Traditional Malay Proverbs
The lost wisdom of Malay culture
Traditional Malay proverbs or peribahasa capture Malay wisdom of the past. They are slowly disappearing from contemporary Malay life and culture, being replaced by other influences, such as Islamic teachings, and the obsesses of the influence of urban culture.
Malay proverbs were once used to make sense of the world, put forward arguments, and act as advice to follow.
Malay proverbs are a generational loss of wisdom, the symbiotic semblance to traditional Malay identity, anchored in kampong life.
Malay proverbs once carried the collective wisdom of Malay society, as it was for Centuries. The metaphors of which these proverbs were written reflected the advice of long-gone generations.
Traditional Malay proverbs are very quickly becoming a lost artefact within Malay culture. The younger generations are losing a cultural connection to the past. Here a few Malay proverbs below. There are many thousands of others. Traditional Malay values, we all can learn from are being lost.
Apa gunanya kemenyan sebesar tungku kalau tidak dibakar
What's the use of an incense as big as the stove if it's not being burned
Kalau tidak dipecahkan ruyung, manakan dapat sagunya
 If you don't break the trunk, how will you get the sago
Sambil menyelam minum air
Hitting two birds with one stone
Mati semut karena gula
Looking for an easy way out
Kalau takut dilambung ombak, jangan berumah di tepi pantai
If you're afraid of being hurled by the waves, don't make a house by the seaside
Yang dikejar tak dapat, yang dikendong berciciran
It’s better to hold onto something that you already have than risk losing it in pursuit for something better
Sudah jatuh ditimpa tangga
Going through bad luck or hard times one after another
Hendak seribu daya. tak hendak seribu dalih
When there is a will, there is a way
Lembu punya susu, sapi dapat nama
Someone will always jump in to take credit
Hendak berani berlawan ramai. Hendak kaya berdikit-dikit. Hendak ramai bertabur urai
If you want to be brave, face your enemies. If you want to be wealthy, be prudent. If you want to have abundance, be generous
Ukur baju di badan sendiri
Only do the things that are within your abilities
Ikan lagi di laut, lada garam sudah di sengkalan
Make preparations to enjoy something that is yet to be obtained
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