PNG Proverbs

Hello All,

I was recently employed by World Trade Press to collect and submit twenty "PNG Proverbs" for their AtoZ World Culture online resource. Over the years WTP has collected information from every country around the world to create an exceptional online database for educators and homeschoolers. Their most recent addition to each country's page is "Proverbs" - the old sayings, expressions, or idioms commonly used. As it turns out, the College of Nursing here at Kudjip is an epicenter of PNG cultural diversity.

I have truly enjoyed connecting with our Nursing students from every corner and island of PNG, and ended up receiving many more Proverbs than needed. What follows are some superb examples. ENJOY! 

PNG Region:  MOUNT HAGEN
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Skul tok bilong mama muruk igo long ol pikiniki:  "Wanem samting pundaun kam daun em prut bilong diwai, kisim na kaikai, na abrusim wanem samting kam klostu long lek bilong yu, bilong wanem, em kam bilong bagarapim yu."
Translation in English:
A saying from the Cassowary to her chicks:  "Whatever falls from above is always the fruit of the tree, take and eat, but avoid anything from the ground moving towards you, because it will bring you harm.
Meaning:
If anyone comes to you and corrects your mistakes, accept him, but never listen to the one who covers up your mistakes, because he brings destruction to your life.

PNG Region:  BOUGAINVILLE
Proverb in Tok Pisin:

Kirap bek ken long dust.

Translation in English:

(You can) Rise up from the ashes.

Meaning:

After the Bougainville rebellion was brutally repressed, this saying has been adopted to instill hope for a better, independent future.

PNG Region:  CHIMBU
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Mekim wanem samting yu ken na Papa God bai mekim long wanem hap yu sot lo mekim.
Translation in English:
Do what you can, and God will take care of what you can't do.
Meaning:
If in Faith you do your best, God in Love will do the rest.
(...yes, I just made up that sweet rhyme.)

PNG Region:  CHIMBU
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Taim i no inap kambekgen. Em go na go olgeta.
Translation in English:
Time can not wait. It goes and goes completely.
Meaning:
Time cannot be recycled.

PNG Region:  JIMI VALLEY
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Lukautim ol lapun, harim tok bilong ol na bihainim olgeta tok skul ol i givim long yu na yu tingting pas long ol na givim wanem samting ol laikim long en, embai yu kamap wanpela gutpela man bihain i got biknem na gutpela sindaun. Bai yu stap longpela taim long graund na kamap gutpela man i gat biknem na gat planti samting na sindaun gut.
Translation in English:
Respecting old people, listening to their instructions and commandments, and giving priority to them helps you to become a good, respected, and successful person. Then you will live a long life as a good man with respect, wealth, and success. 
Meaning:
Respect your elders, and their wisdom will be yours for life.

PNG Region:  JIMI VALLEY
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Mani em i no laip.
Translation in English:
Money is not life.
Meaning:
Expense doesn't matter when it comes to taking care of your loved ones' needs.

PNG Region:  JIWAKA
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Heven na graun bai pinis tasol tok bilong God bai i no inap pinis.
Translation in English:
Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)
Meaning:
Biblical reference, used in the face of life's trials to remember that while life on Earth is short, God and His work will last forever.

PNG Region:  ENGA
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Wara contana save buruk long aus doa.
Translation in English:
The container filled with water is breaking right at the door.
Meaning:
The product of much investment is now spoiling at its time of harvest. (A student supported by the village for many years fails to earn their degree.)

PNG Region:  HELA
Proverb in Tok Pisin:
Yumi rolim nupela simuk.
Translation in English:
Let's roll new smoke to smoke.
Meaning:
Seeking opportunity to initiate physical confrontation with your rival. "To pick a fight."

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And for those suckers who love cute kids (that would include ME), here are recent pics of my two PNG namesakes, little "TED" who is growing well and always smiling, and Rhonda's baby "TEDDY" who is adorable. :-)

Yes, Teddy's father's name is "Diri".

I actually think my mother used to call me Teddy Deary...