One of the things that I really like about living in another country and culture is learning about the various tools each culture uses for communication. In Ghana, being direct with your words can interfere with the social harmony, as so communicating indirectly via proverbs is very common. Not only that, but there are a number of idioms that can be strategically used as well. Here are some of my favorites that I’ve heard*.
Akan Proverbs
The wise is spoken to in proverbs, not plain language.
See? There’s even a proverb about speaking in proverbs rather than plain language. This can also be used to mean that there isn’t a need to belabor a point.
If a bird does not fly, it goes to bed hungry.
This proverb refers to the fact that one must sometimes take a risk in order to be rewarded. It’s similar to the English, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
All fingers are not the same.
Ever find yourself comparing yourself to other people? Just remind yourself of this proverb. Just as each finger has it’s purpose and place so do we all.
Akan Idioms
You’re collecting pocket money for your eyes.
When I was telling my co-worker about some planned travel within Ghana, she exclaimed this to me. I was really confused, and then she explained that it means you are do a lot of sightseeing.
My hand has touched food.
Inviting people to join you whenever you eat something is a big part of the culture here, even if you don’t actually want to share your food, you still invite everyone around. (Generally, everyone will thank you and not take you up on your invitation.) So this idiom is a way of inviting people to come eat with you.
Let your legs touch your butt.
You ever run so fast that your feet kick up and hit your butt? This is a way of telling someone to hurry up, which I find pretty humorous.
What are some fun and interesting proverbs or idioms you’ve picked up while abroad? Share them in the comments!
*I live in a Fante-speaking area, an Akan language, which is why I’ve focused on Akan proverbs and idioms. There are more than 70 languages spoken throughout Ghana, and they may all have their own proverbs and idioms.