Raising Awareness about Water Issues: The Role of Water Symbolism and Proverbs

doi:10.4236/jwarp.2013.54A006

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Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2013, 5, 34-39

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2013.54A006 Published Online April 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/jwarp)

Raising Awareness about Water Issues: The Role of Water

Symbolism and Proverbs

Joško Sindik1, Yoseph Negusse Araya2

1Department of Mathematical Modelling and Biostatistics, Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia

2Department of Geography, Environment and Development Studies, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK

Email: [email protected]

Received February 5, 2013; revised March 7, 2013; accepted March 20, 2013

tribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is prop-

erly cited.

ABSTRACT

Sustainable water management is one of the global grand challenges of our time. Tackling this challenge through cor-

rective actions would require the participation of the general public, a public with sound awareness of the challenge and

commitment. One such awareness raising intervention could be through the use of water symbolism and proverbs, tar-

geted to particular society. Water has the different symbolism and levels of importance to people, depending of their

personal characteristics and socio-demographic factors (e.g. gender, age, occupation, residence). Similarly, water prov-

erbs can also demonstrate attitudes towards water among communities, ethnic groups and whole nations. Such mean-

ings and symbolism could help determine attitude and be a powerful tool towards education. In this context, we de-

scribe and propose a psychological Health Belief Model (HBM) as a way to explain behaviour and stimulate sustainable

water management practice.

Keywords: Health Behavior; Health Belief Model; Water Proverbs; Water Symbolism; Public Education

1. Introduction

The world faces severe and growing challenges in main-

taining water quality and meeting the rapidly growing

demand for water resources [1]. One of the key chal-

lenges in implementing corrective actions is lack of aware-

ness and capability among the general public [2]. This

calls for targeted and often creative approaches to engage

society. Supporting community actions and intervening

through behavioral change programs have been known to

drive society towards an ecologically sustainable life

style and work practices. Some examples are awareness

in waste prevention, water pollution, climate change and

biodiversity conservation [3]. Therefore educating and

empowering people to become active agents of sustain-

able and equitable development would be an important

step towards a better global future [4]. In this connection,

water education is a key theme of the International Hy-

drological Programme and considered a strategic starting

point in developing a new ethic for water governance and

management [5].

Solving water problems starts with scientific assess-

ment and risk analysis, then with public education and

finally with shaping of appropriate political action [6]. In

addition, to policy makers who are directly involved in

planning water resources development, allocation, and

management, decisions have to be made together with

the rest of the water users: citizens and scientific experts.

In this context, raising awareness about water issues is

thus a main pre-assumption for constructive public par-

ticipation during specific decisions about water man-

agement and water protection.

However, there are many challenges in providing wa-

ter education for sustainable development. In spite of the

wide range of materials and projects focusing on wa-

ter-related education, not infrequently there are short-

comings including: lack of adaptation in offering specific

solutions to individual locations and communities; chal-

lenges in communication targeting, lack of integration

with the wider curriculum and local knowledge; and

weak linkages with locally available professional bodies

[5]. Especially when dealing with indigenous knowledge,

it is to be noted that such water knowledge for example

may have to be modified or rebuilt, or simply accepted.

In this paper, we focus on how meanings of water

(communicated via proverbs and symbolism) can influ-

ence individuals and communities’ behaviour and prac-

tice of water management.

J. SINDIK, Y. N. ARAYA 35

2. Meanings of Water

The meanings of water for certain populations can be

perceived as one of the key factors in raising awareness

about water issues. Water has different levels of impor-

tance for different people, depending on their personal

characteristics, socio-demographic factors, ethnic or com-

munity background. Consequently, one of the main chal-

lenges to change a wide range of undesirable attitudes is

the need to successfully change behaviors [7]. Namely,

attitudes have cognitive, emotional and behavioral com-

ponent and a key target for raising awareness can be be-

havioral change. Changed behavior can then lead people

to better and more constructive public participation.

