Weekly African Proverbs
from MISNA and Other Sources

2007 [March | February | January]

1999 [ December | November | October | September | August ]

MISNA stands for Missionary Service News Agency and is a press agency specialized in news, detailed accounts and reportage on political, economic, social, religious and cultural aspects of the World's South. This website is based in Rome, Italy.

Mar., 2007

Mar 6, 2006 Proverbs of the Nkundo-Mongo Tribes in Belgian Congo (Zaire)

Wilma S. Jaggard Hobgood

Department of Africa, Division of Overseas Ministries

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

222 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219

Copyrights and Permissions: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) permits free reproduction of the work for private use or for sale. Extracts or printouts of the electronic version may be reproduced freely.

Bonolu atanga bofaya ok'ise nk'okwala!

* English: The child considers his father's GUEST only a slave!

Mbole (bolili) aobunga nyang'elongi.

* English: The pointed red fruit of the "bosoombo" was confused as to (which plant near the root from which it sprang was) its mother.

Oboz'ekucu;:botamba,--likuju aoy'obw'a ntaka!

* English: The one who broke the GOURD was the tree:--the abdomen is beaten with blows (of the excited hands of the carrier of the water gourd.)

Esongo aol'ekucu:--ofel'olaka lae?

* English: The snag broke the GOURD:--why scold the resin (used for mending it)?

Amby'ofel'ekae:--bokw'onko bobe.

* English: Stop finding fault with the GREENS:--that salt (used for seasoning is) bad.

Jan., 2007

Jan. 24, 2007 Umbundu Proverbs, Angola

W.H. Sanders

West Central Africa Mission

1914

Umbundu: Epungu liwa konendela; omola sole kununulu.

* English: Early corn is best, so the firstborn is the one to delight in.

Umbundu: Esalamiho liulume ka li enda enda no posi.

* English: Labor has sure reward.

Umbundu: Esunju halonyoha, ociluli halongue.

* English: Do not imagine that pleasure and blessedness inhere in having to do with dangerous, unholy things. If you tuloka lolongue you will one day be eaten. If you go to whites and borrow, do not imagine yourself fortunate. You are playing with fire, (ka li ka kala polu sango olonyohasi).

Umbundu: Etako lia muine omangu, utima ka wa muine omangu.

* English: Body is easily satisfied but not the heart.

Umbundu: Eteke limosi li fa onjamba, ka li voli onjamba.

* English: There is no hurry about the matter in hand.

Umbundu: Eteke liocilunga oku iya lomue wivaluka oku lia.

* English: In the larger affairs the minor are forgotten.

Dec., 2006

Dec. 12, 2006 Kisubi Proverbs-Northwest Tanzania along the borders of Tanzania-Rwanda. by Nd Joseph Luba Nkumbulwa and Rev. Max Tertraos, Miss. of Africa. Sukoma Research Committee of Cultural Center of Bujora (Museum)

Kisubi: Omwakitini ni bhaseka kimanzi ni balika.

* Kiswahili: Asiyeogopa daima, hupata makubwa.

* English: They never don't worry, so they get troubles.

* Meaning: Young people , in these days dont agree any remonstrance coming from their elders neither to take in account their old age; they rush into all kinds of stupidity without prudence.

Kisubi: Oyagoilwe tasigwa omulogi

* Kiswahili: Ukiwa na mukosi, kila ulifanyalo hufanyikishi.

* English: You used to be a good luck., you always succeed!

* Meaning: Everybody has his good luck' but someone uses missing their aims. Finally they move in sourness and suspect everybody of sorcery.

Kisubi: Kuloga muno uzile enkelemeke koluleka.

* Kiswahili: Ukiwa mwovu siku moja, uovu wako utafumbuliwa kwa kito kidogo tu.

* English: You can be a crook once upon a time, but wait a bit, they will catch your hand in the bag. If you are really a thief, your gultiness will be multiplied by 40.

Kisubi: Lulaiha turusumba mgesi.

* Kiswahili: Hata ukiwa mrefu, mwenye madarakaau mwenye mali huwezi kushinda kifo.

* English: You can be a star, but one day, you will encounter your death.

* Meaning: Don't praise yourself if you excel in many things. First you will depise others but not the day of your death.

Kisubi: Enkoni etile mkadhalo nagahale.

* Kiswahili: Fimbo iliyopiga mke mwenziyo, uitupe mbali.

* English: You dared to use a whipcord on your wife. Better to throw it away.

* Meaning: You wife was guilty today and you have been so severe. But we never know, tomorrow it can be your time to be corrected harshly.

Nov., 2006

Nov. 3, 2006 Proverbs of the Nkundo-Mongo Tribes in Belgian Congo (Zaire)

Wilma S. Jaggard Hobgood

Department of Africa, Division of Overseas Ministries

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

222 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219

Mbole (bolili) aobunga nyang'elongi.

*Explanation: The pointed red fruit of the "bosoombo" was confused as to (which plant near the root from which it sprang was) its mother.

Oboz'ekucu;:botamba,--likuju aoy'obw'a ntaka!

*Explanation: The one who broke the GOURD was the tree:--the abdomen is beaten with blows (of the excited hands of the carrier of the water gourd.)

Esongo aol'ekucu:--ofel'olaka lae?

*Explanation: The snag broke the GOURD:--why scold the resin (used for mending it)?

Amby'ofel'ekae:--bokw'onko bobe.

*Explanation: Stop finding fault with the GREENS:--that salt (used for seasoning is) bad.

Bonolu atanga bofaya ok'ise nk'okwala!

*Explanation: The child considers his father's GUEST only a slave!

Oct., 2006

Oct. 2, 2006 African Proverbs: Guide to Conduct

(The Moral Value of Ewe Proverbs)

N. K. Dzobo

Department of Education

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast, Ghana

Baþa medoa kalê ha ða o.

* Literal Translation: 'A cripple does not start a war song'.

* Explanation: Usually when war songs are sung they arouse a fighting spirit in men or arouse them to do some daring deeds; thus the leader of the song must be strong enough to take part in any war-like activity that may follow the singing. A cripple can lead a war song but cannot take part in the war-like activities that mav follow from it and this will expose his infirmity.

* Moral Teaching: 'A Cripple starting a war song means a person who claims certain qualities that he does not have and such people's empty claims are exposed in due time. This proverb is, therefore, a warning against empty boasting and recommending the virtue of humility.

ÚutÇtrÇ ñue wotrÇa ýeðuðu ðo

* Literal Translation: 'You change your steps according to the change in the rhythm of the drum'.

* Explanation: During the course of drumming and dancing the rhythm of the leading drum causes the steps of the dancers to change.

* Moral Teaching: Adapt yourself and your conduct to changing circumstances and do not be unreasonably rigid in your thinking and behaviour.

Detsi vivi ye hea zikpui.

* Literal Translation: 'Tasty soup (meal) draws seats (people) to itself'.

* Explanation: Ewes like tasty and good smelling and spicy soup and so when a tasty meal is prepared it becomes inviting to people.

* Moral Teaching: Good behaviour does not have to be advertised, because it is good for its own sake. Good behaviour is never denied a due social recognition and so it pays to be good.

Du sia du kple efe koklokoko.

*Literal Translation: 'Every country with its way of dressing a chicken'.

*Moral Teaching: The fact that people in different towns or localities kill and dress chickens differently is used to teach the general truth that people in different countries do things differently. For this reason, whenever you go to a foreign country or go into a new community take time to learn their ways of behaviour and adjust your behaviour accordingly.

Dua ðe me gbede úuyÇvi wòzuna le du bubu me.

