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Revision as of 18:45, 29 March 2023
| ◀️ Idioms — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Swahili Dialects ▶️ |
As a Swahili language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I’m excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of Swahili proverbs. Proverbs have been an essential part of Swahili culture for centuries, and they continue to be widely used today. Swahili proverbs are pithy sayings that convey wisdom, practical advice, and proverbial truths drawn from everyday life experience. They can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal speeches. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most common Swahili proverbs and their meanings. By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of Swahili culture and its unique features.
Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Causative Verbs & 0 to A1 Course.
What are Swahili Proverbs?
Swahili proverbs, known as ‘methali’ in Swahili, are sayings that convey deep meanings and are drawn from everyday life experience. They are usually brief, memorable and speak to an African or Swahili worldview, drawing on the values of the community. Swahili proverbs are used to teach and to illustrate good behaviour, to encourage people to work harder and to live more virtuous lives. The use of proverbs in Swahili culture is deeply rooted in oral tradition, which has been passed down through generations. Proverbs are often used in formal speeches, such as at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial events.
Common Swahili Proverbs and their Meanings
Below are some of the most significant Swahili proverbs and their meanings:
'Asiyefunzwa na mamae hufunzwa na ulimwengu.'
This translates to "One who is not taught by his mother is taught by the world". This proverb teaches that a strong foundation is essential for a good future. It emphasizes the importance of early education and how the lack of early education can lead one to fall into the trap of mischief that may lead to problems in the future.
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Asiyefunzwa na mamae hufunzwa na ulimwengu | a-see-yeh-foo-nz-wa na ma-ma-e hoo-foo-nz-wa na oo-lee-mweng-oo | One who is not taught by his mother is taught by the world. |
'Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani.'
This translates to "One who does not accept defeat is not a true competitor". This proverb emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success. It teaches that losing a battle does not mean one has lost the war, so one should keep trying until they succeed.
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani | a-see-yeh-koo-ba-lee koo-shin-dwa see m-shin-dan-ee | One who does not accept defeat is not a true competitor. |
'Asiyekuwepo na lake halipo.'
This translates to "One who is not present, their belongings are not present". This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and one's belongings. It teaches that if one is not present to take care of their possessions, then they are not present.
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Asiyekuwepo na lake halipo | a-see-yeh-koo-we-po na la-ke ha-lee-po | One who is not present, their belongings are not present. |
'Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza.'
This translates to "Good sells itself, bad is spread by word of mouth". This proverb emphasizes the importance of the quality of one's work. It teaches that good work is recognized and valued, while bad work will be quickly exposed and criticized.
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza | che-ma cha-ji-u-zaa, ki-ba-ya cha-ji-tem-bay-zaa | Good sells itself, bad is spread by word of mouth. |
'Kutoa ni moyo, usambe ni utajiri.'
This translates to "Giving is from the heart, poverty is in greed". This proverb emphasizes the importance of giving with a generous heart. It teaches that true wealth lies in giving, not in coveting possessions.
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kutoa ni moyo, usambe ni utajiri | koo-to-aa ne moy-oh, oo-sam-be ni oo-ta-ji-ri | Giving is from the heart, poverty is in greed. |
Conclusion
Swahili proverbs are a window into the cultural heritage of East Africa. They offer wisdom, insight and practical advice that has enabled generations to thrive. By learning Swahili proverbs, you will gain a deeper appreciation of Swahili language and culture, and be able to participate more fully in the society in which you find yourself. I encourage you to continue exploring this fascinating part of Swahili language and culture, and to seek out other opportunities to learn more about it.
Other Lessons
- Plurals
- Dependent Clauses
- Give your Opinion
- Slang and Colloquialisms
- Word Order
- Conditional Clauses
- Cases
- Future Tense
- Pronouns
- Passive Voice
| ◀️ Idioms — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Swahili Dialects ▶️ |