Kurdish proverbs or proverbs generally are short, clever sayings that encapsulate wisdom and experience in a concise and memorable form. They usually give an advice of life, experience. And They are found in every culture and language around the world. Like other nations, Kurdish proverbs reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of the Kurdish people, and offer insights into their way of life.
Proverbs can help you learn about a nation’s culture, history and society than more than any textbook. They show what’s important to the group of people, and what is considered is a red flag.
Kurdish proverbs are often passed down from generation to generation, and they serve as a way of preserving cultural identity and transmitting wisdom from one generation to the next. They are also a reflection of the values and beliefs of a particular culture, and they offer insights into that culture’s way of life.
In addition to their cultural and historical significance, Kurdish proverbs are also useful for everyday communication. They can be used to express complex ideas in a simple and memorable way, and they can be a powerful tool for persuasion and influence. They can also be used to add color and personality to everyday conversation.
Here is List of the common Kurdish proverbs:-
1- Let him/her/them eat garlic and play Zurna
Probably, This is the most common, and frequently used proverb among The Kurds. Kurds from the former Soviet states till Israel use this proverb. The proverb literally means, I/we don’t care about what others do, how others react to our actions. Or I/we don’t take other’s reaction into account, no matter what gonna happen.
2- War/battle is dance of brave men
The Kurds usually say this proverb to give young men courage. It also reflects the Kurdish people’s bravery, courage to go war, battle and defend fearlessly. It means for us, war and defending are as enjoyable as dancing.
3- Your father’s enemy is not going to be your friend
It means, Those who fought and hated you in past, aren’t going to like you and help you today. In another meaning, learn history and know your enemy. This proverb is a useful peice of advice for Kurds, and there is a political agenda behind it, advising The Kurdish leaders, politicians not to befriend with those who once committed crimes against your people.
4- Those who are not in battleground, have a sharpened sword
Its English equivalent is, someone who is not in a fight, is lion. Meaning talking about your bravery without proving it, is meaningless. And it sometimes means You should be kind when considering others’ situation and hardship, and put yourself in their shoes once in a while.
5-If relatives eat your mean, They won’t break your bones
It means, even if a relative or a someone close hurts you, They won’t be bad as others[strangers]. This proverb implies that no matter how bad Your relatives are, close friends are, They may help or support you one day. And It advises us to put close ones before strangers.
6- If a brother stands behind brother, only God can bring evil
This proverb is the most common Kurdish proverb. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity, unity and shared experiences between Kurds. It reflects the Kurdish people’s strong sense of community and their belief that they are all winners If they unite and and support each other. Its English equivalent is, We are stonger together.
7-Before goodness happens, badness must happen first
This proverb encapsulates the idea that success often comes after difficulty or struggle. It reflects the Kurdish people’s resilience in the face of adversity and their belief that hardship can be a stepping stone to success.
8- A food by many chiefs is either salty or saltless
This proverb talks about the trouble of too many people trying to do the same thing at once. It means If too many people with the same experience involve in the same activity, can ruin it instead of making it better.
9-Guests are the guests of God
This proverb emphasizes the importance of guests, implying that a Guest is like a gift from God to the home or a Guest is as important as God’s gift. It indicates Kurdish hospitality, and friendliness towards guests and strangers who visit a Kurd.
10- Silence is still a voice.
Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the power of silence and the idea that sometimes not speaking can be just as impactful as speaking.
In conclusion, proverbs are an important part of Kurdish culture, as well as cultures around the world. They offer insights into the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular culture. They serve as a way of transmitting wisdom from one generation to the next.
Whether you are Kurdish or not, understanding and appreciating the proverbs of different cultures can be a powerful way to connect with people from around the world and to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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