* Literal Translation: 'The blacksmith in one village becomes a blacksmith's apprentice in another'.

* Moral Teaching: As there are different grades of skills and they are relative to individuals and localities so social status is relative, and so if you go to another country or join another community learn to assess your relative status and behave yourself according to your new status. Do not take your knowledge and status for granted when you are in a new situation, but be prepared to re-evaluate them and let your new estimation of your status guide your conduct.

Sep., 2006

Sep. 21, 2006 LUGBARA WISDOM

Albert Dalfovo

African Proverbs Series, Volume 3

Series Editor, John S. Mbiti

Professor A. T. Dalfovo is Head of the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University, which he joined in 1973. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy (Makerere, Kampala) and a Ph.D. in sociology (Brunel, London). His interest in Lugbara culture began in 1960 and has never abated. Among his publications: The Foundations of Social Life: Ugandan Philosophical Studies, Washington 1992; Lugbara Proverbs, Rome 1990; "Lugbara Personal Names and Their Relation to Religion" and "Lugbara Proverbs and Ethics" in Anthropos.

Lugbara (Uganda) Wisdom

Ayia nduri ozuku fi ni.

*A different mother is the intestine of the porcupine.

*Explanation:The intestine of a porcupine is bitter. Likewise a stepmother: she tends to be harsh with the family children who are not her offspring.

A'i-azi ni a'ya 'ipi.

*A co-wife is the owner of jealousy.

*Explanation: The jealousy among co-wives is so visible and frequent that it may be regarded as their characteristic.

A'i-azi pi edre okaru.

* The tongue of co-wives is bitter.

* Explanation: Co-wives tend to use sour, offensive words among themselves.

A'i-azi ti mbili ru.

* The lips of co-wives are pointed

* Explanation: The language of co-wives, particularly among themselves, is quite often caustic.

A'i-azi ti ci, agalio ti ci dri ku.

* Co-wives are talkative, weaver-birds are not talkative.

* Explanation: The incessant twittering of weaver-birds vanishes when compared to the talking of co-wives.

Aug., 2006

Aug. 24, 2006 From 100 Chagga Sayings (Tanzania) compiled by Michael Mushi (May 2005).

Kichagga: Aikuwia shinga ni ulya ovo/Eekuvia shinga nyi ulya opfo/Ekuvia shinga nu uya wavo

* Kiswahili: Akuambiaye funga ni yule wako

* English: Who tells you too close is yours

Kichagga: Andu harinio mono o mangi, hairinio o ngwera/Handu harinio mono mangi, herinio o ngora/Handu hetairia mwana wa mangi hetairia mwana wa ngwera

* Kiswahili: Mahali ambapo hutairiwa mtoto wa mfalme, patatairiwa wa maskini

* English: A place where a king's child is circumcised, there will a poor man's also be circumcised

KIchagga: A nkilyi kora ivo mcharenyi, kochaakia ivo mraraonyi?/An kiilyi oora ipfo mchareny, kocheakiya ipfo mraraony?/Nikih wata chamba cha maru a mshare kwaenda chamba cha maru a mtoto.

* Kiswahili: Kwa nini umeacha shamba la ndizi mshale (za kupika), ukaingia katika shamba la ndizi za mrarao? (za kuivisha)

* English: Why did you pass the plantain garden and enter into the bananas garden?

KIchagga: Ifumafuma ndeo na iramiya mmao/Ifumafuma nyi auyo na iramiya nyi wamoo/Iduka duka ni auyavo itamia handu hami ni mayo.

* Kiswahili: Kutokatoka ni baba yako na kukaa mahali pamajoa ni mama yako.

* English: To go out often is your father and to sit in one place is your mother.

Kichagga: Ikapo riso niura hgao/Ikapo risso nyiura ngao/Kwa kabwa iriso yekematia iula ngao

* Kiswahili:Kupigwa kwenye jicho ni kununua ngao

* English: To be injured in the eye is to procure protection.

Jul., 2006

Jul. 09, 2006

From 198 Proverbs of Kishubi Language North-West Tanzania along the borders of Tanzania-Rwanda by Nd. Joseph Nkumbulwa and Rev. Max Tertrais, Miss. of Africa. Sukuma Research Committee of Cultural Center, Bujora Museum, Box 76, Mwanza, Tanzania.

Ulugo gumusazi luvfa mkitondo
* Kiswahili: Mtu mjinga hutoa maamuzi wakati wowote bila kufikiria huo uamuzi wake, huweza kuacha kazi bila kuwa na kosa lolote.
* English: If you are not responsible of the work, anyway when you talk of it, it is like nothing; so if you leave, nobody will see your mistake.
* Meaning: Responsibility gives you duties and infractions.

Umtajiri ntagira umsozi
* Kiswahili: Mtajiri, hana, mlima.
* Maelezo: Mtu tajiri anao uwezo wak kufanya atakalo, hata la kuwanyanyasa maskini. Huwaa mwepesi hutoa rushwas, na huyakabili matatizo kwa uraisi.
* English: If you are rich, you are out of many problems whih are the lot of the majority of your fellow companions. You will be the first to use money and corruption to reach your own aim.
* Explanation: Itis so difficult for the richest to remain honest. Money multiplies your power in action and projects.

* Kiswahili: Maneno yaho hayaendi mbali kama pombe.
* Maelezo: Pombe, kama kaikuifaa vizuri wanywaji, hawainunui. Kutoa maneno au mawazo kwa watu yasiyofaa, wat huyapuuza. Pombe haina faida.
* English: You speech died like beer.
* Explanation: Beer doesn't bring profit to drinkers. To talk with people who don't pay attention it is like a flood. Speeches run, but writings will stay.

Kukarabila inyuma nkisazi.
* Kiswahili: Kunawia nyuma kama inzi.
* Maelezo: Unafanya kazi isiyo na faida, kwa mfano umelima na kuvuna, hamuna.
* English: The fly, after annoying you, washes her hands. You cultivate in vain. No harvest.

Ingoma ya abhana ivfa ningoga
* Kiswahili: Ngoma ya watoto inakufa ghafula
* Maelezo: Watoto wanapocheza husambaa bila mwafaka. Kufanya kazi ya zaidi wa nmoja lakini munaachana bila kujadili.
* Engish: Children play with drums and spread in no time.
* Meaning: People who are not mature begin any enterprise but they can't go on seriously, they abandon.
* Meaning: People who are not mature begin any enterprise but they can't go on seriously, they abandon.

Jul 02, 2006

KIshubi: Huta-huta uvyala umwana mubwisi
* Kiswahili: Uharaka haraka uzaa mtoto mchanga
* English: Any work you have to do, don't go so quickly without reflection, othewise your work will be swrong. Discern with attention, it will be right.

Kishubi: Impene ivyala umgabho wayo
* Kiswahili: Mbuzi huzaa bwana wake
* English: The goat could give birth to her husband
* Meaning: There are beaviors which are very bestial. Human beings cannot follow the animals who have no reflection (thought process).

Kishubi: Ikanga ntivyala kubhugenyi
* Kiswahili: Kanga hazai ugenini
* English: The partridge doesn't give birth far away from his won.
* Meaning: You will be at ease only in your own home.

Kishubi: Inka yu-nwiki btuvtaka * Kiswahili: Ngombe wa maskini hazai
* English: The cow of a poor doesn't let profit
* Meaning: If you are not one of the rich, your opinion will never be received or used.

