(An excerpt from Wikipedia) Zulu is the language of the Zulu people with about 10 million speakers, the vast majority (over 95%) of whom live in South Africa. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Share. ~ African Proverb. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Meaning: 20) Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped. October 20, 2017, 12:27 pm Ph Learn how your comment data is processed. November 26, 2020, 9:20 am. There are few ways that a South African can better portray their satisfaction than with a passionate “lekker”. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. When you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock. Read on below for 200 of the most inspiring and thought-provoking African proverbs. ~ Zulu Proverb. No one drinks medicine on behalf of a sick person. Meaning: Prepare is vital before doing anything. Meaning: 15) It takes a whole village to raise a child. African proverbs have always been full of deep meanings, and wisdom, and something that you can always look to for inspiration, and motivation. Jun 27, 2020 - Words of wisdom. By pounding the dough the bread will rise. The drums of war are the drums of hunger. All countries have their own proverbs and wise sayings. by (South African Proverb) A termite grows up in dry wood, and yet comes to maturity. Roasted locusts eaten at night bring dangerous dreams. African Proverbs. How South Africa Once you have found your first diamond, you will never give up looking. You cannot beat a drum with one finger. The most beautiful fig may contain a worm. Great help for my father who has dementia. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. South Africa– Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican Number: 2005/028472/07. Ray 26/10/2020 at 12:53 AM - Reply. Ph The continent believes in instilling knowledge through wise sayings and proverbs. South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. 15. Until the lions have their historians, tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter. An Elder does not break wind in public, but in a latrine. Africa is the land of proverbs. These cookies do not store any personal information. A termite grows up in dry wood, and yet comes to maturity. It is hunger that killed the man with many wives. List of African proverbs. A roaring lion will kill no one Meaning: 7) A restless feet may walk into a snake pit. When you climb the mountain and reach the top, do not forget the branches shrubs that helped your footing. A woman who pursues a man for sex loses her spiritual beauty. 1. Therefore, below you will find top 30 African proverbs and their meaning. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Quinn Evans 14/11/2020 at 1:09 AM - Reply. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here’s a list of African proverbs from around African the continent. Meaning: 16) If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Wisdom is wealth! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This was very helpful but I still need the meanings of the following proverbs:-1. The dupe who takes possession of a lame ox is seldom recognized as a fool. African Proverb Patience is the mother of a beautiful child. December 12, 2018, 8:23 am, by (South African Proverb) We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The meaning of this proverb is that all big and beautiful things started small, therefore the action that might seem futile today all lead to something greater tomorrow, even a river as huge as the Vaal or Orange if filled by lots of smaller streams. Ph The Bible, the Quran and all the other great books are full of nothing but proverbs. November 16, 2020, 3:23 pm, by African Proverb He who refuses to obey cannot command. November 5, 2020, 1:00 pm, by ... new school and new dreams, but your language will always be South African! Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. Africa 11 inspiring African proverbs. November 18, 2020, 4:29 pm, by The one chased away with a club comes back, but the one chased away with reason does not. November 26, 2020, 12:22 pm, by Reply. See more ideas about african proverb, proverbs, words of wisdom. Ph Example: “That was a lekker braai bru!” 10. Popular, by African proverbs: 1. Meaning: 4) If you offend, ask for a pardon; if offended forgive. Ph November 11, 2020, 2:42 pm, by Meaning: 14) When a king has good counsellors, his reign is peaceful. Here are 15 Famous South African Proverbs and their meaning. 2. African proverbs about life, love, friendship, marriage and other important issues reflect all the ancient and vital knowledge every educated person should be aware of. 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Here is a collection of proverbs attributed to the Zulu of South Africa. Meaning: 13) Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle. 19 cool African proverbs and their meanings All the many different types of African people have a rich cultural heritage that has survived colonialism, conflict and many other issues. 150. One who enters a hut does not smell the termites roasting in the boiler. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A saying in Africa has always been a subtle means of expression. Ph Updated 5:24 AM ET, Tue November 24, 2015. Africa is one of the continents that is richly endowed in culture. 3. These are some of the wisest African sayings and their meanings. How South Africa 151. November 26, 2020, 10:25 am, by A chicken with beautiful plumage does not sit in a corner. [Ach-man] This is the Afrikaans equivalent to “Oh man!” and is often used at the beginning of … Meaning: 9) After a foolish deed comes remorse. As we celebrate Africa Day, we have decided to share with you 20 African Proverbs and Their Meanings: Below is a top 20 List of (translated) African Proverbs and Their Meanings: 1) Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. The woman who always complains and is never satisfied with anything is like an annoying flea on the foot. A braai is a popular social event in South Africa and even has its own dedicated public holiday, known as National Braai Day, which coincides with Heritage Day celebrated annually on September 24. Their hidden meanings’ main function was to warn, teach, entertain, and prevent a tragedy by using wise examples through oral literature, stories, and wise sayings. We recently did a feature on African proverbs on love that rung true for many. ~ African Proverb. Meaning: 6) The best way to eat an elephant in your path, is to cut him up into little pieces. Your email address will not be published. Not just proverbs but proverbs with meanings. