My Hausa Village

Dear Children: This book is for you. In it you will read all about Abd al-Khaliq’s beautiful village in Hausaland, Northern Nigeria. The Muslims of Giginya village are very hard working, creative people. You will learn many things about their interesting lives. Abd al-Khaliq speaks the beautiful Hausa language which has a very rich oral tradition. The language is still full of hundreds of clever proverbs that enliven conversations. One such proverb is the following: Inuwar giginya na nesa ke sha. Those farther away are most likely to enjoy the shade of a giginya [palm] tree. Do you see the wisdom in this proverb?