Kishubi: Wavyaliwe munzara
* Kiswahili: Umezaliwa kwenye njaa
* English: IF you are counted among the members of the famly, there will be no part for you in the food.
* Meaning: People put distinctions between you and the neighbors. Withouat a special invitation, you are not.

Apr., 2006

Apr 02, 2006

The pointed red fruit of the "bosoombo" was confused as to (which plant near the root from which it sprang was) its mother.
Mbole (bolili) aobunga nyang'elongi.

The one who broke the GOURD was the tree:--the abdomen is beaten with blows (of the excited hands of the carrier of the water gourd.)
Oboz'ekucu;:botamba,--likuju aoy'obw'a ntaka!

The snag broke the GOURD:--why scold the resin (used for mending it)?
Esongo aol'ekucu:--ofel'olaka lae?

Stop finding fault with the GREENS:--that salt (used for seasoning is) bad.
Amby'ofel'ekae:--bokw'onko bobe.

The child considers his father's GUEST only a slave!
Bonolu atanga bofaya ok'ise nk'okwala!

Mar., 2006

Mar 26, 2006	Proverbs of the Nkundo-Mongo Tribes in Belgian Congo (Zaire) Wilma S. Jaggard Hobgood Department of Africa, Division of Overseas Ministries Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 222 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 Moonlight does not (enable one to) see (to gather) RAFFIA Weji ntenaka mpeka. The SALT (we have for seasoning) the chicken is insufficient, and you (go and) kill a goat (besides)! Bokwa wa nsoso bofokoke k'ooma nta! The tiny antelope is smearing his fur with SOOT; the elephant says, "Give me some, to scatter (over my body)." The antelope replies: "(But I must refuse) lest the soot be finished (without helping either of us)." Mboloko abis'eliyo; njoku te: "Onka emi,--mpatangai." Mboloko te: "Beliyo befosile." The foolish little ANTELOPE cut firewood for the leopard. Mboloko ea bolole,--ebunekeji nkoi nkuni. The small spotted wild CAT mistook the leopard for a relative! Bowane aotanga nkoi eoto!
Mar 19, 2006	Proverbs of the Nkundo-Mongo Tribes in Belgian Congo (Zaire) Wilma S. Jaggard Hobgood Department of Africa, Division of Overseas Ministries Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 222 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 An ANTELOPE wouldn't be strong enough to carry the tusks an elephant bears. Nboloko afaikusa bionjo becw'a njoku. A small (person's) BACK can not carry (a heavy basket of) supplies (for camping);--it is only strong enough to carry a wee basket. Ikokongo afactomba mbengo:--ikoka l'ifofole kika. One does not set out for a hunting CAMP with bananas (only). Ntacwaka ifele l'anko. FIRE can soften iron. Tsa ifotekya loolo. The beauty of moonlight won't (enable one to) pick up CATERPILLARS.--(OR: --a needle.) Lituk'a weji ntambolaka mpifiji. (---ntonga.)
Mar 11, 2006	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language) J.G. Christaller Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. Still in print. * If you have some food in your mouth, and you are roasting something, it becomes well roasted. * There is something better somewhere. * If something doesn't please you, it makes everything else bitter to you. * If someone is going to prepare really good food for you, he gives you "ampesi" - boiled yam first. * If someone's corn planted in the second rainy season does not grow well, no one passes through it with a destructive amulet on his feet. * If someone curses you saying, "Let him die", it is not as painful as saying, "Let him become poor." * If someone makes a comforting charm for you and later only besmears your mouth with mere words to make things turn out well, he has not really helped you at all. * One man's curse is another man's fortune. * One man's enemy is another man's friend. * However rich a man is, it is not right to plunder his things with big pans.
Mar 04, 2006	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language) J.G. Christaller Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. Still in print * The old woman looks after her hens and the hens look after the old woman. * When an old woman goes to fetch water she will return, but we want someone who will return quickly with the water. * If the old lady knows so much, let her make her own fence. (If the old lady is quarrelsome, she makes her own fence.) * Old woman, if you are quarrelsome, make your own fence! * The old lady doesn't wear properly the rag that is tied about one's chest when mourning for a close relative. * The old woman's meat is vegetables. * If you collect peppers one by one, the plant grows well; but if you break the stem, it dies. * Grumbling causes the slave to be sold. * Misfortunes do not have set times for coming. * Misfortunes do not come only to slaves.

Dec., 2005

Dec 25, 2005

Proverbs of the Nkundo-Mongo Tribes in Belgian Congo (Zaire)
Wilma S. Jaggard Hobgood
Department of Africa, Division of Overseas Ministries
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
222 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
Copyrights and Permissions: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) permits free reproduction of the work for private use or for sale. Extracts or printouts of the electronic version may be reproduced freely. The work was also published in Zaire about 1950. The text in Mongo-Nkundu has not been proofread carefully.

Moonlight does not (enable one to) see (to gather) RAFFIA

* Weji ntenaka mpeka.

What suffices for a small project won't do for an enormous project.
The SALT (we have for seasoning) the chicken is insufficient, and you (go and) kill a goat (besides)!

* Bokwa wa nsoso bofokoke k'ooma nta!

The tiny antelope is smearing his fur with SOOT; the elephant says, "Give me some, to scatter (over my body)." The antelope replies: "(But I must refuse) lest the soot be finished (without helping either of us)."

* Mboloko abis'eliyo; njoku te: "Onka emi,--mpatangai." Mboloko te: "Beliyo befosile.

Misjudging as to one entitled to affection, honor, or condemnation:
The foolish little ANTELOPE cut firewood for the leopard.

* Mboloko ea bolole,--ebunekeji nkoi nkuni. R. 188

The small spotted wild CAT mistook the leopard for a relative!

* Bowane aotanga nkoi eoto!

Dec 18, 2005

Tasks or burdens to be borne:
An ANTELOPE wouldn't be strong enough to carry the tusks an elephant bears.

* Nboloko afaikusa bionjo becw'a njoku.

A small (person's) BACK can not carry (a heavy basket of) supplies (for camping);--it is only strong enough to carry a wee basket.

* Ikokongo afactomba mbengo:--ikoka l'ifofole kika.

Suitable food to last during a long period in camp:
One does not set out for a hunting CAMP with bananas (only).

* Ntacwaka ifele l'anko.

Great power is adequate for a hard task.
FIRE can soften iron.

* Tsa ifotekya loolo.

A beautiful, but dim light inadequate at times
The beauty of moonlight won't (enable one to) pick up CATERPILLARS.--(OR: --a needle.)

* Lituk'a weji ntambolaka mpifiji. (---ntonga.)

Dec 11, 2005

Umbundu Proverbs (Angola)
collected and translated by W.H. Sanders
West Central Africa Mission 1914
A.B.C.F.M. [American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions]1914

Cikete wa wunda; Cindimba (fool) wa kuatako yu wa kuata ondalu; o sia okavili konale.
* Appearances are deceitful.

Cimalanga ka ci yoka olondui; avala emuha. (A pongoloka. A sawuka. A sianana).
* Beyond your sphere your importance wanes.

Cimbamba luti wa yonda; omunu lukuavo o yola yola. (Va litavatava.)
* As the ocimbamba seeks the low lying tree so friends gather to the friendly person.

Cimbapo ci li peka; ci li kutima ku cimbipo.
* Useless to warn one who has made up his mind (set his heart on a matter.)

Cimbulumbulu cainusombo wa lepa haye o tine.
* A person of pleasant and agreeable appearance but close and exacting, driver of hard bargains.

