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Proverb, or known as “Peribahasa” in Bahasa Indonesia, often learned at school. However, a language should be learned along with its culture. Culture has a big influence on the use of language itself, as well as the use of proverb.
In Indonesia, learning Indonesian proverb is a common thing. However,
is learning English proverb as simple as translating Indonesian to English
proverb? No, it is not. The difference between our country (Indonesia) with
the English speaking country really affects the proverb used. Let’s see the following
examples J
Nasi
sudah menjadi bubur
This
proverb means “The mistakes or things that have done cannot be changed so do
not be upset and let it be.” It is often used by Indonesian people. If we want
to use it in English, we cannot simply translate it into English. If we keep
trying to change it, more or less it will become “Rice has become porridge.” -____-
Actually, there is an English
proverb which has similar meaning, that is "Don't cry over the
spilled milk" (Jangan menangisi susu
yang sudah tumpah). Of course,
this difference is affected by the culture (the staple food of
Indonesian people is rice and mostly, western people drink milk and eat bread,
they do not eat rice).
Other examples:
Buah jatuh tak jauh dari pohonnya = Like father like son
Karena nila setitik rusak susu sebelanga = Rotten apple spoils the whole barrel
Berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian = Nothing ventured nothing gained (no pain no gain)
Diberi hati, minta jantung = Give someone an inch and he'll take a mile
Air susu dibalas dengan air tuba = Bite the hand that feeds you
Therefore, learning a language along with its culture is really important J
