proverbs

207. Xale xamul Yàlla waaye xam na yar. (15)
A child does not know God but he does know discipline.
A child cannot be left to his natural instincts but he can learn to live by rules enforced by
discipline.
208. Xaleel poto-poto la, noo ko raaxe rekk lay wéye. (20)
A child is like clay; he takes whatever form that is given to him.
A child reflects the upbringing he has been given.
209. Xalele bañ na loo mu tàmm. (4)
The child hates him who gives it all it wants.
210. Yar ca kër. (20)
A good education (only) occurs at home.
Only a child's parents can bring up a child properly.
211. Yar sa doom taxul nga bañ ko. (2)
Disciplining your child does not mean that you hate him.
212. Yaru maam du yar. (15)
The education (discipline) given by grandparents is not a real education.
Grandparents are not able to bring up their grandchildren, as they are not firm enough in
disciplining the child.
213. Lu jooyloo xaleel a gën lu jooyloo mag. (6,15,16)
Jooyu xaleel a gën yu mag. (9)
Jooyi gune moo gën jooyi mag. (7)
That which causes a child to cry is preferable to that which causes an adult to cry.
There are two possible interpretations of this proverb:
(1) One should never hesitate to bring tears to a child by disciplining him. Better the tears
of correction as a child than the tears of an adult that come because of ignorance or lack of
self discipline.
(2) One should never allow a child do something dangerous. It is better to stop him even if
he cries than allow an accident which will cause the adults to cry.
Family firstborn
214. Taawub baay, baay la fu baay nekkul. (6,15)
The eldest son represents the father when the father is not present.
This underlines the right of firstborn in Senegal.
Family marriage
215. Bala nga wuti jabar, wutal goro. (20)
Before seeking a wife, look for good in-laws.
Marriage does not involve only the husband and wife, but also the two groups of kinsfolk.
216. Dërëm bi génnul gaal gi. (2,7,6)
The penny doesn't leave the boat.
When cousins or relatives marry... the money stays in the family.
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