Nov., 2005

Nov 27, 2005	Umbundu Proverbs (Angola) collected and translated by W.H. Sanders West Central Africa Mission 1914 A.B.C.F.M. [American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions]1914 Ci sole ukombe ukuafeka kececa. * What the guest would like is what the host is ashamed to offer as not being good enough and the guest is disappointed. Ci sosa ci laveka, ci lula ci lungula. * The sweet allures to excess (and then discomfort); the bitter warns. Ci tokato ci vala ukueka; u o panga onjala o ka kuta. * If heedless of warning it is you who will suffer, not I. Ci tunula ci tunda; ci popia omanu ciyapo. * As that which breaks the soil comes up, so that spoken comes to pass. Ci tununa ka va feni; oku tunda hako ci lete. * Murder will out.
Nov 20, 2005	Umbundu Proverbs (Angola) W.H. Sanders West Central Africa Mission 1914 A.B.C.F.M. [American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions] 1914 Ci sole ukombe ukuafeka kececa. What the guest would like is what the host is ashamed to offer as not being good enough and the guest is disappointed. Ci sosa ci laveka, ci lula ci lungula. The sweet allures to excess (and then discomfort); the bitter warns. Ci tokato ci vala ukueka; u o panga onjala o ka kuta. If heedless of warning it is you who will suffer, not I. Ci tunula ci tunda; ci popia omanu ciyapo. As that which breaks the soil comes up, so that spoken comes to pass. Ci pekaila songa yohombo, ka ci pekaila songa yombambi, sanga v ku ipa. When raiders come the early riser escapes; late riser awakes to find himself caught. Early bird gets the worm. Ci pepa ci pua, ci vala ci limba. Nor pain nor pleasure endures. Ci popia (sika) onoma, yevelela kocileni; ci popia omunu limbuka kondaka apa yi pandekaila. For drum’s utterance listen to the resonance; to catch what a man means consider the point he fetches up at. Ci posokela volomanda; volonundu veti, Li ende lekumbi. It makes a difference whose ox is gored. Ci simba onjimbu ci yova; ci popia omanu ciyapo. That spoken comes to pass. (the mentioned happens)
Nov 12, 2005	Umbundu Proverbs (Angola) collected and translated by W.H. Sanders West Central Africa Mission 1914 A.B.C.F.M. [American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions] 1914 Ci kuete ukuene ku ka yole; ekolokolo hanjila. * Gibe not a neighbor's misfortune, lest in need you get no help and be led off in cords.(ekolokolo, head; gibing will prove road to slavery). Ci likatula kepungu ocikenge; ukai womopi wa linyalisa la veyahe wo tavele. * Scolding woman has self to blame when husband who liked her puts her away. Ci lila lila onjila, ci limbulula omanu. * I shall be able to refute his lies about me. The bird utters its cry, people tell the meaning. Ci linga usumba osanji yi ci. * A fowl shuns poisonous worm you should know enough to avoid dangerous things. Ci longa omeke oku lipusula kuti; ci longa omona ohombo utue vombia. (Oku sia velunda).
Nov 06, 2005	From A Collection of 104 Kuria Proverbs Northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria and Southwestern Kenya in East Africa. Collected and explained by Emmanuel P. Chacha.. Tensoong ekorma eende hai. * Swahili translation-Sisimizi hawaumani. * English translation-A black ant will not bite another (black ant). * Meaning-Although the black ants bite, they do not bite one another. People belonging to the same group should not fight each other. Omoonto womoonto manyilinga ororme, agaande utwa nagaande omera. * Swahili translation-Ndugu yako ni sawa na damu iliyo kwenye ulimi. Nyingine unatema na nyingine unaimeza. * English translation-Someone relative is blood of the tongue, some you spit out and some you swallow. * Meaning-When it is the near relative who has committed something bad, you will both blame him and defend him. The proverb is told of a person who is wronged by his relative. Hano irireengo rerwa ho, nensaragena igwikara ho. * Swahili translation-Mwamba unapoondoka, kokoto huchukua nafasi. * English translation-When the rock is not around, the small stone sits there. * Meaning-When the person in authority is away, the one who is junior will replace him. This is told to encourage young people to be responsible leaders when their senior is away. Keno getana omogaambi ngusikakere. * Swahili translation-Nchi isiyokuwa na kiongozi husambaratika. * English translation-A country without a leader collapses. * Meaning-A country without a order will not succeed. In a group, it is important to have a leader. Hano wanekera nkwihumioore. * Swahili translation-Unapoanika unakausha. * English translation-When you spread it in the sun, it becomes dry. * Meaning-Whenever you hide your problems, nobody can help you. You have to be open, when you have problems.

Oct., 2005

Oct 30, 2005	From A Collection of 104 Kuria Proverbs Northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria and Southwestern Kenya in East Africa. Collected and explained by Emmanuel P. Chacha. Irikara ndioreekoba iriibu. * Swahili translation-Mkaa ndio hugeuka kuwa jivu. * English translation-Burning charcoal is turned into ashes. * Meaning-Every burning conflict eventually settles down andis forgotten. Peace results from conflict. Ono asukwa negn-era hano amaaha kimwamu, nkong'osaare. * Swahili translation-Aliyeshambuliwa na nyati akiona ng-ombe mweusi hukimbia. * English translation-The one, who has been attacked by a buffalo, when he sees a black cow. * Meaning-Someone perceives danger in the light of his past experience. Ikuurate yamobaande etaakani woonde koraagera. * Swahili translation-Kilio cha wengine hakimzuii mtu kula. * English translation-The alarm from the other house does not prevent one from eating. * Meaning-You are not always supposed to invole in your neighbor's problems. We do not need to involve ourselves in every event. Temoonto agwisuba mweene hai. * Swahili translation-Kiongozi huwepe kwa sababu ya kuwepo watu. * English translation-No one can perform a celebration by himself. * Meaning-No one person can claim his success to be due to his own effort. There are other people who enable him to succeed. Successful person is required to realize that their success is possible because of those who seem to be unsuccessful. This proverb is used when there is election for a superior post. The people who vote are always the juniors. Isire ya baana bandemwe nehakanwa bong'aini * Swahili translation-Deni kati ya ndugu hulipana kwa akili * English translation-A debt between children born by the same mother is paid in a clever way. * Meaning-People of the same group should not make their differences known to the public. They solve their differences internally. This proverb is used to encourage unity among members of the same group.
Oct 23, 2005	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language), J.G. Christaller, Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. * Times keep changing. * If the building of a nest were easy, would the little "apatipers" bird roost in the fork of a tree? * The "obereku" bird should be eaten hot. * If the goat says it will become a sheep, there will always be black spots on its body. * The goat says: "Nobody willingly walks to his own death." * The goat says: "What will come has already come." * The goat says: "Where there is blood, there is plenty of food." * The goat says: "They bought my mother, not I." * However high you lift the kid goat, you place it gently on the ground. * Even if the old woman has no teeth, her tiger nuts remain in her own bag.
Oct 16, 2005	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language), J.G. Christaller, Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. * The left hand washes the right and the right washes the left. * If you go too near your relatives, they will not respect you. * The soul of a rich man has no taboos. * People working on the slope of a mountain do not look at the buttocks of one another. * If the strong man has nothing else, he can at least command others. * One strong man does not catch another strong man. * If two selfish young men sit next to a pot of water, the water spills out on the ground. * If youthful pride were wealth, then every man would have had it in his lifetime. * What people get by hard work they don't get for their neighbors. * If an opportunity is not taken when it comes, it passes away.
Oct 09, 2005	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language), J.G. Christaller, Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. * There is no distinction among the common baskets made of palm branches. * He who seems to be for you may be working against you. * Little palm tree, stop crying, you child is the tall palm tree. * If the young palm tree wants to stay alive, it grows next to the odum tree. * One palm nut cannot be peeled twice. * The blood soup made of one palm nut is shared in little drops. * "I will get it because I can," one says with a reason (based on experience). * If you come near the river, you will hear the crab cough. * Even though the sound of the horn is not pleasant, it is still blown by a man's mouth. * You make a new arrow by comparing it to an old one.
Oct 02, 2005	Three Thousand Six Hundred Ghanaian Proverbs (From the Asante and Fante Language) J.G. Christaller Copyrights and Permissions: Copyright © 1990 Edwin Mellen Press. Used by permission. * The witch is going! The witch is going! but if you are not a witch you don't turn around to look. * The witch kills "he ate and he did not give me", but she does not kill, "he gave me too little." * It is not only one person who bathes in the witch's water. * If two proverbs are not similar, one is not used to explain the other. * When the palm nuts ripen, you carry half and I carry half. * It is only one bad palm tree that spoils the whole lot of palm wine. * The strength of the palm tree is in its branches. * The army of the palm tree is its branches. * Even though the peel of the palm nut has no pulpy substance in it, it is stripped off all the same (and the oil is extracted). * The prickly branches of the palm tree do not show preference even to friends. * The grasshopper which is always near its mother eats the best food.

