Sukuma Proverbs

651. IZWI LIMO LIDALELAGA NG’WANA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo, yilolile bhutumami bho mazwi umugunlela ung’wana. Ulu munhu uhaha gumlela chiza ung’wana okwe, adadulile ugumukija halizwi limo, kunguno agugwa hasi wiminya, ulu wita chiniko.

Gashinaga lulu, umunhu ng’wunuyo agunlela ung’wana okwe bho gumukija hamazwi abhili, kugiki adizugwa hasi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘izwi limo lidalelaga ng’wana.’ Iyiniyo ili mujitabho cha ‘Kugundua mbegu za Injili,’ ijo jandikwa na Kamati ya Utafiki wa Utamaduni, Bujora. Ndanda – Peramiho, 1993, bhukurasa bho 106.

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kwikanza ilo ginhu jibhili jilidakiwa gutumama nimo kihamo, guti bhananzengo, bhabhyaji pye abhose, na bhana ndugu, ijinagwiyambilija ugunlela ung’wana. Gulinimo go bhabhyaji pye abhose na bhana ndugu kihamo na bhananzengo ugwiyambilija ugung’winha ilange lya lwiza ung’wana ng’wunuyo, kugiki adule kukula chiza.

Idafaile ugunhekela unimo gunuyo bhabha, nulu mayu ong’wana ng’wunuyo yiyene, kunguno agubhiza wikolaga ni lizwi ilimo ilo idadulile ugunlela ung’wana ng’wunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘izwi limo lidalelaga ng’wana.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na wiyambilija bho bhana nzengo, bhabhyaji pye abhose, na bhana ndugu, umugunlela ung’wana, kugiki adule gukula ni lange lya wiza, umukikalile kakwe.

Kutoka 18:25-26.

1Wakarintho 12:12.

Wagalatia 6:2.

Matendo ya Mitume 4:32.

KISWAHILI: GOTI MOJA HALIMLEI MTOTO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo, chaangalia kazi ya magoti katika kumlea mtoto. Mtu akitaka kumlea vyema mtoto wake hawezi kumbebea kwenye goti moja, kwa sababu ataanguka na kuumia akifanya hivyo.

Kumbe basi, mtu huyo atamlea mtoto wake huyo, kwa kumbebea kwenye magoti mawili, ili asije akaanguka. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘goti moja halimlei mtoto.’ Hayo yanapatikana kwenye kitabu cha ‘Kugundua mbegu za Injili,’ kilichoandikwa na Kamati ya Utafiti wa Utamaduni, Bujora, Ndanda-Peramiho, 1993, ukurasa wa 106.

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwenye wakati ule ambao vitu viwili vinahitajika kutumika pamoja, kama vile wana kijiji, wazazi wote, na wana ndugu wanavyohitajika kusaidiana katika kumlea mtoto. Kazi hiyo, ni ya wazazi wote, na wana ndugu wakishirikiana na wana kijiji, katika kuifanikisha kazi hiyo ya kumlea vizuri mtoto, ili aweze kukua katika malezi mema.

Haifai kumuachia kazi hiyo, baba au mama peke yake, kwa sababu kufanya hivyo, hufanana na goti moja kumlea mtoto, ambalo haliwezi kumkuza katika malezi mema mtoto huyo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘goti moja haliwezi kumlea mtoto.’

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ushirikiano wa wana kijiji, na wazazi wote, pamoja na wana ndugu, katika kumlea mtoto, ili aweze kukua katika maadili mema, maishani mwake.

Kutoka 18:25-26.

1Wakarintho 12:12.

Wagalatia 6:2.

Matendo ya Mitume 4:32.

ENGLISH: ONE KNEE DOES NOT BRING UP A CHILD.

mayu na ng'wana okwe.jpg1.jpg2

picha ya kazi

elephants caring child

ENGLISH: ONE KNEE DOES NOT BRING UP A CHILD.

The basis of the above proverb looks at the knee’s function in raising a child. If someone wants to nurture a child well he/she cannot carry him/her by using one knee, because such child will fall and get hurt while doing so.

Nevertheless, such person shall nourish the baby, by using both knees, in carrying him/her.  That is why people say, ‘one knee does not bring up a child.’

These ideas are found in the book ‘Kugundua mbegu za Injili’, which means ‘Discovering the Gospel Seeds,’ that was written by the Cultural Research Committee, Bujora, Ndanda-Peramiho, 1993, page 106.

