Xhosa people who handed down proverbs
villagers · Cape Colony, South Africa · before the 19th century
Proverbs passed down among the Xhosa, who live near the eastern coast of South Africa. The makers are unknown. The historian George McCall Theal printed them in Xhosa with English translations and explanations. The title of his book uses the word Europeans then applied to the Xhosa, now regarded as a slur.
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before the 19th century · A proverb. The English is Theal's own translation, printed directly under the Xhosa.
The sun never sets without fresh news.
Alitshonanga lingenandaba.
G. M. Theal, Kaffir Folk-Lore (2nd ed., 1886) · Proverbs and Figurative Expressions
19th century · A saying applied to Europeans. Theal writes that it first arose from the heavy demands made on the people of Ngqika in return for English protection, and that it is sometimes put: the people who protect with one hand and kill with the other. The English is Theal's own translation, printed directly under the Xhosa.
The people who rescue and kill.
Omasiza mbulala.
G. M. Theal, Kaffir Folk-Lore (2nd ed., 1886) · Proverbs and Figurative Expressions
before the 19th century · Said when something one dreads or dislikes has passed away. By tradition the mother of Kolomba was a very disagreeable person. The English is Theal's own translation, printed directly under the Xhosa.
I rejoice that Kolomba’s mother is dead.
Qabu Unoqolomba efile.
G. M. Theal, Kaffir Folk-Lore (2nd ed., 1886) · Proverbs and Figurative Expressions
before the 19th century · Bakuba is an ideal country. Theal says the proverb is a warning against undue ambition, or advice to be content with what is within reach. The English is Theal's own translation, printed directly under the Xhosa.
Bakuba is far away, no person ever reached it.
Kude e-Bakuba, akuyiwanga mntu.
G. M. Theal, Kaffir Folk-Lore (2nd ed., 1886) · Proverbs and Figurative Expressions
before the 19th century · A saying of the industrious to the idle: each should work for himself, as the flies do. The English is Theal's own translation, printed directly under the Xhosa.
One fly does not provide for another.
Akuko mpukane inqakulela enye.
G. M. Theal, Kaffir Folk-Lore (2nd ed., 1886) · Proverbs and Figurative Expressions
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