Jambo (Hello)!
Language and culture are inherently connected, forever entwined. To study a language is to study the culture as well. To teach about a group’s culture, proverbs are always a great way to start because they show up in everyday conversation, literature, music, and more!
Proverbs
Proverbs are simple phrases that convey or express an idea or a culture’s shared virtue in a unique and layered way. Relying on a figurative (non-literal) means of expression, proverbs can effectively convey just what a culture values using metaphors, idioms, and other figures of speech. Aside from that, proverbs are a great way to teach figurative language in any language!
If you’ve read my other posts, you’ll remember that the Kiswahili language is relatively easy to learn as the words are pronounced as they appear– phonetically.
Kiswahili to English
Below is a short list of proverbs (and their English translations) that are rather unique to Kiswahili.
Kiswahili English translation
Samaki mkunje angali mbichi. “Bend a fish while it is still wet.”
Mtaka cha uvunguni sharti ainame. “You have to do whatever is necessary in order to
achieve a goal.”
Mpende akupandaye “Love only who loves you.”
Subira huleta heri. “Patience brings happiness.”
Nija ya mwongo ni fupi. “The path of the liar is short.”
These are literal translations. Take a moment to think about what each one could mean? How do each of those proverbs fit into your life?
English to Kiswahili
Below is a short list of English-language proverbs that have close parallels in Swahili.
English Kiswahili translation
Actions speak louder than words. Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo.
Clothes don’t make the man. Nguo hazifanyi mtu huyo
Many hands make light work. Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu
Never judge a book by its cover. Usihukumu kitabu kwa kifuniko chake.
Charity begins at home. Kutoa ni moyo, si utajiri.
Kiswahili
Why do I use Kiswahili instead of Swahili? I’m glad you asked! Kiswahili is actually the more accurate term when describing the language. Swahili is what is most often used; however, Kiswahili is preferred. People who speak Kiswahili as their mother tongue refer to themselves as Waswahilis.
Learning a language isn’t just about learning the sounds and words. It’s also about learning the origins. Knowing where it comes from helps develop a love for the language!
The Kiswahili language has diverse derivations including Arabic, English, German, and Portugese, which is the result of colonization and increased trade with these countries. Not only is Kiswahili the most widely used language in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, it is also the official language (alongside English) of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is also spoken in Burundi, Rwanda, Mayotte, South Africa, Somalia, Congo, Mozambique, and Zaire!
Resources
It is a joy to teach Kiswahili to my students, especially the language and culture! If you’d like to check out my resources on the Swahili language, please see my TPT store! There are many resources including:
Want It All?
Check out The Great Ultimate Bundle, which has 34 products for teaching Kiswahili!
I hope you have found this helpful! If you have questions or are looking for something in particular, please comment or reach out to me!
Tutaonana baadaye! (See you later!)
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