Sep., 2005

Sep 25, 2005

Lugbara Proverbs from northwest Uganda and northeast Zaire.
Albert Dalfovo, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. July 1995

Aku ni nji agupi si.
* Translation: A home carries weight because of the husband.
* Explanation: People tend to show little consideration for a home without a husband. His presence, on the other hand, guarantees respect for everybody in it.

Aku ma ediafe agupi ni.
* Translation: The man is the central pole of the house. * Explanation: Traditional houses have a central pole supporting the roof and keeping the building in place.1 Man has the same task in the family.

Agupi ni dra oli a, oku ni dra jo a.
* Translation: A man dies in the open, a woman indoors.
* Explanation: A woman escapes from danger into the house while a man fa-ces it at the risk of his life. The husband is the defender of the home.

Agupi ni dra malo ndu.
* Translation: A man dies under the mahogany tree.
* Explanation: In case of danger, women and children flee while man stands his ground. The hardness of the mahogany (Khaya, anthotheca) emphasizes the stamina and courage that the husband needs to have in defending his family.2

Andre iri yo.
* Translation:There are no two mothers.
* Explanation: Nobody can substitute the tenderness and dedication of one's mother. The real mother is one.

Jul., 2005

Jul 17, 2005

From Collection of 104 Kuria Proverbs Northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria and Southwestern Kenya, collected and explained by Emmanuel P. Chacha, Research Committee, Maryknoll Lanuage School, P.O. Box 298, Musoma, Tanzania.

Kuria: Amaanche ngakaahea gatuke tegakweeba waabo hai.
* Swahili: Hata maji yakiungua (kuchemak) hayawezi kusahau kwao.
* English: The water, which boils, does not forget its home.
* Meaning: When you pour the water out, it flows as a small stream-This proverb is used to show that the behavior of a person depends greatly on how he/she was brought up.

Kuria: Mosaacha oheene mewe akwibora iriraasi.
* Swahili: Mwanaume kwelikweli ndiye huzaa mtoto mjinga.
* English: A true person is th eone who gives birth to a foolish child.
* Meaning. There is no guarantee that an honored man must beget responsible and honorable children. (The Devil was once the Angel)

Kuria: Umuuya ndimwi mukwigama nawe egesara omomanya nonobeebe boyo beene.
* Swahili: Mtu mzuri utamjua mara moja mnapojikinga mahali na mbaya hivyo hivyo.
* English: A good person once you shwer shelter with him under the bush you will know him, and bad one as well.
* Meaning: Sharing is the best way to understand each other.

Kuria: Omogera ngomanyere hano gokogeera.
* Swahili: Mako yanajua mahali pa kuelea.
* English: Stream, it knows where to flow.
* Meaning: There is a particular way of doing things right.

Kuria: Geteatuubere is gituuba nyinya.
* Swahili: Kisipofanana na mama kina fanana na baba.
* English: If it doesn't resemble dad, it resembles mum.
* Meaning: Children take after their parents, not only in looks but also in character.

Jul 10, 2005

Kuria: Omogera ngomanyere hano gokogeera.
* Swahili: Mako yanajua mahali pa kuelea.
* English: Stream, it knows where to flow.
* Meaning: There is a particular way of doing things right.

Jul 03, 2005

* Kuria: Amaanche ngakaahea gatuke tegakweeba waabo hai.
* Swahili: Hata maji yakiungua (kuchemak) hayawezi kusahau kwao.
* English: The water, which boils, does not forget its home.
* Meaning: When you pour the water out, it flows as a small stream-This proverb is used to show that the behavior of a person depends greatly on how he/she was brought up.

* Kuria: Mosaacha oheene mewe akwibora iriraasi.
* Swahili: Mwanaume kwelikweli ndiye huzaa mtoto mjinga.
* English: A true person is th eone who gives birth to a foolish child.
* Meaning. There is no guarantee that an honored man must beget responsible and honorable children. (The Devil was once the Angel)

* Kuria: Umuuya ndimwi mukwigama nawe egesara omomanya nonobeebe boyo beene.
* Swahili: Mtu mzuri utamjua mara moja mnapojikinga mahali na mbaya hivyo hivyo.
* English: A good person once you shwer shelter with him under the bush you will know him, and bad one as well.
* Meaning: Sharing is the best wat to understand each other.

* Kuria: Omogera ngomanyere hano gokogeera.
* Swahili: Mako yanajua mahali pa kuelea.
* English: Stream, it knows where to flow.
* Meaning: There is a particular way of doing things right.

* Kuria: Geteatuubere is gituuba nyinya.
* Swahili: Kisipofanana na mama kina fanana na baba.
* English: If it doesn't resemble dad, it resembles mum.
* Meaning: Children take after their parents, not only in looks but also in character.

