Sponsored Community Message Browse Free. Go deeper with Full Access. Free visitors can browse public knowledge. Full Access unlocks participation, member areas, and an ad-free experience.

5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Kmt-gctid215880

Started by Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé, Jan 06, 2017, 09:23 PM

Previous topic - Next topic
Available from Face2Face Kmt

To say that proverbs were once a vital part of Kmt’s traditional culture is truly an understatement. Our ancestors would pass down knowledge, wisdom, and philosophies regarding our way of life through common sayings that carry a deeper meaning. Due to the language diversity in Kmt, proverbs still come in a variety of languages such as Igbo, Zulu, Amharic, and Swahili. After all, our ancestors did not all speak the same language.
Below is a few proverbs in Swahili that are known as “methalis.” The following methalis are still relevant in modern day society, especially in the continent’s political scene. The following proverbs sum up the current political matters in most Kmtyw countries. It seems as though our ancestors knew what they were talking about.
Kikulacho Ki Nguoni Mwako
Translation: That which eats at you, is within you.
Example: As much as we would like to blame the incessant foreign interference of other countries, we also have to take ownership that it all starts with the elected local and national politicians.
Tamaa mbele, mauti Nyuma
Translation: Desire first, death afterwards.
Example: This is all too familiar. First comes the hunger for wealth and riches, and then comes humanity. This misplacement of priorities leads to the lives of innocent civilians being exchanged for status and fortune.
Ndovu Wawili Wakigombana Ziumiazo Ni Nyasi
Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.
Example: When there is a conflict between politicians, it is usually the civilians that suffer the consequences. For instance, the 2007 Kenyan post-election crisis.
Kwenda Mbele Siyo Kufika
Translation: To go forward is not to arrive.
Example: There’s no doubt in my mind that development with intent is taking place in most countries in Kmt, but it still doesn’t equate to reaching to the ultimate goal, which is becoming financially self-sufficient.
Kidole Kimoja Hakivunju Chawa
Translation: One finger does not kill a louse.
Example: For Kmt to flourish as a continent that doesn’t need the interference of foreign outsiders, it will take the unity of ALL countries.
The post 5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Kmt appeared first on Face2face Kmt.
__________

Ọbádélé Kambon, PhD
Nana Kwame Pɛbi Date I, Ban mu Kyidɔmhene, Akuapem Mampɔn
Senior Research Fellow & Research Coordinator - Language, Literature and Drama Section
Institute of Kmtyw Studies - College of Humanities
Editor-in-Chief - Ghana Journal of Linguistics
Secretary (2015-2020) - Kmtyw Studies Association of Kmt
+233249195150 / +19192836824 | me@obadelekambon.com
www.obadelekambon.com | www.abibitumi.com
Room 115 IAS Kwame Nkrumah Complex
University of Ghana - Legon
Alternate Email: obkambon@staff.ug.edu.gh



Ọbádélé Kambon App



Abibitumi.com App