Language/Twi/Culture/Popular-Proverbs
Introduction
In this lesson, you will discover some popular Twi proverbs and sayings, and learn about their meanings and cultural significance. Twi proverbs and sayings are an important part of Twi culture and are often used in everyday conversations to express wisdom, emotions, and experiences.
Proverbs and sayings are an effective way to transmit cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. They often carry a moral lesson, a warning, or an advice. Learning Twi proverbs and sayings will not only help you understand the language better, but also give you insights into Twi culture and values.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Traditional Music & Traditional Dance.
Asante Twi Proverbs
Asante Twi is the most widely spoken dialect of the Akan language family, and is spoken in Ghana by about 12 million people. Asante Twi proverbs are known for their humor, insight, and wisdom.
Some Popular Asante Twi Proverbs
Here are some popular Asante Twi proverbs and their meanings:
| Twi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Owu nti akwantuo mu kuo." | ɔwʊ nti a-kwan-tu-o mu kuo | "Death causes money to be used in purchasing a coffin." |
| "Wobɛka a, na wonni asɛm yi." | wo-bɛ-ka a, na won-ni a-sɛm yi | "If you arrive, you will hear this news." |
| "Aboa bi worɔ fɛɛfɛɛ, na yɛ pɛyɛ." | a-boa bi wo-rɔ fɛɛ-fɛɛ, na ye pɛ-yɛ | "If a fool learns to shoot, we all suffer." |
| "Anoma a yɛtɔ nsa fufuo no, nso yɛya ntonto mu." | a-no-ma a ye-tɔ nsa fu-fuo no, nso ye-ya n-ton-to mu | "The bird we use to prepare soup is the same bird that perches on the stick." |
| "Anigye nkoaa a, ɔbrɛ ante tia." | a-ni-gye n-koaa a, o-bra-e an-te tia | "If the crab is in a hurry, it doesn't insult the river." |
Interpretation and Usage
- "Owu nti akwantuo mu kuo." (Death causes money to be used in purchasing a coffin.): This proverb emphasizes the inevitability of death, and reminds us that it is necessary to prepare for it. It encourages people to focus on what is important in life, rather than wasting time on things that do not matter. This proverb can be used to advise someone to plan for the future, and to be prepared for any eventuality.
- "Wobɛka a, na wonni asɛm yi." (If you arrive, you will hear this news.): This proverb means that if you want to know something or understand a situation, you have to be present. It encourages people to be proactive and to seek out information rather than waiting for it to come to them. This proverb can be used to encourage someone to be more engaged, curious, and open-minded.
- "Aboa bi worɔ fɛɛfɛɛ, na yɛ pɛyɛ." (If a fool learns to shoot, we all suffer.): This proverb warns against giving power or responsibility to inexperienced or incompetent people. It implies that the actions of one person can affect the entire group. This proverb can be used to advise against taking unnecessary risks, or to caution against relying on someone who is unreliable or untrustworthy.
- "Anoma a yɛtɔ nsa fufuo no, nso yɛya ntonto mu." (The bird we use to prepare soup is the same bird that perches on the stick.): This proverb means that we should be careful how we treat others, because we may one day need their help. It implies that everyone is connected, and that our actions have consequences. This proverb can be used to encourage people to be kind and compassionate, and to treat others the way they would want to be treated.
- "Anigye nkoaa a, ɔbrɛ ante tia." (If the crab is in a hurry, it doesn't insult the river.): This proverb means that we should always respect people or things that are more powerful than us. It implies that humility is a virtue, and that arrogance or disrespect can lead to negative consequences. This proverb can be used to encourage people to be humble, patient, and respectful, especially in difficult situations.
Fante Twi Proverbs
Fante Twi is another dialect of the Akan language family, spoken in southern Ghana by about 2.5 million people. Fante proverbs are known for their poetics, metaphors, and linguistic expressions.
Some Popular Fante Twi Proverbs
Here are some popular Fante Twi proverbs and their meanings:
| Twi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Wonni ehu kɛseɛ biara ntew." | wo-nni e-hu kɛ-seɛ bia-ra n-te-w | "When you're eating a crab, you break its claws one by one." |
| "Adwenepa mpow nko ara, mframa didi agoro wo nim." | a-dwe-ne-pa m-pow n-ko a-ra, mfra-ma di-di a-go-ro wo nim | "The wise take care of themselves during a calm, the foolish during a storm." |
| "Funtobo atamfo bɛkɔ nnɛ." | fun-to-bo a-tam-fo be-ko nnɛ | "The mouth of the enemy is full of blessings." |
| "Mmoa nsie yɛn mpaboa." | mm-oa n-sie ye-n m-pa-bo-a | "The teeth that bites us were once ours." |
| "Ɛmmoa nipa anowora nkwasea, na ɔwhɛ akum a, obedi hɔ." | ɛm-moa ni-pa a-no-wora n-kwa-sea, na o-whɛ a-kum a, o-be-di hɔ | "The blind man who does not know where his home is will be directed by a child who was born there." |
Interpretation and Usage
- "Wonni ehu kɛseɛ biara ntew." (When you're eating a crab, you break its claws one by one.): This proverb means that you should deal with problems or challenges one at a time, rather than trying to tackle everything at once. It implies that breaking things down into smaller parts can make them easier to handle or overcome. This proverb can be used to advise someone to be patient, organized, and methodical in solving a problem or achieving a goal.
- "Adwenepa mpow nko ara, mframa didi agoro wo nim." (The wise take care of themselves during a calm, the foolish during a storm.): This proverb means that it is important to be prepared and proactive, rather than reactive or complacent. It encourages people to be vigilant, and to take care of themselves and their resources before they face difficulties or challenges. This proverb can be used to advise someone to be foresighted, prudent, and responsible in planning and decision-making.
- "Funtobo atamfo bɛkɔ nnɛ." (The mouth of the enemy is full of blessings.): This proverb means that even our enemies can teach us something or give us something of value. It implies that we should not reject or ignore opportunities for growth or learning, even if they come from unlikely sources. This proverb can be used to encourage people to be humble, open-minded, and receptive to feedback or criticism.
- "Mmoa nsie yɛn mpaboa." (The teeth that bites us were once ours.): This proverb means that sometimes our problems or challenges are a result of our own actions or decisions. It implies that we should take responsibility for our mistakes and learn from them, rather than blaming or resenting others. This proverb can be used to encourage people to be self-aware, reflective, and accountable for their choices and behaviors.
- "Ɛmmoa nipa anowora nkwasea, na ɔwhɛ akum a, obedi hɔ." (The blind man who does not know where his home is will be directed by a child who was born there.): This proverb means that sometimes we can learn from people who are less experienced or knowledgeable than us, or who come from a different background. It implies that wisdom can come from unexpected sources, and that we should be open to learning from anyone. This proverb can be used to encourage people to be curious, respectful, and inclusive in their interactions with others.
Conclusion
Learning Twi proverbs and sayings is a
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