46
What the old know, even fairies do not
Textbook: Part 3, pp. 54–57
GoalUnderstand the proverb “Qari bilganni pari bilmas”; show the link between a tale and a proverb; respect the elderly.
New words
old man · qariyawisdom · hikmatexperience · tajribarespect · hurmat
Explanation
The textbook gives the Uzbek folk tale “Qari bilganni pari bilmas” (Even a fairy does not know what an old person knows). The author of a folk tale is unknown: it has been told orally from generation to generation. We do not retell it; we only say that its theme is respect for the elderly and the value of their life experience. The proverb means that an older person has seen much, so their advice is useful. A tale often shows a proverb’s meaning through events. Below we read our own text and decide how it matches the proverb.
Worked examples
Text “Looking for a spring”. A shepherd boy lost his way at the foot of a mountain and could not find water. He met an old man and asked him for help. The old man said: “Look for a low place where willows grow; willows grow where there is water.” From a hill the boy saw green willows below, went there and found a small spring. He thanked the old man and also brought him some water. After that the boy made a habit of listening to elders.
The text fits the proverb: the old man’s experience saved the boy.
Class activity
“An elder’s advice”: each child tells one piece of advice received from an older person and explains its use.
Practice
1
Why did the boy turn to the old man?
He could not find water.
2
What advice did the old man give?
To look for a low place where willows grow
3
What did the boy find?
A small spring
4
Why is the author of a folk tale unknown?
It was passed on orally.
5
State the meaning of the proverb.
An old person’s experience is valuable.