Browse 570 Kalanga proverbs by their first letter. Read the wording and the explanations supplied in the collection.
Browse the collection
Compiled and edited by Ndzimu-unami Emmanuel Moyo. The original collection includes English renderings for some proverbs and Kalanga explanations for others. Source numbers are retained for reference.
"The damba" fruit on the ground belongs to everyone but the one on the tree belongs to the person who knows how to climb
English meaning
Life is all about competition, while things that do not require any special qualification are available to everyone, qualifying for a high position however, requires certain abilities, qualifications and skills
When grass sprouts (dangabuhwa) emerge among beans, when it grows up it says, “I’m beans (nyemba) too”
English meaning
When somebody tries to imitate the lifestyle of those that he associate with but are of higher status than him, he still remains out of place with them
This proverb alerts people to have their priorities right and give preferences to rare but rewarding opportunities, Needless to say, eating should never be an occupation
Background
There is a fable which says that the CREATOR called all the animals to a meeting where they would be issued with tails, the rock-rabbit stayed behind browsing
When grass sprouts (dongoshwa) emerge among beans, when it grows up it says, "I’m beans (nyemba) too."
English meaning
When somebody tries to imitate the lifestyle of those that he associate with but are of higher status than him, he still remains out of place with them
