Author: Sukuma legacy

160. NG’WANA NOGU AGALYAGA NA KAB’ISILE

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ililola ng’wana uyo alinikujo kub’abyaji b’akwe.  Ung’wana ng’wunuyo alinogu ugutung’wa na bhabyaji b’akwe bhenabho. Kuyiniyo, abhabyaji b’agamanaga b’ung’winha jisambo ijo bhadab’inhaga abho bhalibhalambu ugutung’wa.

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa nu kulimunhu uyo alinikujo ukub’atale bhakwe ilya kuzunya ugutung’wa nabho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo aginhiwagwa jisambo nabho ghagantumaga uluoimala ugwiita imilimo yiniyo umobhantumilaga.

Abha Padri Donald Syberts nu Joseph Healey umujitab’o jabho ijihayile ‘KUENEZA INJILI KWA METHALI’ ‘GUTANANHYA NHULU JA NG’WA SEBHA,’ Uk 48, b’alihaya giki, ulusumo lunulo lugatumamilagwa kuli ng’wana uyo agab’atogishaga ab’abhyaji bhakwe. Agab’ayejaga na gub’igwa mubhuli ginhu.

Ung’wana ng’wunuyo agab’izaga winhiwa jisambo na b’abyaji b’akwe, kunguyo ya nhungwa yakwe iyawiza yiniyo. Abhabyaji bhakwe b’agantulilaga ginhu, guti jiliwa, ijo oliadisagiliwe igiki agwinhiwa.

Ulusumo lunulo lulilanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na likujo lyaguzunya ugutung’wa na bhatale bhabho kuja gujuitumama imilimo iya gub’eja kaya, jumuiya, na Lihanga lyose, nulu sii yose.

Ijinagongeja, ulusumo lunulo lulilanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na bhukalalwa bho gwifunya b’inikili guja gujub’ambilija abhanhu abho bhalimukoye, kugiki nabho bhadule ugwinga umumakoe genayo, bhab’ize na bhuyegi, umuwikaji bhobho.

KISWAHILI: MTOTO MTIIFU HULA NA KILE KILICHOFICHWA

Chanzo cha methali hiyo kinaangalia mtoto ambaye ana utii kwa wazazi wake. Mtoto huyo huonesha utiifu huo kwa kukubali kutumwa nao. Kwa sababu hiyo, wazazi hao huwa wanampatia zawadi ambazo hawawapatii wale wasiokubali kutumwa nao.

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu aliye na utiifu kwa wakubwa wakwe umwezeshao kukubali kutumwa nao. Mtu huyo, hupewa zawadi kutoka kwa wakubwa wake hao baada ya kutekeleza kile walichomtuma kukifanya.

Mapadri Donold Syberts na Joseph Healey, kwenye kitabu chao kisemacho, ‘KUENEZA INJILI KWA METHALI’ Uk 48, wasema kwamba, Methali hiyo hutumika kwa mtoto ambaye anawapendeza wazazi wake, kwa kuwafurahisha na kuwatii katika kila jambo. Huwa anapewa zawadi kwa ajili ya tabia yake hiyo njema. Wazazi wake humwekea kitu fulani kwa mfano, chakula bila ya yeye kutegemea.

Kwa hiyo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na utiifu wa kukubali kutumwa na wakubwa wao kwenda kufanya kazi za kujenga, familia, jumuiya na Taifa lote kwa ujumla.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na hamu ya kujitoa wenyewe kwenda kuwasaidia watu wenye matatizo ili waweze kutoka kwenye matatizo hao, kwa ajili ya kuwawezesha kuishi kwa furaha maishani mwao.

mother-and-daughter

AN OBEDIENT CHILD EATS EVEN THAT WHICH IS HIDDEN

The above proverb is about a child who is obedient to his/her parents. For instance, such a child shows obedience through willingness to run errands for his/her parents. As a result, the parents give that child gifts, but effectively snub the disobedient children.

The overhead proverb is likened to a person who is humble to his/her elders and who is willing to perform tasks for them. Such a person gets rewarded with gifts from those in authority after undertaking specified tasks as delegated.

Fr. Donald Syberts and Fr. Joseph Healey, in their book, “KUENEZA INJILI KWA METHALI” on page 48, say that such a proverb is used to refer to a child who loves his/her parents, and who pleases and obeys them in every aspect. Because of his/her good behavior, the child would earn a gift from them, for example a meal, often without expecting it.

Therefore, the proverb imparts in people the virtue of humility and readiness to serve under older ones in building the family, the community and the nation as a whole.

Furthermore, the proverb instills in people the need to volunteer or sacrifice and help those in distress to enable them overcome their problems and live happily.

