![]() The linguist has essentially become a buffer between court officials including the chief and the constituency. For example, if someone wants to ask something of the court priest, they would address their remarks to the linguist who would pass them on and return the reply. Now, the linguist serves as an intermediary between the chief and other court officials including village elders. In the past, it could be said the linguist was similar to our press secretary in America – a faithful defender of the chief’s policies and pronouncements capable of explaining and enriching his words as a palliative to the population. Today, the role of the linguist has changed slightly, but the linguist still remains an important official and adviser to the chief, especially in smaller villages where traditional customs are still maintained and honored. Linguist's staff illustrating the proverb: The boy does not know the lion PRIMITIVE ID# A1200-819 There is one Ashanti proverb that says it all: “There are no bad kings, only bad linguists.” His vast knowledge and wisdom – especially of the wisdom contained in the proverbs – made him an invaluable adviser to the chief, often requiring him to act as diplomat, counselor, legal aid, historian, ambassador, and even military attaché. ![]() However, the Okyeame was much more than a wordsmith or the reciter of little moral snippets. In turn, his primary duty was to recast the chief’s pronouncements in the form of these proverbs, to convey the meaning of the chief’s words in a witty, appealing way so the people would be instructed, informed, educated and entertained. Historically, it was the responsibility of the Okyeame to master all these proverbs, axioms and stories. Each proverb is embedded with the accumulated wisdom of the Ashanti people and collectively they represent the sum of Ashanti wisdom. In particular, proverbs – simple meaningful sentences – played an enormous role in Ashanti culture, where over 3,600 proverbs dealing with all aspects of life and covering just about every human situation and condition exist. Historical accounts, traditions and sayings were all handed down from one generation to the next simply by word of mouth. Because the Ashanti culture did not have its own written language, oral traditions were highly valued and practiced extensively. Akyeame), or linguist, also known as the orator. The duty of addressing the people belonged to the Okyeame (pl. Unlike the present day, where leaders address the people through modern media in the past, Ashanti chiefs never spoke directly to their people. The Ashanti kingdom, located in present day Ghana, consists of a number of smaller chiefdoms each chief with his own royal court and set of dignitaries. It’s rare that people praise the performance of the press secretary - especially these days - but they would upon hearing the artful and eloquent speeches of those who speak on behalf of the Ashanti Kings and Chiefs in West Africa.Īshanti linguist's staff illustrating the proverb: The bird who always travels with cannons and gunpowder PRIMITIVE ID# A1000-158 Every word is calculated, and while humor may weave its way into a presentation, quality is usually measured by clarity and a careful explanation of the motivating factors. ![]() In contrast, in today’s America the press secretary is responsible for explaining the policies of the President and the reasons behind their actions. Back in Roman times, newsreaders read edicts standing on pedestals at busy intersections. It was the job of a spokesperson to get the word out to the people. Yet, think about it historically, how often could the common people listen to their leaders speak? Back when there was no internet, television or radio, could a farmer or merchant even get close enough to hear their king’s words? In fact, most kings and queens didn’t even communicate directly with the public. When the President or any other dignitary stands at a podium and speaks, it’s usually easy to hear. Ashanti linguist's staff illustrating the proverb: Food is for the man who earns it, not for the hungry man PRIMITIVE ID# A1000-155
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