One way on how to change behaviors of certain popu-

lation, discussed in this article is, adapting a model called

Health Belief Model [8]. This model, imported from

health psychology can be used in attempts to change de-

structive water behavior, as well as to promote responsi-

ble public participation. But prior to this, a background

discussion on water symbolism and proverbs is provided

as follows.

2.1. Symbolism of Water

Identification of differences in the perception of sym-

bolic values of water to various people, can lead us to get

better insight why the term “water” has different mean-

ing to each individual. Certain individuals are inclined to

appreciate and care about the value of fresh water, while

the others can only watch water issues at a distance,

symbolically [9].

A study was performed to explore the differences and

correlates among different symbolic values of water and

selected demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

The snowball sample (N = 137) of people in Croatia was

examined, using preliminary list of 40 possible symbolic

meanings of water. Subjects then had to show how much

certain symbolism of water is characteristically important

to them. The results of principal component analysis

(PCA) with varimax rotation showed the existence of

three latent dimensions that best represent three symbolic

values of water drawn out from the preliminary list

namely, abstract, concrete and identity value. Abstra c t

values of water were described as very global ontological,

mythological and religious meanings. Concrete values of

water were described as dominantly associations that

were directly linked with fresh water and its practical use,

challenges, dangers, opportunities. The third latent di-

mension was the most interesting. This, so-called identity

value of water represents the symbolism of national and

regional affiliation, together with astrological meaning of

water that was probably linked with personal identity.

Correlations were then undertaken between latent di-

mensions (symbolic meanings of water) and certain vari-

ables: age, work experience and education level. Only

small numbers of statistically significant correlations

were found: e.g. positive statistically significant correla-

tions showed that abstract values of water are more fre-

quent with older subjects having longer work experience.

On the latent dimensions of symbolic meanings of water,

very small numbers of statistically significant differences

were found according to participants’ gender, type of the

profession and regional affiliation. Abstract meanings of

water were more significant for women, while the sym-

bolic meanings of water as identity were more significant

for e.g. to participants born near the sea [9]. The Appen-

dix provides list of water terms used and summary of

statistical analyses.

2.2. Water Proverbs

One of the distinctive features of human society is pos-

session of “culture” i.e. a developed sense of knowledge,

beliefs and expectations which is shared and inherited at

various levels of their social organization. One such ma-

nifestation is the existence of vast amount of cultural

references, through customs, religion, and folklore. Pro-

verbs are a most common example of this oral culture.

Simply defined a proverb means “a short sentence,

usually in a figurative expression, expressing well known

truths, social norms, or moral themes in common use by

a society or social group” [10]. Many proverbs are rooted

in a country’s ancient cultural heritage or religion, while

others may have literary origin, as used by famous peo-

ple, or may stem from memorable incidents in the past.

Proverbs are an essential part of the oral culture of a

society, and are frequently used to define the environ-

ment and experiences of a particular society. As water,

influences all aspects of life, it is a frequent subject of

proverbs and can be found in many cultures.

The existence of similar kinds of proverbs in different

languages suggests that some conceptions of intelligence

and reasonable behaviour are to some degree universal

[11]. Thus sharing proverbs between different cultures

will also help in developing some degree of universal

appreciation and awareness towards “super culture” and

help in building cross-cultural dialogue for peace and

security, as mentioned in UNESCO’s Universal Declara-

tion of Cultural Diversity, 2001.

In this context, 517 proverbs across 104 different lan-

guages and cultures containing the term “water” were

examined from an online database [12]. This database is

the most complete available and concurs with public col-

lections made previously by the author (YNA) [13].

The proverbs were then analysed by considering the

key water theme (metaphorically or otherwise) they are

addressing [14]. This approach had proven to be useful,

when comparing across cultures in the past.

