The Maasai say that a zebra takes its stripes wherever it goes.
This ostensibly simple African proverb is infused with profound wisdom that we really cannot do full justice to here; however, a simplistic translation would be this: wherever you go, irrespective of how far you travel across continents and oceans, your culture is a part of you. And it’s so true, isn’t it? When you speak to friends from home, you fall back on the linguistic shorthand you share. By the end of the conversation, your accent is back. You are using phrases and slang that has you laughing aloud. And “if you laugh with somebody then you share something,” as observed by the inimitable Trevor Noah – South African comedian and presenter of The Daily Show – with sparkling wisdom that itself could pass for an African proverb. You share a deep and instant understanding. An understanding which can cross and even break cultural boundaries.
A proverb does not answer itself – Maasai
An African proverb does not explain itself or require much analysis to be understood. Neither do similes, metaphors, adages or aphorisms. But all of them have an important cultural function. Their purpose is to pass down wisdom and advice from generation to generation. In Africa, this wisdom is often found in the oral tradition of storytelling. Stories and proverbs told by our gogos (grannies) and babas (grandpas) around campfires and kitchen tables. And so, the elders in our communities are the most important. We respect and revere them because their memory carries our moral history and describe our place within the world. We turn to them for guidance and protection.
A wise man, who knows proverbs, reconciles difficulties – Yoruba
A proverb is a short sentence we understand instantly, for the most part. Most African proverbs speak about animals, food or the environment. Some are witty and really direct others a little more obscure and philosophical. We love proverbs because they are truisms. They can say a whole lot with extraordinarily little. We love them because they make us smile or laugh out loud or ache for home. Living far away from our home country, we are the scatterlings of Africa. We spend our time learning new proverbs and traditions in new lands and we get to share this joy and wisdom with our new friends.
Here are a few more to make you smile:
If beards signified intelligence, the goat would have been a genius – Nigeria
No matter how hot your anger may be, it cannot cook – Lesotho
If you climb up a tree, you must climb down the same tree – Burundi
If you do not have patience you cannot make beer – Ovambo
If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail – Gambia
An intelligent enemy is better than a stupid friend – Senegal
Just because you have been stung by a bee doesn’t mean you destroy all beehives – Kenya
Our favourite:
Happiness requires something to do, something to love and something to hope for – Swahili
If you liked this article, you’ll love this one.
