A refreshing take on Otjiherero through proverbs and idioms

Africa is a continent so unique and diverse in many ways.

There are over 2 000 languages spoken on the continent. Namibia’s 2,1 million people speak almost 30 languages.

Globalisation has increased the use of official languages, which are originally from Europe with African languages taking a backseat. Many African languages are becoming extinct as fewer people are able to speak their vernaculars.

The absence of documents and written material in indigenous languages is also a hindrance in advancing the use of these languages. Some, although speaking vernaculars, do not know their languages as well as their elders, who are considered in most African cultures as ‘living libraries’ and upon death, take a wealth of history to their graves.

Recently, a Namibian academic and author who can also be described as a ‘living library’ in his own right, launched a historic book that will go a long way in boosting the limited documentation and appreciation of the Otjiherero language.

Launching the book, ‘Omiano vya Tjipangandjara’, Kavari quoted Chinua Achebe in saying “proverbs are words that can be eaten”, so whenever possible, people should use proverbs in their speech in order to sound more interesting.

Proverbs contribute to the beauty and richness of the language and tell us a bit about the culture and customs of the people who speak the language.

The book is a collection of idioms and proverbs that are brought to life in a language and style that is easy to understand. It contains literal English translations and points out the closest English equivalent.

In the preface, Kavari admits that it was not easy to find an English equivalent for every Otjiherero proverb or idiom as the two languages are “housed in very different cultural-linguistic contexts”.

Collection for the content to be part of the book was not that difficult though as Kavari used some of his knowledge to kick-start his research. Apart from that, he also walked around with a notepad and attended community gatherings, listening attentively and picking up proverbial sayings and idioms as well as the context in which they are generally used.

The collection starts off with a brief history on the Otjiherero language philosopher Kasupi Tjipangandjara, after whom Otjiherero proverbs were named. Tjipangandjara or “doctor of hunger” was, according to oral history, a very lively character who entertained people with his proverbial speech and had them listening for hours on end, without ever feeling hungry. This book has the same effect on the reader, holding your attention long after you have started to read because of its rich cultural, moral and overall educational content. He uses the Otjiherero dialect from Kaokoland where he hails from, this dialect is considered by most to be the closest version to the original Otjiherero language.

The book also includes a small section containing calques from English or Afrikaans, translated into Otjiherero. It’s an easy read which can also be read by speakers of other languages. It will also serve well as a teaching tool for learners and students who are studying the Otjiherero language.

This book is also a ray of light in the revival of African literature. It should also hopefully ignite a new hunger among young people to explore their indigenous languages and to encourage their pride in reading, speaking and writing these languages.

About the Author

Kavari is a Namibian with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. He is a senior lecturer in the Otjiherero Section of the Department of Language and Literature Studies at the University of Namibia. He has been involved in teaching both oral and written Otjiherero literature, Otjiherero grammar (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax and Semantics), teaching translation courses (to and from Otjiherero and English, as well as language studies for translation students) for Post Graduate Diplomas in Translation, and Teaching Methods of Otjiherero plus supervising Otjiherero School subject projects (I and II) students. He is currently conducting research in Otjiherero literature and grammar. Apart from his already impressive Curriculum Vitae, Kavari is involved in community services concerning the Otjiherero language and culture.

‘Omiano vya Tjipangandjara’ is available at the Windhoeker Buchhandlung (Independence Avenue opposite City of Windhoek) at a recommended retail price of N$220. For large orders, contact the distributor Demasius Publications at 061-236938

A selection from the book

Mba rya omuriro – I ate fire

This proverb is used when someone finds themselves in trouble.

Omake ye kohasana – Each hand washes the other.

You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

Tenga u tengwe – Respect to be respected

This proverb is used when a person is seeking respect, though they fail to respect others.

Tji tji he ri otjoye katjoye – What is yours is not yours

It is used to emphasise the principle that we should not steal from one another.

U nomeho omare – She/he has long eyes

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