159. NZILA YA LEKANYA B’ITOGILWE

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ililola nzila iyo igusimizilagwa na bhanhu bhabhili abho b’itogilwe. Inzila yiniyo igab’alekanya abhanhu bhenabho, kunguno b’uling’wene igigelelwa giki ab’itila inzila iyo idulile ugumshisha uko olajile.

Abhasuguma b’ilomelaga giki, ikale bhalihoi bhanhu bhabhili abho bhalib’itogilwe. Bhahoyaga ukunu b’agusiminzaga umulugendo lob’o.

B’ahayushika hanhu inzila jigab’iza ib’ili aho igigelelwa giki bhuli ng’wene aib’itile inzila iyo idulile gunshisha uko olajile. Iki abhanhu bhenabho b’alib’itogilwe, aho bhahaya gulekana b’agayomba giki, ‘inzila yalekenya b’itogilwe, huna bhulekana.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu bhose abho bhagabhulanghanaga chiza ub’utogwa bhobho ahikanza lya gulekana na b’itogwi bhabho, kugiki bhuli ng’wene adule ugujuitumama imilimo yakwe chiza.

Kuyiniyo lulu, ulusumo lunulo lulilanga bhanhu higulya ya kujideb’a inzila ja gubhulab’ila chiza uwitogwi bhobho kub’ichab’o. Igab’inhaga ikujo lya gwikala na bhutogwa na mholele na b’ichabho.

KISWAHILI: NJIA ILIACHANISHA WAPENDANAO

Chanzo cha methali hiyo kinaangalia njia iliyokuwa inatumiwa na watu wawili wapendanao. Njia hiyo iliwachanisha watu hao kwa sababu ya kila mmoja wao kulazimika kupitia njia ile iliyoweza kumfikisha kule alikokuwa akienda.

Wasukuma walisimuliana kwamba, hapo zamani walikuwepo watu wawili waliokuwa wakipendana ambao walizoea kuwa pamoja. Watu hayo walikuwa wakiongea pamoja huku wakiwa wanatembea katika safari yao.

Walipofika sehemu fulani, njia zikawa mbili hali ambayo iliwabidi kila mmoja afuate njia yake, itakayomwezesha kufika kule alikotarajia kwenda. Kwa vile watu hao walipendana, walipotaka kuachana waliambiana kwamba, ‘njia iliachanisha wapendanao,’ ndipo wakaachana.

Kwa hiyo, methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu wale wautunzao upendo wao hasa wakati wa kuachana kwao, ili kila mmoja aweze kwenda kuyatekeleza majukumu ya kazi zake.

Kwa hiyo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuzielewa njia za kuwasaidia katika kuutunza vizuri upendo wao kwa wenzao. Huwawezesha watu kupata hekima ya kuishi kwa upendo na amani na wenzao maishani.

aways

THE WAY SEPARATED THOSE IN LOVE

The above proverb is about a path used by two lovers. It is said that the pair eventually separated because each of them was compelled to pick the path that would take him/her to his/her destination.

The Sukuma people narrated to each other that in the past there were two lovers who liked each other’s company a lot. They would enjoy conversing as they made their journey.

At some point along the way, the road diverged into two; a situation which required that the two friends go their different ways to get to their expected destinations. And since these people loved each other, they would say, as they parted ways: ‘The way separated those who love each other.’

Such proverb is likened to those who care for their love especially as they separate to go and undertake their various duties and responsibilities.

Thus, the proverb imparts in people the knowledge of maintaining the love for each other. It enables them to acquire the wisdom necessary for a loving and peaceful co-existence with others in their lives.

158. MISO GADIKOLAGWA

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo, ililola bhanhu abho bhitogilwe. Abhanhu bhenabho b’agamanaga b’uhoya kihamo ku makanza maliihu gete. B’agiilolega bhatogwa umamahoya gabho mpaga igab’izaga jidamu ugulekana.

Gashinaga lulu ligashigaga likanza lya gulekana gikale amiso gabho gitogilwe pye amakanza ayo b’agatumilaga bhalikihamo umumahoya genayo. Ulu bhuhaya gulekana abhanhu bhenabho bhagiwilaga giki, dulekane ‘amiso gadikolagwa.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhadebhile ugwikala chiza na bhitogwi b’ab’o. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagilangaga ahigulya ya kulekana chiza na bhitogwi bhabho, kugiki bhadule gutumama milimo yingi iyo idulile gubhenhela matwajo mingi umuwikaji bhobho ubhogujibheja ikaya jabho.

