverbs presently available in the market fall short of the expected standard, in respect to both information and intellect.
The books most inspired aspect is the fact that it provides a gripping and refreshing perspective into how language users can complete their communication. Needless to say, a proverb is an ornament of languages, and Bangla-English Proverbs is a fascinating set of ornaments about the proverb. At a time when the proverb is re-finding its place as a fruitful communication form, the book stands as the best collection and is, unquestionably, a must read for those seeking to explore bits of wisdom. It will also encourage young writers to make further research on the subject.
The writer is a Masters student of English at Dhaka College.
