FEATURED ARTICLES

Originally published in the Dec/Jan 2003 issue of African American Family.

The Wit And Wisdom Of Africa

Proverbs From The Motherland Are Like Old Southern Expressions –- Charming, Unforgettable . . . And Ocean Deep.

By Esinam Bediako

Hillary Clinton impressed millions of American readers several years ago with It Takes A Village, her best-selling book that encouraged communities to reach out to each child because “it takes a village” to raise just one.  Though the wisdom of her words rang true, readers owe their thanks to more than just Ms. Clinton.

The vehicle for her message was an African proverb.

Nkenge Abi, manager of Detroit’s Shrine of the Black Madonna, isn’t sure if the booming popularity of African proverbs began with Hillary Clinton’s book, but she is sure of one thing -- many Americans who hear proverbs like the one Clinton used do not know that the words originated in Africa centuries ago.  According to Abi, one cannot deny the universal truths such proverbs present, and that’s one of the reasons the African sayings have increased in popularity.

“Proverbs can get to the kernel of truth and illustrate it so clearly,” she said.  “They are timeless wisdoms that reach back to African heritage, but have cross-cultural significance.”

But why are Americans just now noticing the power of proverbs?  The words themselves are so ancient that they cannot even be attributed to one individual, yet the interest began as a trend in the 90s and the new millennium.  Abi believes the answer lies in increased cultural awareness.  She says that today’s African American is searching for the truth about their heritage.

“We as Black people are embracing more of our Africanness, and now other people have paid attention and noticed.  As a product of the 50s and 60s, I grew up thinking Blacks were ignorant because that’s the image portrayed.  Today Blacks are aware of the knowledge of our African ancestors, and so other cultures are aware of it, too.”

Souley Biraimah, a native of Togo, West Africa with roots in Ghana and Benin, agrees that the increased popularity of African proverbs relates to African Americans’ desire to forge a relationship with their ancestors.  He believes that his experience with proverbs when he lived in Africa helped him relate to his ancestors.

“In Africa, we always had a moment where we sit with the elders and they tell us a story about the past, even about slavery, and then they make a comparison between the past and modern days,” Biraimah said.  “They used the proverbs to make you understand the connection.”

Not only did these storytelling sessions with older relatives pass along important messages through proverbs, but they also taught the youngsters to respect their elders, according to Biraimah.  He says he’s pleased that Americans are more interested in African proverbs because interest might translate into respect for older generations and their wisdom. 

“I think it (the proverbs) will help people because if you think about what is being said, it can change your life.  Listening to proverbs, maybe kids can learn to respect the elders and the experiences they have had.”

“Faults are like a hill:  You stand on top of your own and talk about those of other people.” 
-Hausa of West Africa

Interpretation: Often people complain about others’ shortcomings without thinking about their own flaws; a person should examine oneself before scrutinizing others.

 
Proverbs

“Treat the world well.  It was not given to you by your parents; it was lent to you by your children.” -Kenya
Interpretation --Humans should protect the world in which they live because its future belongs to the children.  The world is not a right, but a privilege we borrow, shape, and pass along in time.

 “The elephant never gets tired of carrying his tusks.”  -Vai of Liberia
Interpretation -- One should never tire of supporting his or her own people.  Family and friends are as much a part of a person as a body part; such a natural weight cannot be a burden.

“If you should become rich, dance in the house.”  -Nyanja of Malawi
Interpretation-- Do not be boastful if good fortune falls upon you.  Celebrate, but do so tastefully, as immodesty can leave you poor again.

“Flowing water makes stagnant water move.”  -Somalia
Interpretation -- If a person takes action, his or her motion inspires the inactive to change as well.  Change begins with one little push that can cause a positive chain reaction, even in a place or person where revolution seems unlikely.

“Wisdom does not live only in one house.”  -Ashanti of Ghana
Interpretation-- Appreciate the insight others have to offer.  Don’t hold your own ideas over those of your neighbors, as people from different backgrounds can possess a viewpoint just as wise as your own.

“If God dishes your rice in a basket you should not wish to eat soup.”  -Sierra Leone
Interpretation -- Be content with your lot in life.  Though people often want what they do not have, what we have will suffice if we appreciate its worth.

“Mr. Run-to-get-warm left the fire as it was beginning to blaze.”  -Nyanja of Malawi
Interpretation -- Have patience and wait for results.  Expecting instant gratification will only lead to disappointment and unfinished business.

“The rain does not befriend anybody; it falls on anyone it meets outside.”  -Yoruba of Nigeria
Interpretation --  Everyone is equal under the power of nature.  Regardless of a person’s social status or wealth, nature humbles a human being.

“When the music changes, so should the dance.”  -Hausa of West Africa
Interpretation -- Manners should guide the decisions you make.  When it is appropriate to behave seriously, dance with reserve and regality; when the times call for celebration, dance with passion.

“What the child says, he has learned at home.” -Nigeria
Interpretation -- Be careful of your actions and words.  The impression you make upon children will mark that child and consequently, the world.

“You are beautiful; but learn to work, for you cannot eat your beauty. -Congo
Interpretation -- Recognize your spiritual and physical attributes, but remember that a person needs to work hard to survive in life and cannot rely on looks alone.

“It’s not what you call us, but what we answer to that matters.” -Djuka
Interpretation -- No one can erase one’s self-respect.  A person can define his or her own identity,  regardless of the image others might try to impose.

“No one tests the depth of a river with both feet.”  -Ashanti of Ghana
Interpretation -- When trying something new, proceed with caution; it is unwise to put oneself at risk.

“You can outdistance that which is running after you but not what is running inside you.”  -Rwanda
Interpretation -- One can try to escape an external enemy, but one must stop and fight an internal conflict, because people carry their personal enemies with them wherever they go.

Esinam Bediako, a  student at Columbia University in New York, is a native of Ghana, West Africa.

BACK