Tonga Proverbs for Teaching and Preaching

by David K Mphande

In Malawi, as in Africa at large, indigenous languages and proverbs are endangered. And yet, they embody the society’s culture, identity, literary values, dignity, integrity and continuity. A crucial means of slowing this process is the codification and documentation of minority languages and their expressions of culture. Very little has been written about the language and culture of the lakeside Tonga people of Malawi. This collection of Tonga proverbs with translations and explanations illustrates the moral and religious values, wisdom and philosophy of the Tonga people inculcated in the language. The selection is an effort to kick-start interest and further research in this language and culture.

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