Gashinaga na abhanhu abhobhitogilwe, abho bhadanogaga ugwilomela na gumana bhaliiyilolela, ilichiza b’ikomeje gutumama milimo yab’o bhuli ng’wene aje uko agaitumamilaga imilimo yakwe yiniyo. Hunagwene igigelelagwa bhalekane bho gwiwila giko, ‘amiso gadikolagwa.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lulilanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na  witogwi kubhanhu ubho bhudulile gwenha matwajo ga gubheja kaya, lulu jumuiya, na Ihanga (sii) umuwikaji bhobho. Ilichiza ugwilanga higulya ya kub’iza na mahayo ayo gadulile gwambilija uguitumama imilimo ya bhuli lushigu kugiki umunhu adule ugwipandikila, ijiliwa jakwe, lulu adule uguzwala myenda, na guzenga numba ya gwikwala.

Ijinagongeja, ulusumo lunulo, lulilanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na bhukamu bho gubheja malengo ga guizuka na guitumama imilimo yab’o, ulu bhalubhanumanaga na b’itogwi bhab’o.

KISWAHILI: MACHO HAYACHUKIANI

Chanzo cha methali hiyo kinaangalia watu wapendanao. Watu hao huwa wakiongea pamoja kwa muda mrefu kabisa. Huangaliana na kufurahia uwepo wao huo kuwa pamoja. Hali hiyo, huwawezesha kufurahia pia maongezi yao huku wakipata furaha watazamanapo kiasi cha kutosha kuwajengea mazingira ya kujisikia vigumu kuachana.

Kumbe basi, huwa unafika muda kwa watu hao kuachana na wakati huo pia macho yakieleza uwepo wa upendo katika yao uoneshwao na maongezi yao kati yao hao wawili. Basi, wakitaka kuachana, watu hao huambiana kwamba, ‘tuachane macho hayachukiani.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu waelewao kuishi vizuri na wapendwa wao. Watu hao, hufundishana juu ya kuachana vizuri inapobidi, kwa ajili ya kwenda kufanya kazi ambazo zaweza kuwaletea maendeleo yatakiwayo katika kujenga familia zao.

Kumbe hata watu wale wapendanao ambao hawachoki kutazamana na kuongea pamoja, watakiwa kuwa na bidii ya kufanya kazi za kila siku ili kila mmoja aweze kuwahi kwenda kule afanyiapo kazi zake. Ndiyo maana, hali hiyo huwabidi waachane kwa kuambiana hivyo, macho hayachukiani, ili waweze kuwahi kwenda kule ambapo kila mmoja wao atakiwa kuwapo.

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na upendo ule uwezao kuwaletea maendeleo ya kujenga familia, jumuiya, na Taifa katika maisha yao. Ni vizuri kufundishana namna ya kuwa na maongezi yale yawezayo kuwasaidia katika utendaji wa kazi zao za kila siku, ili waweze kujipatia mahitaji yao ya msingi kama vile chakula, nguo na malazi, ikiwemo nyumba ya kuishi.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na bidii ya kuweka malengo yao ya kukumbuka kufanya kazi zao, hata wakiwa wamekutana hivyo na wapendwa wao.

africa-uganda

ENGLISH: EYES DO NOT HATE EACH OTHER

The overhead proverb is about people who love each other. They would talk for long periods of time, enjoying each other’s company and caring for each other. That also enables them to enjoy their conversations, as they happily create an environment whereby they find it difficult to let go of each other.

A time comes when the lovers must part, yet their eyes betray the presence of love, which is also reflected in their conversation. So, as they part, they would tell each other: Let’s bid each other goodbye because ‘eyes do not hate each other.’

Such proverb is likened to people who understand how to live well with their loved ones. Such people instill in each other the virtue of mutual disagreement if need be, as they part to go and engage in activities necessary for family development.

It ought to be understood that even people in love, who find it hard to stop gazing at each other or conversing, should be hardworking and mind their various everyday jobs. That is the reason why they must part at some point, as they tell each other ‘eyes do not hate each other’, so they can proceed to where each one should be.

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na upendo ule uwezao kuwaletea maendeleo ya kujenga familia, jumuiya, na Taifa katika maisha yao. Ni vizuri kufundishana namna ya kuwa na maongezi yale yawezayo kuwasaidia katika utendaji wa kazi zao za kila siku, ili waweze kujipatia mahitaji yao ya msingi kama vile chakula, nguo na malazi, ikiwemo nyumba ya kuishi.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na bidii ya kuweka malengo yao ya kukumbuka kufanya kazi zao, hata wakiwa wamekutana hivyo na wapendwa wao.

