Culture
Proverbs
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Swahili proverb: Mwacha mila ni mtumwa
Proverb urging cultural continuity: abandoning ones traditions makes one a slave to others.
Country:Tanzania; Kenya
Language:Swahili; English
Published:2025-10-04
Audience:Language learners, cultural studies
Swahili: "Mwacha mila ni mtumwa."
English literal: "He who abandons his customs is a slave."
Meaning: A person who turns away from their own traditions loses their identity and becomes dependent on others. Often used to encourage cultural pride and continuity.
Keywords
Swahili proverb
tradition
culture
identity
Source & licence
Source: Wikiquote
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Proverb is part of oral tradition documented in Wikiquote and in academic literature on Swahili. Wikiquote attribution required under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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