This proverb is compared to the time when two things are needed to be used together, such as having a village of all parents, and siblings needed for assisting in raising a child. The job is for all parents. They have to unite with their brothers and sisters in partnership with the village, in accomplishing the task of raising the child properly, so that he/she can grow up in a good atmosphere.

It is not appropriate to leave the job to the father or mother alone, because doing so is like using a single knee to raise a child, which cannot raise the child in the best care. That’s why people say, ‘one knee does not bring up a child.’

Such a proverb is likened to the one who is taught by many people in a given society. These people help each other in giving him/her good teachings for living peacefully with others. Hence the above proverb teaches people on having an ability to live well with people in families.

Those people who apply such proverb into their lives help each other in raising children by teaching them good values and habits. They do so to all children in their villages. Each one becomes a good teacher to the children of others.

Therefore, this proverb teaches people about the co-operation of village children, and all parents, as well as siblings, in raising a child, so that he/she can grow with good morals in life.

Exodus 18: 25-26. 1Corinthians 12:12. Galatians 6: 2. Acts 4:32.

650. BHEJAGI NGATA NIGO GULI NDITO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo, yingilile kubhubheja bho ngata ya gubhukija nigo ndito. Ingata yiniyo, igambilijaga ugugukikija ntwe kugiki gudizubhunwa nu nigo gunuyo, kunguno gulintale. Hunagwene abhanhu ulubhuhaya gubhucha nigo uyo guli ndito bhagikomelejaga gubheja ngata bho guyomba giki, ‘bhejagi ngata nigo guli ndito.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agibhegelejaga chiza ulu  alihaya gwita nimo uyo guli ndito. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, ulu uhaya gutumama nimo uyo guli ndito, agajikumingaga pye ijitumamalo ja nimo gunuyo, kugiki adule gugumala chiza.

Uweyi agikolaga nu munhu uyo agabhejaga ngata ulu ohaya gubhucha nigo ndito, kunguno nu weyi agibhegelejaga bho gujikuminga pye ijitumamilo ja nimo uyo ulihaya gugutumama.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhakomelejaga na bhiye kugiki nabho bhadule gwibhegeleja chiza haho bhatali uguitumama imilimo yabho. Hunagwene agabhawilaga abhiye bhenabho giki, ‘bhejagi ngata nigo guli ndito.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya ya gwibhegeleja chiza haho bhatali uguyandya imilimo yabho, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi, ijinabhutumami bho milimo yabho yiniyo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 26:36-46.

Mathayo 11:18.

Waefeso 6:10.

Marko 8:34.

KISWAHILI: TENGENEZENI NZINGA MZIGO NI MZITO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo, chatokea kwenye utengenezaji wa Nzinga ya kubebea mzigo mzito. Nzinga hiyo, husaidia katika kukizuia kichwa kupata maumivu ya mzigo huo, kwa sababu ya ukubwa na uzito wake. Ndiyo maana watu wakitaka kubeba mzigo mzito husema kwamba, ‘tengenezeni Nzinga mzigo ni mzito.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hujiandaa vizuri anapotaka kufanya kazi ambazo ni mzito, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huvikusanya vifaa vyote vinavyohitajika katika utekelezaji wa kazi anayotaka kuifanya, ili aweze kuitekeleza vizuri kazi yake hiyo.

Yeye hufanana na mtu yule ambaye hutengeneza nzinga ya kubebea mzigo mzito anaotaka kuubeba, kwa sababu naye hujiandaa vizuri, kwa kuvikusanya vifaa vile vyote vinavyohitajika katika utekelezaji wa kazi zake.

Mtu huyo, huwahimiza pia wenzake ili nao waweze kujiandaa vizuri kila wanapotaka kuyatekeleza majukumu yao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana huwaambia wenzake hao kwamba, ‘tengenezeni Nzinga mzigo ni mzito.’

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kufanya maandalizi ya kina, kila wanapotaka kuyatekeleza majukumu yao, ili waweze kupata mafanikio mengi katika kazi zao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 26:36-46.

Mathayo 11:18.

Waefeso 6:10.

Marko 8:34.

kaniki1

ngata

nkima o benin

 

ENGLISH: PRAPARE A ROUND HEAD PAD, THE LUGGAGE IS HEAVY TO CARRY.

The source of this saying is a luggage one has to carry on his/her head. In order to carry this luggage, one has to prepare himself/herself by having a round head pad in order to prevent direct pain that the luggage can inflict on the head of the one carrying it. This is why people came with the saying that ‘prepare a round pad, the luggage is heavy to carry’ to communicate preparedness in carrying out some duties.

