In Yoruba land, recently I discovered that, when a young man, is talking and decided to use a parable to convey or express his message, he will first of all apologies to the elders, before using it.

However, I am not a Yoruba person but I use an adage sometimes to express my self. Hope I am not being insultive? And why is it considered an insult in the first place. I thought using figure of speech, adage, parables, and other related communication expression aids should be seen as a function and display of oratory intelligence. Besides JESUS use it, alot even infront of elders of the Jews and even Literature supports that.

Elders in the Land, over to you Please!

Moderators let this debate hit the front page please.

Apparently they're the only ones allowed to confuse you, you're not allowed to confuse them.
I once used one in the midst of much older men, the place became silent afterwards. they never understood it, and they couldn't ask... Dem still dey avoid me till now, as I no get respect

Even in formal letters, we were taught to avoid the use of some figures of speech as they are deemed impolite.

EmptyGarden:
Apparently they're the only ones allowed to confuse you, you're not allowed to confuse them.
I once used one in the midst of much older men, the place became silent afterwards. they never understood it, and they couldn't ask... Dem still dey avoid me till now, as I no get respect

LordIsaac:
Even in formal letters, we were taught to avoid the use of some figures of speech as they are deemed impolite.

That's when you use them out of context I think, but we are talking of a context based scenario here...

Just be careful about misuse or correctness of the adage. It is a blunder to quote out of context.

Start by acknowledging the source: Swahili proverb says.....

The elders will be happy.

Over to the elders