Salawikain refers to Filipino proverbs. These are short traditional sayings which impart significant wisdom and lessons to people. These proverbs are usually passed from one generation to another. The elders impart these proverbs to the young ones, so that they may also pass these to future generations. No one can really tell where these traditional sayings started. These are practical lessons that are applied in everyday life taken from keen observation and experience.
These traditional Filipino proverbs, in a way, give a glimpse of the everyday life of the Filipinos. These sayings are very characteristic of the typical everyday experiences of Filipinos. They shed light on the true Filipino values and philosophy. These salawikain serve as everyday reminders to Filipinos of what should be the most important and valuable aspects in their lives. In a way, the use of salawikain is a method to give advice, especially to the young ones. It is also a form of encouragement as it always shows that you can have courage and strength from within.
These salawikain, like the typical proverbs all over the world, are not straight to the point. These usually make use of figures of speech, such as metaphor, personification, and hyperbole, to make a point. Thus, the person receiving the salawikain will also ponder as to the meaning and relevance of a particular saying.
Here are some popular salawikain that you can ponder on as well, and maybe even apply in your own life. The translations in English however are not literal, but the lesson that the specific proverb actually impart.
Ubos-ubos biyaya, pagkatapos nakatunganga (Spend lavishly and you end up with nothing);
Ang lalagyang walang laman ay maingay (An empty container makes a lot of noise);
Bago ka bumatin ng sa ibang uling, uling mo muna ang iyong pahirin (Before you point out the faults of others, correct your own first);
Walang salang hindi pinagbabayaran (No crime is left unpunished);
Pananalita’y pilak ngunit ang katahimikan ay ginto (Speech is silver, but silence is gold);
Ang mabigat ay gumagaan kung pinagtutulungan (Anything heavy can be light if resources are put together)
Ang karukhaan ay hindi hadlang sa pagtatagumpay (Poverty is not a hindrance to success)
Anyone, even non-Filipinos, can definitely learn a lot from the lessons and wisdom that the Filipino Salawikain impart. These proverbs have a universal wisdom to them. It’s also both witty and funny. All of these factors add spice to the Filipino language. These proverbs imparts general rules in life that will surely help one live to the fullest, having good morals and values.
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