This saying can be compared to a person who prepares well for the difficult task ahead of him/her. This person can gather all what is needed to make sure that he/she fulfills his/her ambition. This person is like the one who prepares a round head pad ready to undertake the duties ahead of him/her. Such a person teaches others the importance of preparing themselves in carrying out their responsibilities.

The saying teaches people how to prepare themselves before they embark on the actual performance of their duties. Preparedness can make someone have achievements in life.

Matthew 26: 36-46, Matthew 11:18, Ephesians 6:10, Mark 8:34.

649. LIMI LITABEHAGA BHUGOLO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo, ilolile bhutumami bho limi. Ilimi linilo, ligatumamaga bho gutima pye amakanza, kunguno lidalindanaga lulu kiyi.  Ilyoyi ligenhaga isana ukubhose abho bhalilibhona bho nduhu ugwima, kunguno litiho nulu gwilendeja gubeha bhugolo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘limi lidabehaga bhugolo.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agatumamaga milimo bho bhukamu ahikanza lya milimo linilo, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agigulambijaga uguitumama imilimo yakwe yiniyo, kunguno adebhile igiki Ilimi lidalindanaga, iki ilyoyi lidabehaga nulu bhugolo. Uweyi agabhakomelejaga abhanhu bhakwe gwanguha kuja gujutumama milimo bho gumisha dilu, kugiki bhadule guitumama hatale imilimo yiniyo, hayo bhutali ugwila ubhujiku.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agapandika matwajo mingi ahakaya yakwe, kunguno ya gwigulambija gutumama milimo yakwe chiza ahikanza ilya limi. Uweyi agabhalanjaga abhiye ahigulya ya guitumama imilimo yabho, bho bhukamu bhutale ahikanza ilya milimo linilo. Hunagwene agabhakomelejaga gubhuka kuja kujutumama bho gubhawila giki, ‘limi lidabehaga bhugolo.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gwigulambija guitumama imilimo yabho ahikanza ilya milimo, na gubhakomeleja abhichabho gwanguha gujuitumama imilimo yiniyo, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Marko 13:33-37.

1 Wathesalonike 5:5-6.

Mathayo 6:34.

Luka 17:20-21.

2 Wakorintho 6:2.

2 Petro 3:8-9.

Yohana 9:4.

Wagalatia 6:9.

KISWAHILI: JUA HALIVUTI UGOLO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo, chaangalia utendaji kazi wa Jua. Jua hilo, hufanya kazi ya kutoa mwanga muda wote, kwa sababu halisubiri chochote. Lenyewe huendelea kutoa mwanza wake bila kusimama, kwa sababu halivuti wala ugolo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘Jua halivuti ugolo.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hutumia muda wake kwa hufanya kazi kwa bidii kubwa, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hujibidisha kuyatekeleza majukumu yakwe hayo,  kwa sababu anaelewa kwamba, Jua halisuburi, kwa vile halivuti wala ugolo. Yeye huwahimiza watu wake kuwahi kwenda kufanya kazi, ili waweze kufanya kazi kubwa mpaga kufikia  wakati ule unapoingia usiku.

Mtu huyo, hupata mafanikio mengi kwenye familia yake, kwa sababu ya kujibidisha kwake, kuyatelekeza vizuri majukumu yake wakati wa kazi. Yeye huwafundisha wenzake juu ya kuutumia muda wao kwa kufanya kazi zao kwa bidii kubwa. Ndiyo maana yeye huwahimiza watu wake hao, kuwahi kwenda kazini kwa kusema kwamba, ‘Jua halivuti ugolo.’

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuutumia muda wao kwa kujibidisha kuyatekeleza majukumu yao, na kuwahimiza wenzao, kuwahi kwenda kazini, ili waweze kupata mafanikio mengi, maishani mwao.

Marko 13:33-37.

1 Wathesalonike 5:5-6.

Mathayo 6:34.

Luka 17:20-21.

2 Wakorintho 6:2.

2 Petro 3:8-9.

Yohana 9:4.

Wagalatia 6:9.

limi5

limi6

limi4

bhalimi1

 

ENGLISH: THE SUN DOES NOT SMOKE TOBACCO.

The source of this saying is the sun and its function. One of the central functions of the sun is to provide light. It does so tirelessly. It will never delay waiting for someone rather it works non-stop in its function. This is why people came with the saying that ‘The sun does not smoke tobacco’ to mean that the sun is busy all the time. It doesn’t delay like the way someone can do because of having other issues to deal with before embarking on his/her journey.