Jun., 2005


Jun 26, 2005	From a Collection of 197 Sumbwa Proverbs. Getia/Kahama Districts around the southern part of Lake Victoria in Western Tanzania. Collected by Joseph Nkumbulwa with the help of Max Tetrais, M. Afr. (1999) Sumbwa: Kufila mubayanda ulakumibwa kukula bagozya. Kufia kwa watoto watakushangaa ukubwa wa uume. * English Translation: An adult should avoid any scandalous behavior in front of children, otherwise, he will be made fun of him. * English Meaning: Kids can't discern the evil in their elders, they are used to sacralise their greatness. * Swahili Translation: Kufanya vitendo vya aibu mbele ya watoto hatakiwi kufanya kitendo cha siri mbele ya wadogo, ni kujidharaulisha. * Swahili Meaning: Ni vigumu, ni ujuzi mgumu kwa mtoto kuvumbua kama mkubwa ni mwanadamu mwenye makosa. Ni kama ufa rohoni mwake. Sumbwa: Kwikuzya nsabo ilakutunukila ukumshibisha mtu anakupasukia. * English Translation: Kindness is not so often recognised: don't expect gratitude immediately. * English Meaning: God will thank you on behalf of stupid consumers of your kindness. * Swahili Translation: Inawezikana ulikuwa na ukarimu kwa mtu fulani, tena anakuvingia. Ulimfanya vema, tena anakuchafua. * Swahili Meaning: Umtazamie Mungu tu wakati unampokelea jirani. Si kila mmoja ana wawazo ya shukrani. Sumbwa: Lilekayo ikwaba lye buhaya biashara ya uhayani ni kuchumia huko. * English Translation: Don't imitate everything you observed in town; better to avoid that home. * English Meaning: Be prudent with whatever you discover in the street. Respect your home. * Swahili Translation: Kuna mambo mengine au vitabia vya mitaani ni vya kuviachia matebezini tu, siyo vya kuvileta nyumbani. Tuwe mwangalifu kwa tabia mbalimbali. * Swahili Meaning: Utaona mambo megi mitaani, lakini tafakari kila kitu usije ukavileta vilema nyumbani. Sumbwa: Wepe te mugisa mweupe kama mshipa. * English Translation: A cord is completely naked. A poor man or woman is like that. * English Meaning: He reached the last degree of penury. * Swahili Translation: Mtu fukara sana hana mali yoyote ile nyumbani kwake. * Swahili Meaning: Ni maskini wa mwisho kabisa.
Jun 19, 2005	From A Collection of 100 Rundi (Burundi) Proverbs collected and explained by Jean Nyandwi, October, 2003. Urugo ntirwinjira mu rundi. * Translation: A fence does not enter another. * Meaning: A spouse shold not have an affair with his/her neighbor Igiti umuntu aturira ntakirangamira. * Translation: You don't look upwards at a tree that you know you are not supposed to climb. * Meaning: One is not supposed to have lustful thoughts for what he/she has no right to (with allusion to someone else's spouse or possessions). Umugore ntasutamanga aba ashaka imyuga ibiri. * Translation: A woman does not sit on her toes unless she wants to develop two careers. * Meaning: A woman is supposed to avoid any behavior that would arouse men's sexual desires. Igiti kigororwa kikiri gito. * Translation: A tree is straightened while it is still young. * Meaning: It is easy to correct children's behaviors when they are still young. Urera nabi ugatukwa n'abakwe. * Translation: Failure to bring up correctly your child leads to being insulted by the sons-in-law. * Meaning: Bad upbringing leads to disgrace.
Jun 12, 2005	Umbundu Adages and Conundrums W.H. Sanders 1914 West Central Africa Ca lile ombambi ca tunda kutue wayo. The horn that called together the hunt destructive to olombambi grew out of the ombambi’s head. Your own doings destroyed you. Ca linga mbui ci lungisa ava va yua. No smoke without a fire. Small matter may cause a stampede. Ca mane ci ti, Mbanje; ka ci ti, Mopie. Do not mix in others’ quarrels nor speak of them afterwards. Ca neta tupu hamo elemba ci kuete. Though in general excellent it has a blemish. Fly in the ointment. Ca panga nala ove umunu wano ku ka ci patane. Shun rebellion and contention with the great.
Jun 05, 2005	A Collection of Umbundu Proverbs, Adages and Conundrums W. H. Sanders 1914 West Central Africa Ca lile ombambi ca tunda kutue wayo. The horn that called together the hunt destructive to olombambi grew out of the ombambi’s head. Your own doings destroyed you. Ca linga mbui ci lungisa ava va yua. No smoke without a fire. Small matter may cause a stampede. Ca mane ci ti, Mbanje; ka ci ti, Mopie. Do not mix in others’ quarrels nor speak of them afterwards. Ca neta tupu hamo elemba ci kuete. Though in general excellent it has a blemish. Fly in the ointment. Ca panga nala ove umunu wano ku ka ci patane. Shun rebellion and contention with the great.

May, 2005

May 29, 2005	A Collection of Umbundu Proverbs, Adages and Conundrums W. H. Sanders 1914 West Central Africa Mission Asuelela ka yukisa onganja. Useless to cry over spilled milk. (mourn for dead &c.) Atemo a Ngola tu limbukila vulengo. Proof of the pudding is in the eating. (Gola is the Tubal-cain of blacksmiths). Atulo koviti, asikilo komanu. Loads are deposited against trees; lodgings are obtained from people. Ca fa ca topa; omalanga yi paplela vombandua yohosi. The dead are no longer terrible. Ca fa volusemo haco owanga (Haco osonde). One taking pay without fuss quotes this proverb.
May 22, 2005	A Collection of Umbundu Proverbs West Central Africa Adages and Conundrums W. H. Sanders 1914 Apa pa fila ombia hapo oviyo vi siala. Influence and memory abide after death. Leaving some dead enemies, killed before they succeeded in despatching you. Apa wa lila ka peli onima. There is no pay due the eater. (Said to a caller who hangs around too long after he has been given refreshments). Apa wa lila omoma ka yu ku momenapo. Full consequences of a deed are not reaped at once. Apa tua kekelele onjamba pa saile omoko (tua silepo okambeya). Taking up unfinshed business. Asola ka nili, a tomba ukuaku takina. (ka samba u o takina), (ombungu yukuavayo). Securing a better thing than was aimed at or expected.
May 15, 2005	Ewe Proverbs (West Africa-Benin, Ghana,Togo) Fu kple dzidzÇ la nÇviwo wonye. Literal Translation: 'Suffering and happiness are twins'. Moral Teaching: Life is a mixture of joy and suffering and so we must learn to accept both, and the acceptance of both is a sign of maturity. Agalã be ne yele axa dzi zÇm hã menye mÇ yebu o. Literal Translation: 'The crab says that when you see it walking clumsily it does not mean that it has lost its way'. Moral Teaching: This proverb can be used by anybody whose actions are misunderstood, to warn those who judge him that he has not forgotten the essential principles that guide his behaviour. The proverb warns against the practice of misjudging the basic principles that guide the behaviour of people. KÇdzo Dei be yele Blu fiam gakeyeþe ñku le Ewegbe ñu. Literal Translation: 'Kodzo Dei—the Paramount Chief of Peki—says that he is speaking Twi but he has not forgotten that Ewe is his mother tongue'. Moral Teaching: As in proverb above. Baþa medoa kalê ha ða o. Literal Translation: 'A cripple does not start a war song'. Explanation: Usually when war songs are sung they arouse a fighting spirit in men or arouse them to do some daring deeds; thus the leader of the song must be strong enough to take part in any war-like activity that may follow the singing. A cripple can lead a war song but cannot take part in the war-like activities that may follow from it and this will expose his infirmity. Moral Teaching: 'A Cripple starting a war song means a person who claims certain qualities that he does not have and such people's empty claims are exposed in due time. This proverb is, therefore, a warning against empty boasting and recommending the virtue of humility. ÚutÇtrÇ ñue wotrÇa ýeðuðu ðo. Literal Translation: 'You change your steps according to the change in the rhythm of the drum'. Explanation: During the course of drumming and dancing the rhythm of the leading drum causes the steps of the dancers to change. Moral Teaching: Adapt yourself and your conduct to changing circumstances and do not be unreasonably rigid in your thinking and behaviour.
May 08, 2005	Ewe Proverbs Ne tekpoðoe mekpÇ eðokui fe geme o la meðoa ñku o Literal Translation: 'Tekpoðoe, which is a small roundish yam, always assesses its sprouting ability before it does so'. Moral Teaching: Know what you can do well and do just that and do not attempt what is beyond your powers. Devi ðÇ ame tsitsi kuku efe ta ðe wòbuna ðe eme. Literal Translation: 'The head of a child who wears an adult's hat is always all covered up to his face'. The truth of this experience is used to teach children not to attempt what is beyond their powers. Asi tu nyede metua agÇðÇ o. Literal Translation: 'The hand can be used to pull out the tender branch of a date-palm, but cannot be used to pull out the tender branch of a fanpalm'. The branches of a fanpalm are tougher and rougher than those of the date-palm. Moral Teaching: Do not presume that because you can do certain things therefore you can do everything. Be modest in the estimation of your powers. Agbe nyañe (ðÇe) metia agbetÇ o. Literal Translation: 'The man with a miserable life is never tired of it'. Moral Teaching: Appreciate what you have by knowing its real value and do not undervalue it through unhealthy comparison. Lã si le arnegbÇ lã lolo woyÇna net Literal Translation: 'The game that you miss, i.e. runs away from a hunter, is always a big one'. Moral Teaching: There is always a tendency to over-value things that we want but we do not have, and so this proverb is warning against the danger of over-valuing the real worth of what we want badly but cannot get. We must rather learn to appreciate whatever we have.
May 01, 2005	From Collection of 100 Rundi (Burundi) Proverbs collected and explained by Jean Nyandwi Akanyoni katagurutse ntikamenya iyo bweze Translation: A bird cannot know where the sorghum is ready (to eat) unless it flies Meaing: A lazy person is not aware of opportunities Intrinda irandura Translation: He who is not careful gets contaminated (by communicable diseases or bad behavior Meaning: Carelessness has devastating consequences on one's life e.g HIV/AIDS Impene mbi ntuyizirikako iyawe Translation: You don't tie up your goat on a bad goat Meaning: It is advised not to develop a relationship with a person of questionable behavior for fear of being negatively influenced by him/her Ubana na suneba ugasuneba nka we Translation: When you stay with a careless person, you end up becoming careless just like him/her Meaning: Bad behavior is contagious Akagabo karaje ukuguru hanze kitwa Imburanmutima Translation: A man who spends his leg outside (his house) is called "Heartless" Meaning: A man who spends the night away (with allusion to adultery) has no honor

