African proverbs – Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Ojibwe Proverb: On Resilience and Gratitude

May you be strengthened by yesterday’s rain, walk straight in tomorrow’s wind and cherish each moment of the sun today– Ojibwe Proverb

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African Proverb: On Hospitality

A home that welcomes strangers will never lack food Hospitality is an act or service of welcoming, receiving, hosting or entertaining guests. It’s an attitude that portrays openness, respect, and generosity. There are always rewards for those who have good hearts. Is it not said blessed is the hand that giveth than the one that… Continue reading African Proverb: On Hospitality

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African Proverb: On Ignorance

It is out of ignorance that a goat will attend a leopard’s party Meaning: It is no tragedy or shame to be ignorant. As someone has rightly said, “everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects.” We often make the mistake that because someone is very knowledgeable in one area, they are also knowledgeable in other… Continue reading African Proverb: On Ignorance

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African Proverb: On The Sun

African Proverb: The sun does not forget a village just because it’s small. Explanation: Normally, the sun shines on both the weak and strong, rich and poor, man and woman. It does not discriminate were to shine or not. That happens with life as well. Providence gives everyone equal opportunity, as life is not bought… Continue reading African Proverb: On The Sun

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Igbo Proverbs

Proverbs are sources of wisdom. They are the oil with which the Igbo eat their words. In this post, I wrote in Igbo, translated into English, and then gave its meaning. Sometime ago, I did a blog post on proverbs used in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Click here to view it.… Continue reading Igbo Proverbs

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African Proverb: The River Route

If the river route changes, the crocodile is obliged to follow – Proverb from Burkina Faso In today’s proverb, the crocodile can be likened to life and the river route to vicissitudes. Hence, when things change, for good or bad, life has to go on.

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Igbo Proverb: On the Kite and Eagle

Igbo: Egbe bere, Ugo bere, nke si ibe ya ebele, nku gbajie ya English: Let the Kite perch, let the Eagle perch, any that forbids the other from perching, let its wings break. Origin: This proverb originated from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. It’s commonly used when trying to settle disputes or for prayers. Meaning:… Continue reading Igbo Proverb: On the Kite and Eagle

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African Proverb: On ‘Disguising’ Lizards

Igbo: Ngwere nile makpu àfọ n’ala, mana onweghị onye ma nke àfọ n’asa. English: When lizards lay on the ground, no one knows those who have a runny stomach. Origin: This is an Eastern Nigerian proverb. Some fraction of the Igbo nation uses it. The agama lizard just like their reptilian brethren are quadruplets and… Continue reading African Proverb: On ‘Disguising’ Lizards

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Proverb: On Borrowed Oil…

Igbo: Mmanù arîótara arîóta anaghî ezu ofe English: Borrowed palm oil can never be enough for soup Origin: This proverb originated from Southern Nigeria. It is an Igbo proverb. Palm oil (mmanù akwú in Igbo) is a standard cooking oil used in West Africa. In Nigeria’s Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Bini, and Ibibio land, it’s vital… Continue reading Proverb: On Borrowed Oil…

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Proverb: On The Informed Cripple…

Igbo: Agha adìghï eri nwa ngwōrō English: An informed cripple can never be consumed by war Origin: This is a southern Nigerian proverb from the Igbo ethnic group. Usually, when there’s a state of war, cripples suffer most as they find it difficult to escape the war zone. But when such a person is informed… Continue reading Proverb: On The Informed Cripple…

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African Proverb: On the cud-chewing Goat

When mother goat chews on the grass, her kids watch and learn A goat is generally known as an animal with a unique way of chewing the cud. The kids watch the mother goat as she chew grass and picks the peculiarities. In no time, they will start to chew grass like the mother. This… Continue reading African Proverb: On the cud-chewing Goat

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Ashanti Proverb: When You Walk In Your Father’s Path

When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him – Ashanti proverb This excellent Ghanaian adage is self-explanatory. I’ll try to explain some salient points. Generally, it’s an African believe that a child who goes nearer to his father grow up acting and speaking like him. Indeed, this is… Continue reading Ashanti Proverb: When You Walk In Your Father’s Path

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African Proverb: Evil Company

If you choose to make friends with a pig, you must be prepared to live in the mud. The kind of friends we keep affect us and sometimes we are not aware of this. The pig here represents a dirty animal that loves to wallow in the mud. This is an anglicised version of the… Continue reading African Proverb: Evil Company

