Abstract
Proverbs are normally classified as terse, succinct popular sayings. This study explores how the linguistic features of Akan proverbs contribute to the understanding women’s role and place in society. The aim is to examine and explore traditional portrayals of Akan women. Using the Negofeminism theory, ten Akan proverbs about women are critically examined. The argument is advanced that though the specific contexts that necessitates the use of a particular proverb influences its meaning, a careful scrutiny proves that Akans tend to present women as Negofeminist in some of their popular proverbs. Most of the proverbs can be interpreted as stating and implying the complementary role of the woman.
The conclusion is drawn that such representations of the woman belie the portrayal of the African woman as a beast of burden.