Page 17 - Exposition of Dagara Morality FNAL

* Two people at loggerheads cannot be so foolish as not to seek * The child who is good at recalling to mind what he hears everyday from
reconciliation. We should learn to iron out our differences through compromise
and mutual understanding.
1. HARDWORK
15.a. Kyangkyangkpogra yel ke ko fo kpaar o mi mii a fo di bonkaa.
Kyangkyangkpogra says it is your occiput that becomes sour before you can eat
oily food.
* Kyangkyangkpogra is a type of bird that uses its beak to bore holes on dry
trees. People interpret its hole-boring as hard work.
* The English equivalence of this proverb is “no sweat no sweet”. The
proverb is used in figurative sense too mean a lazy person. Such a person,
because of his laziness, he does not want to work hard. This proverb advises us to
take that success is attained though laborious work and not given to us on a sliver
platter.
15.b. Virie na kpi mi di tur. The person that nearly dies wins a thousand
* Among the Dagara, they have what they call diem kob, that is helping
father-in-law on his farm. This is part of the bride-service for his daughter. Men
mostly like to give their daughter to hardworking people. So, when there is
competition during the courting period, the man who forges ahead finally wins
the woman.
* Society approves of hard work. This proverb can be used during the
period of courtship if the conditions to marry the girl are demanding. It can be
used to show that the hard working person will always be rewarded for his efforts.
It recommends perseverance in life. It means do not give up.
1. CONDUCT IN A FOREIGN LAND
16.a. Teng kang banda-kure me in teng kang bonda-siene. The lizard-killer in
one village becomes the lizard-roaster in another
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the adults gains wisdom and maturity that way for the management of his life.
Such a child also serves as a handy memory bank for the parents or the adult who
may be distracted by so many concerns that he needs to be constantly reminded
of pressing issues he must address.
* The English equivalence is “he who does not forget, he is the elder”.
Being able to consistently remember the order of events in the past will earn one
respect as a grown-up. Memory plays a very important role in obtaining
knowledge. Also, knowledge is not only found in adults but also in children with
inquiring minds and retentive memories.
1. PATIENCE
4.a. Bibir been be muone gaa e. One day does not ripen ebony fruit.
* The ebony fruit takes six months between flowering and ripening.
Hence, one day is not enough for it to ripen.
* The English equivalence of this proverb is that “Rome was not built in a
day”. Great and long-lasting achievements are usually realised more by a slow,
painstaking process than by a hasty makeshift approach. Thus, we should learn
to be patient with things. One shower does not make a season and there is time
for everything.
4.b. Kanyir sob no dugr kusebe. A patient person cooks stones.
* The lesson of this proverb is that, with patience, you can achieve
seemingly impossible tasks. Patience in one of the secrets of success in life. To
achieve success in the performance of difficult tasks, you need patience and you
must be ready to pay the necessary price for the success you want.
4.c. Mo kogri be e kong gaa e. To stir food for a long time is not sleeping
hungry.
* At times, when they are preparing “tuo zaafi” (porridge), it can be
delayed.
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