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Peers<br />
512. Nawle, nit rekk ka ko sonnal. (20)<br />
There is no one that causes so much trouble as a peer.<br />
David Maranz explains that this is understood to mean that the competition of the nawle<br />
forces a person to make uncomfortable or inconvenient efforts so as to not be left in an<br />
inferior position or fall behind in any way.<br />
513. Nit ku nekk àddina war na bàyyi xel nawleem. (20)<br />
Everyone in this world had better pay attention to his or her peer.<br />
This mind-set results in extraordinary efforts to keep up with peers (“to keep up with the<br />
Joneses”) in dress, possessions, gift giving etc.<br />
Perseverance<br />
514. Lu picc bare, bare, du teree ji dugub. (6,13)<br />
No matter how many birds there are, that will not prevent the sowing of millet.<br />
Do not give up your project on the pretext of difficulties.<br />
515. Saan su baree, dal. (19)<br />
Throw many pebbles, and one will end up reaching the target.<br />
“If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.”<br />
Pessimism<br />
516. Njort lu ñaaw dinay faral di wattu boroom. (18)<br />
Pessimism can guard its owner.<br />
Pessimism and mistrust can prove to be beneficial. It can be useful to take into account the<br />
negative aspects of a situation in order to neutralise them.<br />
Pleasure<br />
517. Tabaski du bés bu nekk. (18)<br />
Tabaski is not celebrated every day.<br />
One cannot have pleasure all the time. Not every day is a special occasion. Life consists<br />
both of moments of joy as well as pain. This proverb is often used by fathers on the days<br />
when they do not bring home any treats, and the children complain.<br />
Tabaski, when Muslims remember Abraham sacrificing his son, is the most important<br />
annual celebration in Senegal, of similar importance to Christmas in the West.<br />
518. Du bés bu nekk baay rey gaynde. (6)<br />
519. Du bés bu ne baay ray nag. (14)<br />
520. Du bés bu set baay rey mbëtt. (2)<br />
518. It is not every day that father kills a lion.<br />
519. It is not every day that father kills a cow.<br />
520. It is not every day that father kills a monitor lizard.<br />
One cannot have pleasure all the time. Not every day is a special occasion. This proverbial<br />
expression is generally used lightly with amusement.<br />
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