📝 Archive

Tiv Proverbs

Ancient wisdom passed down through generations

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“Alu u kur a ishima i ker ityev u lôhô angbian ruam ga.”

If you consider the stress on the farm, you will not invite a brother to eat you

generosity
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“Hiar ka a hiin i hiin a igbe.”

As soon as the whirlwind starts, one starts swearing by the igbe cult emblem.

conflict
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“Indyer i tamenor ugen ka ia gba usu we di u mir i you.”

When the beard of another old man catches fire, you soak your own with water.

wisdom
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“Iyongo i hiin a ahan zwa.”

Trouble usually starts with laughter.

conflict
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“Ka a fa amar inyumun nga kera numun ga.”

When a plan to disrupt a dance festival is uncovered, precaution should be taken

wisdom
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“Ka a teen we u kpeen ishe.”

When you are being sold out, your mar or influence the bargain.

conflict
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“Ka a zaan a za i zaan sha ijô angahar; a geman hiden i …”

People tiptoe while going on a deal but on their way back wailings are heard.

honesty
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“Ka hen ya u orcian-kwagh ka i zua a ikyônogh ki teman ô…”

It is in a weak man's house that they find a chair to sit and judge a strong man

humility
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“Ka wea eren belanda u mkee u kera aan ityô ga.”

When you are trading in pepper, you do not scratch your buttocks again.

wisdom
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“Anyi vea nombor je kpa mba zehe.”

Even the teeth and the tongue do quarrel sometimes.

conflict
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“Ivo i nyiman ga kpa ka wea zer a i gbem yô i nyima.”

A goat does not bite but when you maltreat it ceaselessly, it bites.

conflict
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“Mngeren ma gbe human tsô ga, saa kwagh ngu a kpe shimin…”

Water does not just smell unless something dies inside it.

wisdom