Madagascar Quotes and Proverbs (Part One)

This series of articles is very interesting because we’ll be delving into some of the most popular quotes, proverbs and wise sayings of Madagascar. We’ll also try to decipher their meanings and see their translation in the native Malagasy language.
The credit of this compilation goes to ( History of painters ).
They would be looked into in batches but in every series, we would start with the full list of all the
proverbs.
Proverbs are usually short and well-known withy sayings that are meant to pass along concepts and
interpretations to life using all kinds of literary devices or palance that is local to a particular area. Of
course there are native proverbs from various nations of the world that have gained heavy use and
popularity over the years as their usage is compatible with many cultures. Metaphors are very common
in the construction of proverbs.
Proverbs are common and have strong usage than ordinary straightforward writing because they are
able to both guise at the same time still communicate deep issues to the hearers.
Proverbs are also preferred because they can keep a cool and relaxed atmosphere while passing deep
truth and principles. Difficult issues don’t have to be passed on in a difficult way. Rather, they should be
passed on in a way that can set the target thinking without getting tensed up.
Some of the strongest Proverb cultures come from around Africa, China and also Russia. They are
sources of a lot of proverbs that, quite frankly, strike the depth of the soul.
We’ll explore a couple of very popular proverbs:
1. Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime –
Chinese Proverb. Meaning – It is better to train people than to give them gifts. Work to change a
person’s lifestyle than their current state alone.
2. There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out – Russian Proverb. Meaning –
Even if the state of initial ignorance can be ignored, now that the issue has been brought to your
awareness it is careless and stupid to remain in the state of ignorance.
3. It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness – Chinese Proverb. Meaning – Stop
fighting and complaining about the issue, rather activate and pioneer the solution.
4. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together – African Proverb. Meaning –
You can cover a farther distance when you are alone as you are light and have little to worry
about but life is full of situations and stumbling blocks and having a quality partnership is what
counts as things get tough and rough along a long road.
These are some very good and meaningful proverbs that have made discussions memorable and made
many consider and change their paths and directions.
Malagasy proverbs are equally heavy with meaning and make strong impartations to the heart. The 12
proverbs below certainly provide some insight into the Big Island’s culture and the quality of the thoughts
gleaned from the wealth of experience of many natives.

1. Without the forest, there will be no more water, without water, there will be no more
rice. —
Meaning: The source of everything is important. Nothing can exist outside its source, Everything
must reference its source.
2. Truth is like sugarcane; even if you chew it for a long time, it is still sweet. —
Meaning of Proverb Two : The truth is constant and does not change or affected by time and
situations
3. Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings. —
Meaning : Be careful of what you say, you cannot withdraw them but they will expand endlessly
into an eventual result something negative or positive
4. People are like plants in the wind: they bow down and rise up again. —
Meaning: Phases come in the life of a human being, possibly as a result of situations. It is
dangerous to conclude that a person’s current state (especially if weak) is their final and treat
them as such.
5. Like the chameleon, one eye on the future, one eye on the past. —
Meaning : As much as the future is the real focus of life, the past must help us properly calibrate
the future. The mistakes and victories of the past should create learning points that help the
future. The past should not be totally discarded.
6. However little food we have, we’ll share it even if it’s only one locust. —
Meaning : Sharing should be a lifestyle not determined by the amount of resources available.
7. Those who know how to swim are the ones who sink. —
Meaning : Everyone needs help and guidance regardless of the knowledge we think we have.
Collaboration and company is important than vast amount of knowledge.
8. Whichever hand is cut, the whole body feels the pain. —
Meaning : Every part of a body is important and vital. As long as there is strong relationship
between parts, people and friends then the whole will feel the effect of the parts.
9. The child of a rat is a rat.– Malagasy Proverb
Meaning : Who you are is who you are. My source reflects on and in me.

10. Nothing is so difficult that diligence cannot master it.
Meaning : Time embedded with patience and gradual movement will conquer all difficulty no
matter how large or hard it may seem.
11. Don’t think there are no sharks because the water is calm. —
Meaning : You can’t judge books by the cover. You must find ways of investigating and remove
the deceit of assumption.
12. Don’t praise your wife before a year. —
Meaning : Be patient in rating people. Time proves all things

Click here to read Madagascar Quotes and Proverbs (Part Two) or Click here to read Madagascar Quotes and Proverbs (Part Three)