peribahasa, simpulan bahasa, bidalan, pepatah or perumpamaan

obmar · Site Admin Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 5697

I'll attempt to translate of the the gems into english in this thread.

Malay proverbs which fall readily into such main categories as peribahasa (normally cast as a complete sentence), simpulan bahasa (usually with two words), bidalan (which take the form of abstract statements), pepatah (comprising traditional sayings from folklore), perbilangan (making use of specific observations from everyday experience) and perumpamaan (otherwise termed metaphorical phrases). Every peribahasa, simpulan bahasa, bidalan, pepatah and perumpama is rooted in an individual’s life experience, perspective and understanding of a problem, and includes a reaction that may benefit members of the community.

http://www.penerbit.ukm.my/sari22-08.pdf

Peribahasa

Ada angin ada pohonnya.
ertinya
Segala yang terjadi ada sebab-sebabnya.

There is wind there is trees
meaning
Everything that happens there must be reasons to it.

obmar · Site Admin Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 5697

Ada bangkai adalah kering.
ertinya
Ada perempuan jahat di situlah juga terdapat lelaki jahat.

There is carcase there is dryness
meaning
when there are loose women there flocks bad men.

obmar · Site Admin Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 5697

Ada batang mati, adalah cendawan timbul.
ertinya
Walau di mana kita tinggal, akan ada rezeki kita.

On Dead logs, thrives muchrooms
meaning
Wherever we stay there will be a living for us.

The Inquisitor · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 772

Those are some really esoteric connections there, obmar.

The mushrooms on dead logs I can kinda see, but wind and trees are way beyond me.

That kinda sounds like:

Death and taxes

Meaning,

you're gonna die.

obmar · Site Admin Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 5697

peribahasa are taught and the cultured ones knew the meanings and when to use them.

it is ignored by many now...

obmar · Site Admin Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 5697

Ada beras taruh dalam peti, ada ingat taruh dalam hati.
ertinya
Rahsia hendaklah disimpan dengan sebaik-baiknya.

If you have rice save it in containers, if you remember put it in your heart.
meaning
Secrets must be preserved with care.