Figurative Language in Setswana (1): Diane [Proverbs]

Figurative Language in Setswana (1): Diane [Proverbs]

[ENG] Figurative and poetic language in Setswana includes proverbs, known as “diane” [singular: seane]. Diane (proverbs) in Setswana come from a rich heritage of culture, and tend to have their main subjects as animals, humans, and to a lesser extent, other everyday objects and concepts. However, like in most other languages, proverbs can be inherited from other languages or cultures that a people have been in contact with. In some cases even, the people who introduced the idea upon which such a proverb was born, do not even have an equivalent in their language.
An interesting example is that of “Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng“, derived from the Bible story of King Solomon attempting to resolve a conflict between two women who both claimed a baby as their own.

Another less appreciated characteristic about diane tsa Setswana is that although they are meant to communicate a “secondary” figurative meaning, the “primary” statement itself is a meaningful, logical statement, which can also be taken at face value.

This section will has been subdivided into 3 categories:
1. Diane le Ditlhaloso (Setswana explanations)
2. Diane with English explanations
3. Diane with their English equivalents

See the Diane le Maele post for a broader overview.

Ntlha e nngwe gape ka diane, e ga ntsi e sa tseweng tsia thata, ke go re, le fa ntswa seane se na le tlhaloso e e bofitlha, polelo e e buiwang ke seane le yone fa o e tsaya jaaka e ntse, e na le bokae jo bo feletseng, e bile e le ja boamaaruri.