O symbolicznych wizerunkach psa i hieny w kulturze Hausa

Animals, their appearance, characteristics and behaviour play an important role in the shaping of human thinking and perception of the world. The attitude of people towards animals found its reflection in language, which constitutes a crucial component of culture and a key to understanding the philosophy of life. This article is meant to present symbolic meanings of the dog (kare) and the hyena (kura) in Hausa aphorisms and proverbs. These wise sayings serve as a medium for the metaphorical expression of their knowledge, attitudes and values.