This proverb instills in people the virtue of love, which can bring development in their families, the community and the nation as a whole. It is important to educate one another on the activities that can help them meet their basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.

Moreover, the proverb teaches people the importance of setting clear goals in their work besides sparing opportunities to spend quality time with their loved ones.

157. NDUMILA HAB’ILI

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola kashinu ako kalina na mitwe ib’ili kulwa nguno ya mili gogo g’ub’iza gwikolile jinachene. Giko lulu abhanhu abhingi bhagakiganikilaga giki kadulile guluma bho gutumila mitwe yago yose, kunguno ya gub’ila na milomo ib’ili. Kulwa nguno yiniyo, abhanhu agakitanaga ka ‘Ndumila hab’ili.’

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa nu kuli munhu uyo alina nhungwa ja guchala mihayo ya b’ulomolomo ukubhanhu abhangi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agalisanyaga bhanhu umumakaya. Hunagwene agalenganijiyagwa na Ndumila hab’ili kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijagub’iza na b’ulongo bho gulisanya bhanhu umukaya, nulu umujumuiya jabho nulu umusi jabho.

Akahayile kenako kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka b’ulomolomo bho gub’alisanya abhanhu umumakaya, nulu umujumuiya jabho. Ilichiza umunhu ab’ize na kajile ka nhungwa imo iyo iliyawiza.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako kalilanga bhabyaji higulya ya gufunya bhulangwa ku bhana bhabho kugiki b’ab’ize na nhungwa imo iyo iliyawiza. Abhana bhenabho, bhaleke ugub’iza na nhungwa ib’ili umuwikaji bhobho. Igeleliwe abhana bhenabho bhakadiimiile akajile ako kadulile gub’enhela mholele umuwikaji bhobho.

SWAHILI: NDUMILA KUWILI

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia mdudu ambaye hudhaniwa kuwa na vichwa viwili kwa sababu ya mwili wake kuwa na mfanano huo. Watu wengi humfikiria mdudu huyo kama mwenye uwezo wa kuuma kwa kutumia midomo yake miwili. Kutokana na sababu hiyo, watu humwita mdudu huyo, “ndimila kuwili.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huwa na tabia ya hupeleka maneno ya uongo kwa watu wengine. Mtu huyo anatabia ya kuwachonganisha wengine na hivyo kuvunja familia za watu au jumuiya zao.

Mtu huyo hulingaishwa na ndumila kuwili kwa sababu ya tabia yake ya kupeleka maneno hayo ya uongo yachonganishayo watu katika familia zao. Kuchonganisha huko hulinganishwa na kuuma kuwili kwa sababu ya mtu huyo kuongea vizuri akiwa pamoja na wale watu, na kuongea vibaya juu ya watu hao akiwa pamoja na watu wengine.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha uongo wa kuchonganisha watu katika familia, jumuiya na nchi zao. Mtu huyo atakiwa kuwa na tabia moja ambayo ni njema katika maisha yake.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo huwafundisha wazazi juu ya kuwalea vizuri watoto wao mpaka kufikia hatua ya kuacha tabia za undumila kuwili. Watoto hao wajijengee tabia moja iliyonjema ili waweze kuishi maisha ya amani na wenzao.

arthropod

ENGLISH: THE TWO BITING INSECT

The overhead saying is about a bug which seems like it has two heads because its anatomy appears so. Many people think it actually has the ability to bite using its two mouths, thus its name, ‘a two bitings’ insect.

The saying is compared to someone who peddles falsehoods, with an intention of causing disharmony and break ups in families or the community.

Such an individual exhibits a double personality whereby he/she would say pleasant things while in the company of some people, only to speak deceitful words against them when he/she is in the company of others. Such double-speak character is likened to ‘a two biting insect’ tendency.

The above saying imparts people against peddling lies in their families, in their communities and even in their countries. People ought to have a positive, uniting character for the good of the society.

Furthermore, such axiom instils in parents a way on how to raise their children properly enough to avoid double-handed behavior. Their children should develop a singularly pleasant character that can assist them live a peaceful life with their peers.

 

 

 

156. LWINZI LWA NHUB’ANILWA

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Mbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola Lwinzi. Ulwinzi lunulo lulilwa Nhub’anilwa kunguno lulilutale ulo bhanhu bha nh’ande na nh’ande  b’agisangilaga hoyi gujudaha minzi. Ulwinzi lunulo luli ipande lwa gulumanila abhanhu abha munzengo gwenuyo. Bhingi bhagajaga aha lwinzi lunulo bhagibhona nabho bhiyijimija kale. Lugabhalumanyaga chiza. Abhanhu abhangi bhagideb’aga na b’ichabho ulubhajilaga minzi hoyi.

