November 1, 2022
Ugendalage uludodi, ulukafu luladenyeka. (Bena) Tembelea mti mbichi, mkavu utavunjika. (Swahili) Marcher sur un arbre frais, un arbre sec se cassera. (French) Walk on a fresh […]
Introduction
A special feature of this website is to circulate worldwide an “African Proverb of the Month.” Our plan to is post an important proverb from a different African country every month. We use a simple format that includes: first, meaning and use of the proverb; second, biblical parallel; and third, application of the proverb. African proverbs of previous months are found under “Resources” starting with the June, 1998 “African Proverb of the Month.” You are invited to send an African Proverb to the moderator@afriprov.org to be posted on this website. We hope this can be a participatory website. Welcome.
October 1, 2022
October 2022 African Proverb of the Month One hand does not raise a child. Sukuma (Tanzania) Proverb
Unkono ugumo gudalelea ng’wana. (Sukuma) Mkono mmoja haulei mtoto. (Swahili) Une seule main, n’eleve pas l’enfant. French) One hand does not raise a child. (English) […]
September 7, 2022
Omwana owa eshariro aria de enyenyi. (Suba) Mtoto wa mwewe halagi mboga. (Swahili) Un bébé buse (eyas) ne mange pas de légumes. (French) A baby hawk […]
July 31, 2022
Ng’hwi ninghi jigangaluchaga. (Sukuma). Kuni nyingi hukesha. (Swahili). De nombreux morceaux de bois éclairent toute la nuit.(French). Many pieces of firewood light the whole night. (English). […]
June 30, 2022
Befit’ineti mehedi kefelegu bichawoni yiramedu ruk’I mehedi kefelegachihu abirachihu hidu. (Agaw) Ikiwa unataka kutembea haraka, tembea peke yako. Ikiwa unataka kutembea mbali, tembea pamoja. (Swahili) Si […]
June 21, 2022
Moea uecha heavy hayen. (Dinka) Rafiki ni yule amaye mnaendanisha naye njia pamoja. (Swahili) Un ami est quelqu ún avec qui vous partagez le chemin ensemble. (French) […]
April 30, 2022
Muthenya ndurumagwo utari uratuka. (Gikuyu) Siku hailaniwi kabla ya kikomo chake. (Swahili) On ne condamne pas le jour avant qu’il prenne sa fin. (French) The day […]
March 31, 2022
“Kalagu.” “Kize.” Kaja nhwani kali duhu kugiza kazwalile?… nharanga (Sukuma). “Kitendawili.” “Tega” Alienda pwani uchi akarudi amevaa?… karanga (Swahili). “J’ai une énigme.” “Laissez-la venir.” Une personne […]
February 28, 2022
Amidan do: min kpinpon nyowu min didu. (Fon) Nyoka wa kijani, alisema, “kuangalia mtu ni bora kuliko kumuuma.” (Swahili) Le serpent vert dit,“regarder un homme, vaut […]