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is now. You can learn wisdom at your grandfather's feet, or at the end of a stick. As we celebrate Africa Day, we have decided to share with you 20 African Proverbs and Their Meanings: Below is a top 20 List of (translated) African Proverbs and Their Meanings: 1) Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. A MISS is as good as a mile 3. sam 25/11/2020 at 9:09 PM - Reply. Example: “Sounds like they are having a real jol next door.” 12. Proverbs are words full of hidden truths and deeper meanings. Ph Ph Ph 1. 12 African Proverbs and Sayings to Live By Posted on Jul 10, 2017 (Nov 16, 2020) by Gold Restaurant Every culture has its share of wise proverbs or sayings, usually single sentences, passed down from one generation to the next. They offer one with teachings of wisdom in just a sentence. Many hands make light work — Tanzanian proverb. Ph ‘We’re having a braai tomorrow.’ ‘We braaied the meat yesterday’. The girl with stars in her eyes will shine like the moonlight. Famous South African Proverbs. waste. The fool speaks, the wise man listens — Ethiopian Wisdom does not come overnight — Somali To get lost is to learn the way — African saying. Knowledge is like a lion; it cannot be gently embraced. by December 2, 2020, 6:04 pm, by Meaning: 10) A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness. Zulu proverbs equally carry enough weight as the rest of African quotes. South African proverbs, for instance, are a reflection of the region's culture. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Any party, get-together or fun activity is a jol. September 29, 2020, 10:00 am, by Braai [br-eye] is a widely used noun and verb for an outdoor ‘barbecue’ where meat is cooked over a fire or coals. 3 Comments. African Proverbs and wise sayings played an important and significant role in ancient African culture and traditional history. Meaning: You don’t … 1k Views. Hot Where there is honey, there are bound to be ants. 43 South African Slang Expressions You Need to Know Ag man! In most traditions in Africa, it is usually atypical for one to tell an African proverb and still be the one to explain the meaning. Meaning: 3) Sugarcane is sweetest at its joint. The Wisdom of African Proverbs – Get inspired From 300 African Proverbs From all Around African Continent!. And in honour of those fantastic Afrikaans sayings, we’re bringing you a list of 10 idioms and expressions you simply need to teach your foreign friends. Babelaas | hangover 11. Meaning: by Here’s Why Rapper PRO Wants Hip-Hop Artists To Give Veterans Respect, South Africans, Meet President Jacob Zuma- His Profile, His Background, His Legal Woes. This article will offer you Nigerian proverbs and meaning to make you laugh your hearts out as well as influence your lifestyle. The context in which these wise sayings are used can be used to pass specific meanings. ~ African Proverb. 2. Meaning: 5) Don’t set sail using someone else’s star. The selection below come from right across the African continent – whilst most of the proverbs are specific to countries or ethnic groups, there are a number that are of unknown source, and are simply ‘African proverbs’. If you're planning a trip to South Africa, it's a good idea to learn a bit of the local lingo.South Africa has 11 official languages, but the easiest place to start is with South African English.Given the country's rich linguistic heritage, South African slang borrows from a range … It is bounded on the south by 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) of coastline of Southern Africa stretching along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; on the north by the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; and on the east and northeast by Mozambique and Swaziland; and surrounds the kingdom of Lesotho. Meaning: 12) A roaring lion kills no one. It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. Proverbs have a deeper meaning that give them their sweetness. Required fields are marked *. It was easy to find African proverbs on goals and achievement, which makes us think this is a vital aspect of African culture. Meaning: 18) Life is like a mist or a shadow; it quickly passes by. Meaning: 11) He who does not know one thing knows another. The eye never forgets what the heart has seen — African Proverb. The impatient person eats goat; the one who hesitates eats beef. Some are known to come from specific African tribes, ethnic groups, or African countries, and others have an unknown source and are listed simply as “African proverbs.” The strength of the crocodile is in the water. These proverbs come from throughout the continent and from many different tribes, which means that goal setting and achievement are integral throughout African culture. - Meaning: If you pay attention to what your elders are telling you and follow their advice, you won't have … When two elephants meet on a narrow bridge, they get nowhere until one of them backs down or lies down. Proverbs are words of wisdom and wisdom is life. Speech is silver,silence is golden 2. Regardless of the origin of a saying, one can get the intended meaning of the saying. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013), one of Africa’s and Nigeria’s most celebrated sons said it best, “Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.” Referring specifically to Igbo culture, and indeed in many Nigerian cultures, palm oil is used to make the meal sweeter. African Proverb Ugliness with a good character is better than beauty. 148. The Zulu proverbs have overtime stood out as some of the best proverbs in the … Meaning: You don’t jump straight into a situation without thinking about it first. Meaning: 17) The Rain does not fall on one roof. Ph African Proverb He who learns, teaches. 20 African Proverbs And Their Meanings by How South Africa October 20, 2017, 12:27 pm 1k Views As with Africa, We have our own African proverbs, the pride of our African culture, African proverbs have always been used to convey important messages during conversations. So good in our African culture.