#igbo proverbs

[bookofkhidr]

Among the Igbo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.

Chinua Achebe, from Things Fall Apart

[pybnaija]

The African Journal: Igbo Identity Journal & Day Planner Now Available on Amazon

The African Journal: Igbo Identity Journal & Day Planner Now Available on Amazon

The African Journal : Igbo Identity Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls I’ve made my contribution to the #Igbo Culture. The African Journal: Igbo Identity is a day planner for anyone who wishes to learn about and celebrate the Igbo Culture. Its a functional and hardback planner for Students, Professionals, & Dropouts of all ages interested in the history, language, and identity of the Igbo…

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[oiroegbu]

African Proverb: On Resting Lizards

Igbo: Ngwere nile makpu àfọ n’ala, mana onweghị onye ma nke àfọ n’asa. English: As lizards rest peacefully on the ground, no one knows those who have a runny stomach. Origin: It’s a proverb from Eastern Nigeria. Some fraction of the Igbo nation uses it. The agama lizard just like their reptilian brethren are quadruplets and cold-blooded, native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are the dominant lizard…

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[oiroegbu]

African Proverb: On the Child Strapped Behind The Mother

Igbo: Nwata akwô na azú amaghī na ùzó di anya English: A child strapped to the back of the mother does not know the journey is far. Origin: The Igbo people of Southern Nigeria use this adage. In many societies, it’s prevalent to see mothers, young and old, strap their babies behind them, especially when they need both hands to attend to something else. For instance, if a mother straps her infant…

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[oiroegbu]

Proverb: On The Informed Cripple...

Proverb: On The Informed Cripple…

Igbo: Agha adìghï eri nwa ngwōrō English: An informed cripple can never be consumed by war Origin: This is a southern Nigerian proverb from the Igbo ethnic group. Usually, when there’s a state of war, cripples suffer most as they find it difficult to escape the war zone. But when such a person is informed of impending doom, he makes haste to leave the spot. He will be long gone before the war…

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[oiroegbu]

Igbo Proverb: Sound of The Bitter Cola

Igbo: Ùda akùilu abùghí ùtō ya.

English: Bitter Cola doesn’t taste like its sound (literally).

Background:

Just like the name, bitter cola is a very bitter fruit! Sometimes I do wonder why it’s not called a ‘very bitter cola’.

Alongside the kolanut and garden egg, it is commonly used as a ‘welcome fruit’ in West Africa. There’s a loud crunchy sound made when a soft fruit is chewed. The sound is…

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[oiroegbu]

African Proverb: Someone who Shouts There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts. Meaning: In Igbo land it's assumed that people who make a lot of noise are cowards. The principle of more action and less talk is the foundation of this proverb. The English version is the empty drum makes the loudest noise.

[oiroegbu]

African Proverb: On A Snake's Ability

African Proverb: On A Snake’s Ability

Igbo Proverb: If a snake fails to show its venom, little kids will use it in tying firewood.

Origin: A snake is known to be a dangerous reptile. Snake poison can kill an adult in minutes. In Africa snake bites contribute to deaths. In Igbo land where this proverb originated from, snakes are not toyed with. In some cultures snakes are reverred and in others it’s a delicacy or a deity. The proverb…

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