Proverbs are short figurative sayings, with multiple meanings, derived from popular experience, related to time and its vital values. Given life circumstances, they transmit logic, laws, principles, and advice.
These sayings, among the most prominent, have been created and used in Dukagjini province, turning into a leitmotif and law in assemblies and reconciliation gatherings by wise men.
These proverbs are classified and used in several ways:
Maxims
Druri i keq, s’ban flakë, as zjarr; (When trees shall fail, the fire shall be quenched)
Pa lshu fill nuk bahet lamshi; (Without a thread, there is no skein)
Kërko vend, aq sa ke mend; (What you get is what you deserve)
Muri i jetës është fjala; (The wall of life is words)
Kush fal, ven paq’ me vetin; (Forgiving others mistakes will bring you untold peace)
Gardhi i fortë ban kojshinë e mirë; (Good fences make good neighbors)
Kush vesh inatin, ç’vesh arsyen. (A man given to anger, compromises reason)
Philosophical rhyming phrases
Kur lëndon atë që t’përkdhel, ke me puth çizmen që t’shkel;
(If you hurt the one who cares about you, you shall kiss the boot kicking on you)
Pa ra në kthetra t’varfërisë, s’ja din vlerën pasurisë;
(One can’t enjoy the property, without first touching upon poverty)
Mos digj librin për një rresht, as jorganin për një plesht;
(Burn not the book for a line, nor the blanket to kill a flea)
Dituria pa të drejtën, ësht’ një zjarr që djeg vetveten;
(Knowledge devoid of justice is burnt in its own fire)
Në një shpi me shumë stenica, gjithmon’ qum’shtin ia u pin mica;
(Where bugs are swarming around, the house cat runs to swallow the milk down)
N’daç një popull me marr dreqi, vene n’krye me sundue i keqi;
(A foolhardy and good-for-nothing ruler drags all to downfall).
Puzzles
Ma e mirë dashuria pa unazë apo unazë pa dashuri;
(Would you rather love without a ring or a ring without love;)
Ma mire të jesh i vlerës apo i suksesit;
(Would you rather have a man of values or a man of success)
Ma i randë faji i mikut apo i armikut;
(Is it your friend’s or your enemy’s fault that hurts you more;)
Ma mirë të urrejë dikush apo me të dashtë rrejshëm;
(Would you rather be hated or false-heartedly loved)
Ma mirë një vujtje e vërtetë apo g’zimi i rremë.
(Would you rather a genuine suffering or fake delight).