Apr., 2005

Apr 17, 2005

From Collection of 100 Rundi (Burundi) Proverbs
Collected and explained by Jean Nyandwi

Burira ntibutera ku mpeshi
Translation: The night does not last until the good season
Meaning: Everything has its beginning and end

N'iritagira inkoko riraca
Translation: A night without roosters will still end
Meaning: Hope does not necessarily have to be based on tangible signs

Inahasi y'umutindi yamubujije kwiyahura
Translation: The unlucky man's hope prevented him from committing suicide
Meaning: Hope leads to a successful and victorious life

Ivya gusa bitera ubwenge buke
Translation: Free things decrease one's intelligence
Meaning: Giving material things to someone without challenging him/her to work creates in him/her the dependency syndrome

Amazi masabano ntamara imvyiro
Translation: Water aid does not remove completely the dirt
Meaning: Working hard is more rewarding than depending on handouts

Apr 10, 2005

From Collection of 100 Rundi (Burundi) Proverbs
Collected and explained by Jean Nyandwi

Ubumwe buramota Translation: Cohesion embalms Meaning: Concord has beneficial effects

Aho ishari ritari agashato ka Rukawavu gakwira bane
Translation: Where there is no jealousy a small hare's leather is enough to cover four people
Meaning: Where there is no jealousy people are able to share the little they have

Aho Uburundi butunze urutoke hubakwa inzu
Translation: Wherever Burundi points the finger, a house is built
Meaning: In harmony, everything succeeds

Isinzi ntibesha
Translation: The crowd does not lie
What the majority agrees on in one accord is trustworthy and acceptable
Nta witamga Imama kwihebura (guhebura)
Translation: You don't give up to despair before God
Meaning: One should keep hope in whatever situation or circumstance even when it seems to be beyond human control or understanding, for everything is possible with God

Apr 02, 2005

Oromo (Ethiopia) Proverbs
Collected by Fr. George Cotter M.M.

Bunaaf mooti afaan duwwaa hindubbisan
Translation:Coffee and the king, with the mouth alone they do not talk (with coffee one should take food and for a king one should bring a gift)
Meaning: A person should know when a gift is fitting

Mootin torba / odu wal hinqabu
Translation: Kings seven (by themselves) the news of each other do not have.
Meaning: Leaders do not always know what other leaders are doing

Aariin ijolle ormaa / hidhi gajjallaa nama guba
Translation: Anger at the child of another the lip on the bottom a person burns
Meaning:A person becomes irritated about something he cannot correct

Nama hamaa duuti lama
Translation:The person who is cruel dies twice (by his cruelty he has already died socially, then he dies a natural death)
Meaning: To live happily with others one must avoid cruelty

Karaa mana biraa fuudhani / dubbii afaanirra fuudhu
Tramslation: The road at one's house is taken, the news from peoples mouth one catches
Meaning: Everything has a beginning