This saying can be compared to a person who spends his/her time working hard in his/her life. This person knows the value of time and he/she would struggle to make sure that he/she follows it well without any delay. Such a person encourages others to work hard in order to have great achievements in their lives.

This saying teaches people to spend their time well by fulfilling their responsibilities without wasting time for nothing. In so doing, they can have success in life.

Mark 13: 33-37,1Thessalonians 5: 5-6, Matthew 6:34, Luke 17: 20-21, 2Corinthians 6: 2, 2Peter 3: 8-9

      John 9: 4, Galatians 6: 9.

645. BHANHU DULI BHULYANGO BHULYANGO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kukikalile ka bhulyango bho bhanhu. Ubhulyango bhunubho bhuli luganda lo ludugu lo bhanhu bhenabho ulo lugabhalangaga bhuli ng’wene inzila ja gwikala na bhiye, kunguno bhuli ng’wene ali na ludugu lokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘bhanhu duli bhulyango bhulyango.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo akadebhile akikalile ka ludugu lokwe, umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo akagikalanaga akajile ka ludulu lokwe ako kagabhambilijaga ugwikala bho mholele na bhichabho umuchalo jabho. Uweyi akagadililaga chiza akikalile kenako, kunguno kagabholekejaga inzila ja gwigulyambija uguyitumama imilimo yabho chiza umu ludugu lobho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhambilijaga n’abhiye uguludebha uludugu lobho, kugiki bhadule nabho ugwigulyambija uguyitumama imilimo iyagubhapandikila matwajo ga gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho. Uweyi ali jigemelo ja gubhalangila abhiye imijilo ya ludugu lobho iyo igabhinhaga matwajo mingi umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene uweyi agabhawilaga abhiye giki, ‘bhanhu duli bhulyango bhulyango.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu guyikalana imijilo ya ludugu lobho iyo igabhambilijaga uguyitumama imilimo yabho bho bhukamu bhutale, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele na gupandika matwajo gagujibheja chiza ikaya jabho umuwikaji bhobho.

(Mathayo 1:2; Luka 1:59-62; Matendo 13:26; Warumi 1:3-4).

KISWAHILI: WATU TU WA KOO MBALIMBALI.

Chanzo cha methali hii chatokea kwenye maisha ya koo za watu. Koo hizo ni  makundi ya udugu wa watu walio na mila zinazowasaidia katika kuishi vizuri na wenzao, kwa sababu kila mmoja ana ukoo wake. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘watu tu wa koo mbalimbali.’

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye anazifahamu mila zilizo njema katika ukoo wake maishani mwake. Mtu huyo huziishi mila hizo ambazo humsaidia katika kuishi kwa amani na wenzake, katika kijiji chake. Yeye huzishikilia desturi hizo kwa sababu humuonesha namna ya kuyatekeleza majukumu yake vizuri katika ukoo wake.

Mtu huyo huwasaidia pia wenzake katika ukoo wao, ili waweze kuzitumia desturi hizo katika kujibidisha kufanya kazi za kuwapatia mafanikio ya kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao. Yeye ni mfano wa kuigwa na wenzake katika kuzitumia mila hizo njema kwa kujipatia mafanikio mengi maishani. Ndiyo maana yeye huwaambia wenzake kwamba, ‘watu tu wa koo mbalimbali.’

Methali hii hufundisha watu kuziishi desturi zilizo njema katika koo zao ambazo huwasaidia katika kuyatekeleza majukumu yao kwa bidii kubwa, ili waweze kuishi kwa amani, na kupata mafanikio mengi maishani mwao.

(Mathayo 1:2; Luka 1:59-62; Matendo 13:26. Warumi 1:3-4).

bhamasai bha kenya

namibia-himba

mbina ya samburu

 

ENGLISH: PEOPLE ARE DIVIDED BASED ON KINGSHIP.

The source of this saying is the life of people. People tend to live according to how they relate to each other. Their relationship is mainly determined by kingship because of sharing some cultural and traditional values. This is why people came with the saying that ‘people are divided based on kingship’ to justify how clan ties determine the life system of people.

This saying can be compared to a person who knows the good traditions of his/her clan and abide by them. These traditional values might be of great help in making people live together peacefully and harmoniously. Such a person can be regarded as a role model to others in terms of showing them how traditions and customs of a particular clan can shape the behaviour of a certain person. This person also teaches others how to nurture moral values in order to create a society that is morally upright.

This saying teaches people about living good life with others in the society by abiding by moral values of that particular society.

Matthew 1: 2, Luke 1: 59-62, Acts 13:26, Romans 1: 3-4.

