Traditional proverbs of Nigeria in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
“Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.”
Proverbs make speech richer and easier to digest, so wisdom and difficult truths are best conveyed through them.
Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)
“When a man says yes, his chi (personal god) says yes also.”
A person's determination and effort shape their destiny; fortune favours those who assert their own will.
Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)
“The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.”
When others fail to acknowledge your achievements, there is honour in recognising your own worth.
Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)
“A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.”
Honouring those who came before and showing respect earns you the standing to rise yourself.
Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)
“When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.”
A favourable moment or good conditions can awaken desire and courage even in those who normally hold back.
Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)
“A single tree cannot make a forest.”
No individual can achieve everything alone; community and cooperation are essential.
Source: Traditional Igbo proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source.”
No matter how successful or far one travels, one should never forget their origins and roots.
Source: Traditional Yoruba proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Wherever a man goes to dwell, his character goes with him.”
You cannot escape your true nature by changing your location; character follows you everywhere.
Source: Traditional Yoruba proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.”
However long hardship lasts, relief and better times will eventually arrive.
Source: Traditional African proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“It is not only giants that do great things.”
Great deeds can be accomplished by ordinary or seemingly small people, not only the powerful.
Source: Traditional Nigerian proverb, public-domain oral tradition