Mar., 2005

Mar 09, 2005	Sumbwa Proverbs from the Geita/Kahama Districts around the southern part of Lake Victoria in Western Tanzania, Collected by Joseph Nkumbulwa with the help of Max Tertrais, M. Afr. in conjunction with Sukuma Research Committee Sukuma Cultural Centre, Bujora P.O. Box 76 Mwanza, Tanzania April 1999 Muviti we mvula alasanzya ne malunde mgema wa mvua alikutana na mawingu Kiswahili translation: Mgema mvua angetaka kuhkikisha urundi wake mbele ya watu; kwa bahati, mawingu weusi yanakuja kumsaidia asipoyatazamia Kiswahili meaning: [many people] wanajivuna kuwa "wafundi" katika kijiji chao; wampetata bahati nasibu kwa kujenga sifa yao English translation: The expert of rain, rainmaker, would like to prove his skillfulness by good luck, the clouds just come up! English meaning: This rainmaker didn't make any liturgy for getting a storm, but the rain comes up without expectation. Nkobe yalina hitale yagila nyani imepanda kwenye mwamba ajivune sasa Kiswahili translation: tumbili akapata bahat ya kupanda katika mtu mrefu. Toka hapo, anaweza kujivuna na kujisikia mwenye nguvu zaidi kuliko wanyama ya pori Kiswahili meaning: Amepata mali kwa ghafla na bila kusumbuka kwa bahati. Angalia namna gani sasa anajivuma na kuiga watajiri wapya English translation: The monkey has the good luck to climb high in the trees where he can despise all the wild beasts English meaning: Those who get good luck and huge wealth in no time, quickly change character and walk around with great pretentions! Kubikila mti mwikungi kusanga gwa katiwe kutunza mti porini utaukuta umekatwa Kiswahili translation: Umepata bahati ya kuokota kitu cha thamani, ukidhani ya kwamba hakuna mwenyewe wa kulamamika. Unapofika kwa kukichukua, mwengine amekutangulia! Kiswahili meaning: Usidhani kama ni wewe tu mwenye kutafuta faida; usipoamka mapema utatanguliwa, kwa sababu mali inatamamiwa na wote! Shindena! English translation: You can have found a beautiful object which seems ownerless; you dream that it will be yours! Tomorrow, another thought, the same... English Meaning: You are the only one alone to dream after richness, the competition is general. Always you be left behind. Ilale lya mzobe liliho ali lye mlyele litaliho hakuna shamba la mgonjwa, lakni la mvivu lipo Kiswahili translation: Mgonjwa hajiwezi kwa kazi yoyote kwa sababu yupo kitandani, lakini mvivu taki kutoka jasho; kwake kuiba mavuno ya wngine, ni mbinu ya kuishi kwake Kiwsahili meaning: Mgonjwa na mvivu ni tofauti kubwa. Wa kwanza ni maskini kabisa, wa pili ni mwizi mzoefu, a-take asitake English translation: A sick man cannot work, he is in bed. A lazy man doesn't like to dirty his hands, he prefers to steal others' harvest. English meaning: There is a big difference between a sick person and a lazy one; one is really poor, the other is always a thief.
Mar 20, 2005	Sumbwa Proverbs from the Geita/Kahama Districts around the southern part of Lake Victoria in Western Tanzania, Collected by Joseph Nkumbulwa with the help of Max Tertrais, M. Afr. in conjunction with Sukuma Research Committee Sukuma Cultural Centre, Bujora P.O. Box 76 Mwanza, Tanzania April 1999 Kwimbila nzibe kula mimbo kuimbia kiziwi ni kumaliza wimbo Kiswahili Translation:Unapojaribu kuongea na mtukutu, na mtu asiye na pumziko, unapoteza mate yako bure, hana maskio Kiswahili Meaning: Mtu wa nidhamu maalum hawezi kulewa utendaji. Utendaji umegeuka kuwa sumu kwa akili yake, mwishowe, anaepuka kufikiri English Translation: Try to talk and to counsel a turbulent person, you will loose your time, he doesn't listen English Meaning: A superactive person is not so easy to be addressed. His turbulence disturbs his mind and he cannot listen to you Habukuru habwilindilo uzeeni ni sehemu Kiswahili Translation: Kila mtu anapofika umri wa kukoma, ana akili ya ntu mzima kama watu wa makamo yake na wanavutana kati yao kwa sababu ya ujuzi wao Kiswahili Meaning: Wazee wanafurahi kuwa pamoja na kugawanya mawazo yao ya ujuzi na wa utaratibu; lakini wadogo wanawaogopa kama wenye moyo wa kuzuia hamu yao ya kulota! English Translation: When you get old, it is a good time for mutual understanding, your maturity is appreciated by your interlocutors, at least old people English Meaning: Old age is the best for maturity and experience. Your equals are fond of it. But the new generation despises it! Minso gatari ne luvumba macho hayana mpaka Kiswahili Translation: Macho huangalia hadi mbali zaidi ambako mwili mzima haijafika Kiswahili Meaning: Macho, yaani skili inakutangulia katika kutia mpango wa kazi, mpango wa mradi, ingawa hujaweza kutenda chochote kwa mikono, kwa miguu, hata kwa vyombo English Translation: Your eyes look far away more than the real power of your whole body English Meaning: Your look, your dreams, your eyes or your intelligence runs more quickly than your whole person. Any project can be finalized by the mind, before any exectution. Kkusonfya kutani kulumanga kuchovya siyo kula bila mboga Kiswahili Translation: Kuchovya tu katiki mchuzi ingawa mama hakuwa na mboga wa kukutolea, usinune, shukuru kabisa Kiswahili Meaning: Usimahurutishe maskini akikutolea zawadi ndogo, mefanya hivi kwa moyo mkarimu. Umjulishe shukrani English Translation: To soak the mouthful in the sauce even though there is no steak, it is not too bad. You ought to be thankful, anyway! English Meaning: Don't be exigent! Be thankful for any gift, however small.
Mar 13, 2005	Sumbwa Proverbs from the Geita/Kahama Districts around the southern part of Lake Victoria in Western Tanzania, Collected by Joseph Nkumbulwa with the help of Max Tertrais, M. Afr. in conjunction with Sukuma Research Committee Sukuma Cultural Centre, Bujora P.O. Box 76 Mwanza, Tanzania April 1999 Kisumbwa: Nkoso ikulyanga ikufulilizya panya huuma huku akipuliza Kiswahili translation: Mtu anaweza akawa rafiki yako, kumbe ni munafiki kwako. Anapumbaza akifiria akusumbue nini...Panya anajiingiza taratibu. Kiswahili meaning: Uwachague warafiki yako vema,wengine wanaiga mapendo, ingawa wanachunguza nyumba yako kwa kuivunja kwepesi zaidi. English translation: Some people want to be among your best friends, but they are hypocrites, they meditate about what kind of trouble they could prepare in your house. English meaning: Choose your friends attentively, among them can be a crook, well dressed and so polite. Kisumbwa: Kuzya bwigili kwenda jumla kama ngili. Kiswahili translation: Mtu anaweza kuwaacha wenzake bile kuaga, lakini ametoroka,ingawa wenzake wanamsubiri. Kiswahili meaning: Nidhamu ya msingi ni kushukuru. Mwenye nyumba aliyekualika kwa mapendo. Wewe unakimbia nyumba yake beada ya kula bila kujulakana, kam mwizi. English translation: They are people who get invitation, but they haven't the nuptial robe (politeness) they eat then escape without thanks. English meaning: Elementary kindness asks for gratitude to be expressed clearly and publically. Kisumbwa: Mfumbi kwata mti tuakawata mtu ugonjwa kamata mti, usikamate mtu. Kiswahili translation: Mtu akikufikia na ni mwenye tabia mbaya, umfukuze. Si kama kuambukizwa ugonjwa. Kiswahili meaning: Umwogope mtu huyu asiye na msimamo mzuri, angeweza kukuvuruga, hata kukuvuta usiotaka kujiendea. English translation: A person who is used to bad behavior, push him away, he will contaminate you. English meaning: Fear this no-recommendable person, he would pull you out of your boots.
Mar 09, 2005	Lugbara (Uganda) Proverbs Collected by Albert Dalfovo and John S. Mbiti (1996) Okporovu ma apitre 'ba ni. Translation: The satiety of a pregnant woman is a child. Explanation: A woman reaches personal happiness and psychological fulfillment in motherhood to which she thus naturally tends. Mi o'buka ba nju mani. Translation: Your o'buka strap left its marks on me. Explanation: A mother reminds her child of the hardships she endured in rearing him/her up. The o'buka is an apparatus for carrying the baby on one's back. Mi ru ta ti; mi ru ama pa ko ra. Translation: I tolerated you in vain; you will clasp my foot. Explanation: This proverb is said by a parent who has been very patient with an unruly child, but to no avail. One day, however, such child will need to apologize and mend his/her ways. Ayia nduri ozuku fi ni. Translation: A different mother is the intestine of the porcupine. Explanation: The intestine of a porcupine is bitter. Likewise a stepmother: she tends to be harsh with the family children who are not her offspring.

Feb, 2005

Feb 27, 2005

Lugbara Proverbs (Uganda)
Compiled by Albert Dalfovo and John S. Mbiti (1996)

Aku ni nji agupi si.
Translation: A home carries weight because of the husband.
Explanation: People tend to show little consideration for a home without a husband. His presence, on the other hand, guarantees respect for everybody in it.

Aku ma ediafe agupi ni.
Translation: The man is the central pole of the house.
Explanation: Traditional houses have a central pole supporting the roof and keeping the building in place. Man has the same task in the family.

Agupi ni dra oli a, oku ni dra jo a.
Translation: A man dies in the open, a woman indoors.
Explanation: A woman escapes from danger into the house while a man faces it at the risk of his life. The husband is the defender of the home.

Agupi ni dra malo ndu.
Translation: A man dies under the mahogany tree.
Explanation: In case of danger, women and children flee while man stands his ground. The hardness of the mahogany (Khaya, anthotheca) emphasizes the stamina and courage that the husband needs to have in defending his family.

Andre iri yo.
Translation: There are no two mothers.
Explanation: Nobody can substitute the tenderness and dedication of one's mother. The real mother is one.

Ayia ma ndu yo.
Translation: There is no other mother.
Explanation: One cannot expect the loving attitude of one's mother in any other person. One's mother is unique.

Feb 20, 2005

Proverbs in the Ewe Language (Ghana, West Africa)