Semantic Contradictions of Some Expressive and Regulatory Proverbs in Tiv

Proverbs are veiy useful instrument among the Tiv people of Benue State. They are used to resolve conflict, teach morals, educate people, emphasise a point made, and give weight to expression. Tiv proverbs cover eveiy aspect of the Tiv life and culture. Proverbial communication is common among aged men. Proverbs are not all straight forward. This inherent contradiction is what this paper explores. The paper therefore analyses the contradiction in philosophy, meaning, intentions and applications of a set of contradictory Tiv -proverbs with the aim of explicating the contradictions - to clarify their meanings and aid usage of such proverbs.