Final answer:
The proverb highlights the role of proverbs in communication as cultural references that convey wisdom and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the proverb, 'Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten,' is the role of proverbs in communication. Proverbs are a form of figurative language that is used to convey meaning in a concise and powerful way. They serve as cultural references that carry wisdom, beliefs, and values of a community or society. In this proverb, the comparison between proverbs and palm-oil emphasizes their importance in the consumption of words and the nourishment they provide to communication.