J. SINDIK, Y. N. ARAYA

The investigation results showed incidences of fre-

quently encountered proverbs from many languages but

across two themes. The first one dealt with the impor-

tance of protecting water resources. In this context, the

most common proverb noted “Do not spit in to a well

which you may drink later”. The second theme was, on

the importance of using the water one has wisely, as ex-

emplified with the proverb “We only appreciate the value

of water, when the well is dry”.

Overall, such universal themes indicate, the impor-

tance of water management across cultures. Moreover,

coupled with appreciation to one’s own cultural heritage,

they could be powerful vehicles to carry wise water

management messages to their respective communities.

3. From Health Belief Model to Water Belief

Model?

Health Belief Model (HBM) has been previously used in

attempts to explain and predict health behaviors: through

focus on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals about

health [15]. Although it was originally developed in re-

sponse to the failure of a free tuberculosis health screen-

ing program [8], it has since been used for sexual risk

behaviours and HIV/AIDS pandemics. Through this arti-

cle, we suggest HBM can also be applied in water educa-

tion for the purpose of raising environmental awareness.

An example of the core assumptions and statements of

HBM, as applied to water issues are shown in see Table

For practical application purposes, the HBM could fur-

ther be described in terms constructs representing the

perceived threats and benefits: perceived susceptibility,

perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived

barriers. Further two concepts building on the above

readiness to act i.e. cues to action (cues activate readi-

ness for action and stimulate overt behavior); and self-

efficacy (i.e. confidence of the individual that he/she has

the ability to successfully perform a better action) could

extend the models application [8]. Table 2 describes

these, as applied to the water health model.

4. Conclusion

The studies in this show that water proverbs and symbol-

ism can give insight into societal attitudes towards water.

As part of this, they could raise awareness via behavioral

change, stimulating more constructive and responsible

behavior toward topical water management issues. As

such they could point towards an important potential

Table 1. Health belief model and water belief model depiction on when a person undertakes a respective action.

Health Belief Model Water Belief Model

feels that a negative health condition (i.e., HIV) can be avoided feels that a negative water condition (i.e. scarcity of drinking water) can be

avoided

has a positive expectation that by taking a recommended action, he/she

will avoid a negative health condition (i.e., using condoms will be

effective at preventing HIV)

has a positive expectation that by taking a recommended action, he/she will

avoid a negative water condition (i.e. fresh water will be sufficiently

available for drinking)

believes that he/she can successfully take a recommended health action

(i.e., he/she can use condoms comfortably and with confidence)

believes that he/she can successfully take a recommended water action (i.e.

he/she will use water saving techniques to ensure scarcity of drinking water

at home)

Table 2. Application to water belief model from constructs of health belief model (adapted from [16]).

Concept Definition Application in water issues

Perceived Susceptibility One’s opinion of chances of getting a condition

Define population(s) at risk, risk levels; personalized risk based on

a person’s features or behavior; heighten perceived susceptibility

if too low

Perceived Severity One’s opinion of how serious a condition and

its consequences are

Specify consequences of the water risk and the current (perceived)

condition

Perceived Benefits One’s belief in the efficacy of the advised action to

reduce risk or seriousness of impact

Define what action has to be taken by an individual, how, where and

when; clarify the positive effects to be expected

Perceived Barriers One’s opinion of the tangible and psychological

costs of the advised action

Identify and reduce barriers through reassurance, incentives,

assistance

Cues to Action Strategies to activate “readiness” Provide how—to information, promote awareness, and invent

reminders

Self-Efficacy Confidence in one’s ability to take action Provide training, guidance in performing action.

J. SINDIK, Y. N. ARAYA 37

where as part of an education exercise, they could con-

tribute to conservation endeavours. To this end the at-

tempt to translate an established Health Belief Model

into a practical Water Belief Model, with potential ap-

plications is recommended.

REFERENCES

[1] UNESCO, “World Water Development Report: Manag-

ing Water Uncertainty and Risk,” 2012.

