DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49272#0336
320
HARVARD AFRICAN STUDIES
origin of mankind is explained in a story given elsewhere; Mulungu takes no part, nor is
the supernatural even invoked in explanation.
The religion of the Yao may then be summed up as ancestor worship plus an ill-defined,
uncertain belief in a supreme being. Their religion is not animistic. There are certain
spirits of evil, demons, fairies and supernatural beings and animals which, however, do not
play any real part in their religious beliefs.
Native Sayings. Natives are very fond of sayings, many of which are of the same
nature as our own proverbs. The meaning of many of them is, however, not always self-
evident but depends on some little story with a moral.
The following are some of those which I have collected among the Yao near Zomba:
1. Akamwile likambale! (or lipuku!')
He caught a fish, (a mouse!)
An expression meaning “ He slipped down.” The variations being used when wet or when
dry under foot.
2. Ulamba uli m’meso!
Cunning is in the eyes (evident).
An expression meaning “ Look out; some one is after us! ”
Kalulu chenjera!
Rabbit be clever!
This is a Mang’anja equivalent to the above.
3. Changapikana wachitelechele mwiponda!
A thing that did not listen they cooked in among the herbs!
An insect which had not listened to advice about the dangers of sitting on herbs used as
vegetables, was gathered up by a woman and cooked with them.
An expression used with the sense “If you do not take advice and anything happens to
you, it will be your own fault.”
4. Mtela uli m’mapikanilo!
Medicine is in the ears!
Meaning “ You are forewarned; it is your own look out! ”
5. Nangalamuche wamlechele chikalakasa!
Mr Would-Be-Clever they left with the skull!
Ku-kalamuka, to be clever (to show off); an expression made to a newcomer who un-
bidden joins in a discussion. It has reference to the following story and means that any-
one joining a party unbidden may find himself in an awkward situation. Some strangers
came to a village, and after being given food and quarters, all retired for the night. One of
them, however, Mr. Would-Be-Clever, hearing something going on outside crept out of
the house to find out what was happening. Seeing some people playing at catch-ball, he
HARVARD AFRICAN STUDIES
origin of mankind is explained in a story given elsewhere; Mulungu takes no part, nor is
the supernatural even invoked in explanation.
The religion of the Yao may then be summed up as ancestor worship plus an ill-defined,
uncertain belief in a supreme being. Their religion is not animistic. There are certain
spirits of evil, demons, fairies and supernatural beings and animals which, however, do not
play any real part in their religious beliefs.
Native Sayings. Natives are very fond of sayings, many of which are of the same
nature as our own proverbs. The meaning of many of them is, however, not always self-
evident but depends on some little story with a moral.
The following are some of those which I have collected among the Yao near Zomba:
1. Akamwile likambale! (or lipuku!')
He caught a fish, (a mouse!)
An expression meaning “ He slipped down.” The variations being used when wet or when
dry under foot.
2. Ulamba uli m’meso!
Cunning is in the eyes (evident).
An expression meaning “ Look out; some one is after us! ”
Kalulu chenjera!
Rabbit be clever!
This is a Mang’anja equivalent to the above.
3. Changapikana wachitelechele mwiponda!
A thing that did not listen they cooked in among the herbs!
An insect which had not listened to advice about the dangers of sitting on herbs used as
vegetables, was gathered up by a woman and cooked with them.
An expression used with the sense “If you do not take advice and anything happens to
you, it will be your own fault.”
4. Mtela uli m’mapikanilo!
Medicine is in the ears!
Meaning “ You are forewarned; it is your own look out! ”
5. Nangalamuche wamlechele chikalakasa!
Mr Would-Be-Clever they left with the skull!
Ku-kalamuka, to be clever (to show off); an expression made to a newcomer who un-
bidden joins in a discussion. It has reference to the following story and means that any-
one joining a party unbidden may find himself in an awkward situation. Some strangers
came to a village, and after being given food and quarters, all retired for the night. One of
them, however, Mr. Would-Be-Clever, hearing something going on outside crept out of
the house to find out what was happening. Seeing some people playing at catch-ball, he