Abhanhu abhangi bhagajaga gujumala nota jabho bho gupandika minzi na mahoya ayo gadulile gub’ambilija umugujib’eja ikaya jabho. Abhanhu bhagalwitanaga lwinzi lwa nhub’anilwa kunguno lugab’alumanyaga bhanhu bhingi hoyi.

Akahayile kenako, kagalenganijiyagwa nu kuli munhu uyo agikalaga na bhanhu b’ingi ahakaya yakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikalaga na bhanhu ahakaya yakwe yiniyo abhagufumila mapande na mapande,  kunguno ya wizanholo bhokwe. Agab’igazaga amanile uguhoya na bhananzengo bha muchalo jakwe.

Akahayile kenako kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya kub’iza na kajile ka wizanholo ukubhananzengo bhabho. Akajile kenako kagab’ejaga b’ukihamo bho gudula gub’eja kaya chiza. Ilichiza ugwikala na witogwi na bhanhu ubho b’ugenhaga matwajo gawiza umuwikaji bho musi ng’wenumu.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako kalidulanga higulya ya gub’iza na b’uyegi bho gwikala kihamo na bhananzengo b’igisu.  Dikale na b’uyegi ulu dikumingaga kugiki dudule ugubhalenganija abho bhalinamakoye gudeb’a iyise.

KISWAHILI: KISIMA KINACHOKUTANISHA

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia kisima. Kisima hicho hukutanisha watu kutoka sehemu mbali mbali kwa sababu ni kikubwa ambacho watu wengi huweza kwenda pale kutela maji.

Watu hukiendea kisima hicho kwa ajili ya kuweza pia kukutana na wenzi wao katika kijiji hicho. Hii ni kwa sababu ya kisima hicho kuwa na uwezo wa kuwakutanisha watu wengi ambao hubadilishana mawazo baina yao kwa ajili ya kuwawezesha kuleta maendeleo katika kijiji chao. Wengine hupata uwezekano wa kufahamiana na watu wapya kupitia kwenye kisima hicho.

Watu wengi huenda mara kwa mara kwenye kisima hicho kwa ajili ya kutuliza kiu yao kwa kupata maji, na wengine kwa ajili ya kupata maongezi yawezayo kuleta maendeleo katika familia zao. Ndiyo maana watu hukiita ‘kisima kinachokutanisha.’

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huishi vizuri na watu kwa kuwakaribisha kwake. Mtu huyo mara nyingi huwa na watu nyumbani kwake, kwa sababu ya ukarimu wake. Huwa anafahamu namna ya kuongea na watu katika kijiji chake.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ukarimu katika familia kwa ajili ya kuishi kwa amani na wanakijiji wenzao. Mwenendo huo hujenga umoja wa kuwawezesha watu kuziletea maendeleo familia zao. Ni vizuri kuishi kwa upendo na watu ule ujengao familia zenye maadili ulimwenguni humu.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hutufundisha juu ya kuwa na furaha ya kuishi kwa umoja na wanafamilia, jumuiya, na wanakijiji wenzetu. Tufurahie kukusanyika na wenzetu kwa ajili ya kuwapatanisha wale waliokosana katika maeneno yetu, kwa ajili ya kuleta maendeleo kwenye nchi zetu.

woman-with well water

ENGLISH: A WELL THAT GATHERS PEOPLE

This saying is about a well. A well brings many people from diverse backgrounds together as they come to draw wáter in it.

People go to the well for an opportunity to connect with their friends in the village. That is because the well has the capacity to unite many people, who then use the opportunity to exchange ideas to enable them bring progress in their village. Others use the opportunity of their presence at the well to make acquaintances with new people.

Many people visit the well on regular basis for the purpose of quenching their thirst, while others for the sake of finding opportunities for useful conversations that are geared towards bringing progress to their families. That is the reason why people refer to it as ‘a well that gathers people’.

That saying is likened to a person who co-exists with others in a pleasant and welcoming manner. Such a person would always play host to people at his/her home because of his/her generosity. He/she knows how to relate well with his/her villagemates.

The saying teaches people about generosity in their families, which results in peaceful co-existence with fellow villagemates. Such a trend builds united people, thus enabling them to bring development in their families. It is good to relate charitably with other people for the sake of enhancing moral values in the society today.

In addition, such saying teaches us about living happily together as family members, as a community and as fellow villagemates. We should be glad to associate with our colleagues and to reconcile with them whenever we disagree. That way, will help bring development in our country.

well