Being a REALTOR has given me the privilege of meeting many people of different cultures, something I probably would not have been able to do in another work setting. One of my Nigerian clients has shared delightful wisdom from his homeland with me. I stand in awe of the insight these Nigerian proverbs reveal as well as the depth of understanding their analogies show.
To describe someone who has a large ego, but little personal substance: "An empty drum makes the loudest noise."
About people who are going through difficult times that their acquaintances can't see because of outside pretense: "The monkey is sweating, but for the fur on his body."
Regarding large organizations/nations/powerful people vying for top billing and the subsequent damage to the weak: "When 2 elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers".
And about children growing up: "If a child washes his hans clean, he will dine with the eleders".
The depth of the symbolism in these proverbs is fascinating. They aren't things that can easily be understood without visualizing the situation they describe! What a rich cultural heritage!
To read more Nigerian proverbs, search on Google for "Nigerian Proverbs". Several sites exist, although, I'm not sure the full understanding is possible without hearing the explanation from someone of that culture!
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