The 38-track compilation uses 'edutainment' to present some of the lesser-known proverbs, with humorous explanations and examples. It represents the marriage of technology and tradition and as Hutchin says, "We no longer have time to sit around grandma's feet to hear about aspects of traditional culture, and so it has to be packaged for maximum reach and for posterity."
Proverbs are part of the mechanism with which most societies interpret their social environment and there are similarities across cultures. Because they often belong to oral culture, there are often versions of the same proverb. While some concepts and structures of Jamaican proverbs were brought to Jamaica by enslaved Africans, and others are adaptations of English proverbs, the vast majority were spawned in Jamaica to reflect the realities of the Jamaican people.
Rural-minded city girl
Joan Andrea prides herself on being a 'rural-minded city girl' and says she loves its when people insist that she attended a school in rural Jamaica, with them. Her interest in the proverbs comes from deep- seated admiration of rural folk, coupled with an acceptance of the beauty of the structure and lexicography of the Jamaican language.
She also credits her parents, Miss Emma and Mas Gladstone, and Miss Lou, who freely shared their proverbs, interweaving them into regular speech. She recalls how much she hated it when her mother had a problem with one of her friends, or something she was doing and would calmly say, "Showman say ... who stay furda, see better," suggesting that she could objectively assess a situation or a person because she was further away. Jamaican Proverbs ... Pretty and Proud is her commitment to preserving the proverbs for her son, nieces, nephews and all the children and adults who have forgotten or never knew the proverbs.
After the release of her first CD of proverbs Hamper of Jamaican Proverbs, a few years ago, her interest was further piqued and she continued her research. She also thanks all the Jamaicans who have come forward to share proverbs they used to hear from their mothers and grandmothers. This she sees as "part of our role as adult Jamaicans in educating the next generation".