[2] Y. N. Araya and V. Kabakian, “Young Peoples Involve-

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2004, pp. 603-609.

doi:10.1016/j.futures.2003.10.010

[3] Environment Directorate “Environmental Awareness Stra-

tegy 2010-2015,” Cork County Council, 2010.

http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/pdf/828098920.pdf

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Journal of Applied Environmental Education and Com-

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doi:10.1080/15330150601059522

[5] IHP, “Water Education for Sustainable Development,”

UNESCO, International Hydrological Programme (IHP)

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ment,” Saunders College Publishing, Orlando, 1993.

[7] M. Stead, R. Gordon, I. Holme, C. Moodie, G. Hastings

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[9] J. Sindik, “How Do Different People Perceive Symbolic

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[10] W. Mieder, “Popular Views of the Proverb,” De Prover-

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[11] R. W. Gibbs Jr. “Proverbial Themes We Live by,” Poet-

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[12] Anon, “Inspirational Proverbs, Quotes, Sayings,” 2013.

http://www.inspirationalstories.com/proverbs/t/on-water/

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http://webworld.unesco.org/water/wwd2006/world_views

/water_language.shtml

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J. SINDIK, Y. N. ARAYA

Appendix

Table 1. The water symbolism list: descriptive characteristics for the list of symbolic associations about water.

Water Symbolism List Mean Std. Deviation

astrologic symbolism 2.167 1.295

swimming pool 4.575 0.798

disease 2.007 1.033

inherent part of everything 3.807 1.181

geometric body 1.353 0.821

global warming 3.672 1.102

intimate relationship 2.007 1.078

source of the life 4.397 0.998

equality of the nations 1.779 1.107

chaos 1.850 1.111

cosmic energy 2.180 1.308

creative principle 2.096 1.145

wisdom 2.178 1.298

national borderlines 2.541 1.252

national identity 2.133 1.171

irrigation 4.522 0.915

non-differentiated 2.684 1.370

lack 3.415 1.242

abundance 3.135

1.386

memory 1.809 1.139

tide 4.711 0.679

beginning of the world 3.328 1.279

concept of a number 1.419 0.794

agriculture 3.706 1.005

overflow 4.511 0.945

predominance 2.162 1.175

transition of life 2.059 1.258

cleaning power 3.588 1.232

regional identity 2.368 1.298

birth 2.919 1.344

self-recovery 2.918

1.472

memory 2.448 1.284

starting power 3.588 1.226

spirituality 2.348 1.318

hygiene resources 4.459 0.944

fear 2.066 1.224

universe 2.143 1.116

fundamental component 4.304 1.046

vibrations 2.194 1.166

water for drinking 4.888 0.501

contaminated 3.676 1.154

life energy 3.567 1.259

knowledge 1.919 1.072

The highest values of means are observed in associations

connected with water for drinking, tides and the swim-

ming pool. The highest variations among participants are

found in associations connected with self-recovery and

abundance.

J. SINDIK, Y. N. ARAYA 39

Table 2. Pearson’s correlations between the dimensions of symbolic meanings of water and socio-demographic variables.

Variables education level work experience age abstract meaning identity meaning concrete meaning

education level 1

work experience −0.12 1

age −0.01 0.93** 1

abstract meaning 0.01 0.26** 0.24** 1

identity meaning 0.06 0.14 0.11 −0.01 1

concrete meaning −0.26** 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.04 1

**Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed); *Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

All the three symbolic meanings of water are not sig-

nificantly inter-correlated, an unavoidable consequence

of using Principal Component method for extracting the

latent dimensions of the Water Symbolism List (WSL).

Among the cross-correlations between the dimensions of

symbolic meanings of water and socio-demographic vari-

ables, all statistically significant correlations are very low.

Positive correlations are found between abstract meaning

of water and subjects’ age and their work experience,

while a negative one is found between concrete meaning

of water and subjects’ education level.