proverbs

593. Nit, nit ay garabam. (2,6,7,8,15,18,20)
The best medicine for a person is another person.
People are important…you can't solve everything yourself.
The most precious treasure on earth is not riches but relations with other people.
In Senegal the number of relatives, friends and neighbours who attend events such as
naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals etc demonstrates the respect that one has.
A well off man who prepares a feast with great pomp and finds himself alone with his food
will understand that he should have paid more attention to developing relationships.
594. Ku amul i mbokk, amuloo dara, doo dara.
He who has no relations has nothing and is nothing.
Mbokk in this proverb is in the broader sense of the word and includes relations of all
sorts, blood or otherwise. The Wolof place a high value on relationships. The more
relationships a person has, the great his importance and respectability.
595. Ña bokk lël, def ñu di ànd ba moos. (13)
Those who shared the same circumcision group become friends for life.
596. Ñu bokk teen ñooy laxasooy goj. (2,3,5,6,12)
It is those who share the same well who tangle their ropes.
The houses of Moussa and Badara are adjoining. The two families — especially the
children — are always fighting with much noise, shouts and arguing. Their closest
neighbour one day asks Moussa the cause of their frequent fights. Moussa smiles and
quotes this proverb.
597. Bala ngaa toj gémmiñu sàmm dangay xam la mu waliis. (2)
Bala ngay fél gémmiñu sàmm, nga xam lu mu waliis. (20)
Bul fél gémmiñug sàmm te xamoo la muy waliis. (19)
Balaa ngaa toj gémmiñu sàmm, xaaral ba xam la mu waliis. (15)
Balaa ngaa pes gëmmiñu sàmm xam lu mu waliis. (9)
Bala ngaa mbej Samba, xamal la muy waliis. (14)
Bala ngaa toj gémmiñu sàmm, na nga xam lu mu waliis. (13)
Before you slap the shepherd on the mouth, you should find out what he is
whistling.
Do not be rash in judging people. You should avoid accusing people before listening to
their side of the story, or you are likely to be mistaken in your judgement.
598. Dëmm rey la, jaale la. (2,3,6,9,11,12).
Dëmm rey la ba noppi jaale la. (5)
The vampire kills you and then comes to pay his condolences.
Someone can do you harm (behind your back), then come and sympathise with you (in
hypocrisy).
599. Fakk naa laa gën a masuma laa gis. (20)
Fakk na la, moo gën xamuma la. (4)
'I have forgotten your name' is better than 'I have never seen you before'.
600. Bëñ ak làmmiñ ñoo dëkk, bés bu set dañuy xuloo, waaye dañuy jubóowaat. (2)
Làmmiñ ak bëñ a dëkk. (19)
Teeth and tongue live together.
People living closely can quarrel but in the end they have to make peace.
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