and, on the other hand, words are used that are now seldom heard.
The languages spoken by the Bolewa and Kerrikerri tribes are probably dialects of Hausa.
Songhai presents a great many points of resemblance, and the proverbs of more western tribes show a striking similarity of ideas. The eastern languages, including Kanuri, do not seem to be so closely connected.
The present book contains: —
- (1) Proverbs, common sayings, riddles, &c.
- (2) Some idioms in common use.
- (3) A few odds and ends of general interest.
A full explanation of any proverb, thought to require it, is given, together with the nearest English equivalent.
Proverbs with the same signification are generally grouped together.
Some sayings explain themselves, and in these cases that translation has been given which seems to best express the sense and at the same time to be as near literal as possible.
The idioms have been found generally useful and are in daily use.
The system of literation is the same as that employed by previous writers on the language; but a few accents have been inserted to emphasize the pronunciation of some words, and for the same reason oo has been sometimes used instead of u and ee instead of i. The word mani (to me) has been written minny, as it is pronounced. Two dots over a ü are intended to show that it is pronounced rather like an i in English.
