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These Setswana (Setswana) proverbs speak to kin, marriage, parenting and the home. Here are 4 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Setswana usage.
Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng
Literally: “The child's mother holds the knife by the sharp edge”
Meaning: A mother will endure pain and sacrifice anything to protect her child.
Lebitla la mosadi ke bogadi
Literally: “A woman's grave is at her in-laws' home”
Meaning: Traditionally, once married a woman is expected to remain committed to her marital home for life.
Bana ba motho ba kgaogana tlhogo ya tsie
Literally: “Children of one person share the head of a locust”
Meaning: Relatives share even the little they have; kin should divide what they have fairly.
Tlou ga e ke e imelwa ke naka tsa yona
Literally: “An elephant is never burdened by its own tusks”
Meaning: One does not regard one's own kin or responsibilities as a burden.