July 2025 African Proverb of the Month Before you say a word to people, think first. Bena (Tanzania) Proverb
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Kabla sinaulonga ulukani kwa vanu hodzage ta. (Bena) Kabla hujasema neno kwa watu, fikiria kwanza. (Swahili) Avant de dire un mot aux gens, réfléchis d’abord. (French) Before you say a word to people, think first. (English) |
Bena(Tanzania) Proverb
Background, Meaning and Everyday Use
The Bena are a Bantu ethnic group located in the highlands of southern Tanzania, primarily in the Njombe region. Their language is called Kibena, and their cultural center is known as Ubena. The Bena population is estimated at around 1,322,000 people. Historically, they migrated from the coastal areas, following the Rufiji River until they settled in Mdandu.
The Bena are divided into five subgroups: Ivang’ing’ombe, Sovi, Ikilavwugi, Nyikolwe, and Mfirika. Kibena has five main dialects:
- Ki-Kilavwugi – spoken in Ilembula
- Kisovi – spoken in Lusisi and Makambako
- Kimaswamu – spoken in Imalinyi, Njombe town, and Mdandu
- Ki-Lupembe – spoken in Lupembe
- Ki-Mavemba – spoken in Uwemba and Igominyi
Though the language is the same, pronunciation varies. For example, the sound “dz” is common in most dialects, but in Ki-Kilavwugi, it is pronounced “dj” (e.g., umuhudji). In Ki-Lupembe, “dzi” is pronounced “chi” (e.g., umuhuchi for soup, achile for “has come”).
To preserve their culture, the Bena use proverbs, dances, songs, music, and storytelling. Proverbs, in particular, are rich in wisdom and used to teach, guide, warn, advise, and correct.
The proverb Kabla sinaulonga ulukani kwa vanu hodzage ta is widely used among the Bena. It teaches the importance of thinking before speaking. Adults were expected to model respectful speech, especially when raising children. For instance, a child was not allowed to call an elder a liar (uwudesi), but instead was taught to say ukosie (“you are wrong”). This maintained respect and harmony in the community.
If someone spoke inappropriately, they were corrected immediately. If a father misspoke, the mother might tell the children, Mmuhurumire ayagile mtanakumheka (“Have mercy on him, he is lost, don’t laugh”). This taught children that even adults could make mistakes, but they should be treated with understanding.
Here is a real life example: Elder Maganga, the local chairperson of Pamwambo Village, once hosted a wedding ceremony. Guests came from near and far. After the traditional rites, it was time to eat. As he welcomed the guests, he said: “My brothers and sisters, dear guests, welcome to our neighborhood. We are very happy for your arrival. Since there are many people and not enough seats, I ask the gentlemen to sit in front, and you locals who came like crows, sit on the ground!”
The celebration fell apart. The locals were deeply offended and began to leave. They told the elder, “Before you say a word to people, think first. We are not crows. We are honorable people.” Though he apologized, the damage was done. Even honored guests were disheartened. Elder Maganga’s careless words ruined the celebration.
This story illustrates how speaking without thinking can lead to humiliation and broken relationships. People who speak recklessly often find themselves isolated.
Biblical Parallels
Matthew 5:37: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Colossians 3:8: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
James 3:8: “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
Contemporary Use And Religious Application
This proverb reminds us to weigh our words carefully. Inappropriate speech has led to broken marriages, lost jobs and damaged relationships. Many young people are discouraged by harsh words from elders or superiors. Words can build or destroy.
As the Swahili say: Ni heri kujikwa kidole kuliko kujikwa ulimi (“It is better to stumble with your toe than with your tongue”).
In our Small Christian Communities and our churches, this proverb encourages respectful and thoughtful communication. It calls us to speak truth with love and to build up, not tear down, the next generation.
As we use the Synodal Process in building a Synodal Catholic Church, this Bena Proverb can help us to develop our listening skills and non-positional thinking.
NOTE: The text was improved with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
Text by:
Sister Felisia Mbifile, SCSF
Rome, Italy
Email: felisiajmbifile@gmail.com
Photographs by:
Rev. Zakaria Kashinje, OSA
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Cellphones:
+255-756-887787 Vodacom
+255-717-3337787 Tigo
+255-786-337787 Airtel
Email: zkashinje@gmail.com
zkashinje@yahoo.co.uk