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African Proverb: A Smooth Sea…

A smooth sea does not make a skillful sailor. Background: The proverb is originally from Namibia. Significance: Life is like the sea: sometimes we get a gentle sea. But a peaceful sea never made a great sailor. Parents who always shield their child from challenging situations will, in the end, have an idiot of a… Continue reading African Proverb: A Smooth Sea…

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Igbo Proverb: Sound of The Bitter Cola

Igbo: Ùda akùilu abùghí ùtō ya English: Bitter Cola doesn’t taste like its sound (literally). Background: Just like the name, bitter cola is a very bitter fruit! Sometimes I do wonder why it’s not called a ‘very bitter cola.’ Alongside the kola nut and garden egg, it is commonly used as a ‘welcome fruit’ in… Continue reading Igbo Proverb: Sound of The Bitter Cola

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African Proverb: Someone who Shouts

There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts. Meaning: In Igbo land, it’s assumed that people who make a lot of noise are cowards. The principle of more action and less talk is the foundation of this proverb. The English version is the empty drum makes the loudest noise.

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African Proverb: A Young Tree

A tree is straightened while it is still young – Proverb from Burundi. Meaning: I chose to take this proverb in its literal form because it’s pretty evident that a fully grown tree can’t be transplanted or manipulated in any way. What I mean is that it’s not stressful to try to make a sapling… Continue reading African Proverb: A Young Tree

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African Proverb: On A Snake’s Ability

Igbo Proverb: If a snake fails to show its venom, little kids will use it in tying firewood. Origin: A snake is a dangerous reptile. Snake poison can kill an adult in minutes. In Africa, snake bites contribute to deaths. In Igbo land where this proverb originated from, snakes are not toyed with. In some… Continue reading African Proverb: On A Snake’s Ability

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African Proverb: Be Nice

Be nice to everyone. You never know who your in-laws are going to be. We won’t know who can be of help tomorrow. Compassion and kindness are great virtues. It can open greater doors! Ponder on this and have a goodnight. 💕

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Igbo (African) Proverbs

Hello there! This is a post on selected Igbo proverbs. I wrote in the Igbo language, translated into English, and then gave its meaning. I did a blog post on sayings used in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe sometime ago. You can access it here. Have a great day! 1. Igbo: Nwaanyi… Continue reading Igbo (African) Proverbs

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Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Proverbs and Meaning

Onye aturu ilu kowaa ya, ego eji luo nne ya efuola ohia. Before I start this post permit me to greet Igbo people; those who own the proverbs I’m about to explore; Ndi Igbo kwenu! Ekelem unu o. Ndewonu. •Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Igbo traditional Isi-agu attire INTRODUCTION: PROVERBS There are many definitions for proverbs… Continue reading Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Proverbs and Meaning

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African Proverbs 14

Consider this proverb from Ethiopia; The mouse is silent while laboring, but when the baby is conceived, she cries.

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African Proverbs 13

The moon and the stars are not above us, the Earth is on the other side of our feet. -Moroccan proverb

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African Proverbs 12

Here’s from Bahumba people of Congo: To engage in conflict, one does not bring a knife that cuts but a needle that sews.

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African Proverbs 11

This is a Bambara proverb: No matter how long a log stays in the water, it doesn’t become a crocodile.

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African Proverbs 10

Here is an interesting Akan tribe (Ghana) proverb: a rat says, what belongs to me, is in my stomach and not in my mouth. Explanation: True ownership of something needs no advertising.

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African Proverbs 9

We should put out fire while it is still small… Kenyan proverb. There’s an Igbo version for this proverb: Remove the Monkeys hand from soup pot before it turns to a man’s hand. Explanation: This proverb is the English version of nip it in the bud.

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African Proverbs 8

What do you make of this Ovambo saying? A Parasite can not live alone.

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African Proverbs 7

The bush in which one hides has eyes – Gusii Proverb. Explanation: There’s actually no hiding place for anyone.

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African Proverbs 6

Every Dog is a Lion in his own gate. -Ghanaian Proverb Explanation: This metaphorical statement translates to every man is King in his own house.

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African Proverbs 5

He who shows himself at every place will someday look for a place to hide. Explanation: Anyone who is always available to everyone will find it hard to keep a private life.