 

ANOTHER ENGLISH VERSION: WE PEOPLE ARE FROM DIFFERENT CLANS.

The origin of this proverb is people’s lives based on their clans. The clans are fraternal groups of people who have traditions that bind them together, because they each have their own clan. That is why people say, ‘We people are from different clans.’

The proverb is used comparatively to refer to any individual who knows the good traditions of his/her clan. The person lives abiding by those traditions that help him/her live in harmony with neighbors. That person upholds to those customs because they guide him/her on how to carry out his/her duties properly. The person, in turn, helps his or her relatives in the family, so that they can abide by these practices in their efforts to achieve success in their families.

He/she is a role model for his/her colleagues in applying such good traditions for his/her achievements in lifes. That is why he/she tells his/her companions, ‘We people are from different clans.’

This proverb teaches people to live by abiding by good habits, which help them to fulfill their responsibilities, so that they can live in peace, and achieve notable successes in their lives.

(Matthew 1: 2; Luke 1: 59-62; Acts 13:26; Romans 1: 3-4).

644. ABHANHU DULI NHUMBILI JA BHATEMI.

Imbuki ya Lusumo lunulo, yingilile kubhusami bho bhanhu umukikalile kabho na wikindiki bho Nhumbili umu manti. Ubhusami bhunubho, bhuli bho gwinga kuli Ntemi nhebhe na guja kuli Ntemi ungi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Ubhoyi bhugalenganijiwa ni nhumbili kunguno najo jigidamukaga gwingila kulinti limo mpaga kulinti lingi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘abhanhu duli nhumbili ja bhatemi.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalengajiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agabhadegelekaga chiza abhatongeji bhakwe, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, azunije ugutongelwa na bhatongeji bhakwe bhenabho, kunguno ya bhutogwa bhokwe ubho alinabho ukubhoyi nu kubhatongelwa bhiye. Uweyi uko usamila agazunyaga ugutongelwa nu Ntemi uyo onsangaga koyi.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, akikolaga ni nhumbili umojigidamukilaga gufumila mulinti limo mpaga ku linti lingi, kunguno, nuweyi azunije ugutongelwa nu Ntemi uyo onsangaga koyi. Hunagwene uweyi agabhawilaga bhanhu giki, ‘abhanhu duli nhumbili ja bhatemi.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhadegeleka chiza abhatongeji bhabho, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele na bhichabho, umuwikaji bhobo.

Mwanzo 47:21.

Ezekieli 12:3.

KISWAHILI: WATU TUKO TUMBILI ZA WAFALME.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo, chatokea kwenye uhamaji wa watu katika maisha yao, na urukiaji wa Tumbili kwenye miti. Uhamaji huo wa watu ni wa kutoka kwa Mfalme fulani kwenda kwa Mwingine. Wenyewe hulinganishwa na urukaji wa Tumbili kutoka mti mmoja hadi mwingine. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘watu tuko tumbili za wafalme.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huwasikiliza vizuri viongozi wake, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, anakubali kuongozwa na viongozi wake hao, kwa sababu ya upendo alio nao kwao, na kwa wenzake. Yeye huwatambua na kuwasikiliza viongozi wa kokote atakakohamia.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na Tumbili wanavyorukia mti mmoja hadi mwingine, kwa sababu naye, anakubali kuongozwa na kiongozi yeyote anayemkuta kule anakohamia katika maisha yake. Ndiyo maana yeye huwaambia watu kwamba, ‘watu tuko tumbili za wafalme.’

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwaelewa na kuwasikiliza viongozi wao, katika maisha yao, ili waweze kuishi kwa amani na wenzao, maishani mwao.

Mwanzo 47:21.

Ezekieli 12:3.

nhumbili2

nhumbili1

nhumbili3

ENGLISH: PEOPLE ARE LIKE KINGS’ MONKEYS.

The source of this saying is the migration of people from one authoritative unit or Kingdom to another. This kind of migration is compared with the way monkeys jump from one tree to another. This is why people came with the saying that ‘people are like kings’ monkeys’ to describe how people move from one kingdom to another and how they are forced to follow rules and regulations of that particular kingdom.

This saying can be compared to a person who listens well to his/her leaders in his/her life. This person tends to love his/her leaders. Like the monkey that jumps from one tree to another, this person tends to respect the rules and regulations of a given authoritative unit. Such a person teaches others about respect and obedience in life.

This proverb teaches people to understand and listen to their leaders in their lives. This can help to avoid quarrels in the society instead create peace and harmony among people in a given society.

Genesis 47:21, Ezekiel 12: 3.