Przysłowia w „Kazaniach”księdza Romana Skwiercza

What constitutes the subject of this study are over 80 proverbs excerpted from a collection of 26 articles written by Fr. Roman Skwiercz, entitled Nié kòżdą dzurã je letkò zasztopac. These proverbs can be divided into groups (from the most to the least popular): 1) proverbs listed in Kashubian paroemiographic collections and dictionaries, 2) proverbs translated from Polish into Kashubian, 3) proverbs borrowed from the Kashubian literature (A. Labuda and A. Budzisz) and literary allusions to proverbs, 4) proverbs stemming from the Bible, 5) “proverbs” not listed in other paroemiographic collections (they refer to the formula of a proverb in their syntactic and rhythmic structure or in the way in which allegories are built), 6) paroemiologic contaminations and innovations. Genealogical analysis of the collection proves that the living speech of the Kashubians has been “polonised’’. Owing to proverbs and idioms, the language of Skwiercz’s articles is vivid, witty, and dynamic. As well as having the features of a living speech it minimises the distance and influences the listener. Linking folk truths with a current social, political, or moral situation helps build surprising, witty, and accurate punchline. Surprising combinations and re-interpretations provide the speech with swiftness and minimise the importunity of preaching in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church; Fr. R. Skwiercz uses his talents to teach not as a respectable priest but as a Kashubian among Kashubians. Frequent use of proverbs – treasure of the Kashubian language – is a conscious means of persuasion.