Ingane engakhali ifela embelekweni

A child that does not cry dies in the sling.

What it means

Speaking up can help others notice that you need support. The silent child is an image of a need that risks going unnoticed.

Zulu · Southern Africa

Source and context

From: Zulu, Southern Africa

Source: isiZulu (South Africa) oral-tradition proverb (Ingane engakhali ifela embelekweni), translation and explanation from the Ulwazi Programme's "Zulu Proverbs" page (ulwaziprogramme.org). Earlier recorded here as also in C.L.S. Nyembezi, "Zulu Proverbs"; that book was not read

The source explains it: if you do not voice your problems/views you will not be noticed. The wording of the meaning is ours.

Wisdom

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