Proverbial
Have you ever traded proverbs? It’s one thing that one of the local missions staff and I have been doing. It all started when I picked up a book of Mandinka proverbs for another volunteer.
When learning a new language, in addition to new phonetics and grammar rules, it is those pesky idioms and proverbs that seem to cause confusion. And obviously so. There is a whole host of cultural understanding is entwined in each one.
I’ll provide the direct English translation and then the intended meaning for a few of my favourites.
.: Cold water kills.
Still water runs deep. or Looks can be deceptive.
.: However hot water in the well may be it cannot boil rice.
Know yourself better and your limitations.
.: If torn trousers allow you to stand up, you should also not sit down.
Give respect where it is due.
.: Do not stop children having fun otherwise they will also stop your serious work.
Leniency pays dividends.
.: Don’t put raw fish in a nauseous man’s mouth.
Don’t make matters worse
.: One should have a toilet in their backyard in case of diarrhea.
Give allowance for the unforeseen.
.: If you do not squeeze the neck, eyes would not be properly opened.
Some work better under pressure.
.: The first pig to the lake drinks the best water.
The early bird catches the worm.
.: If you make a bet with a locust to find out who can poop more, it will be you whose butt will get swollen. [based on the premise that locust eat and poop at the same time]
If you try to do what you cannot the consequences can be severe.
All proverbs taken from “Mandinka Proverbs & Sayings from The Gambia.” N Gray-Johnson (ed). 2004. ISBN 9983 8800 3-2
