NDAGI (Riddles)

• Definition: Ndagi are questions posed indirectly to elicit a response.

• Components:

  1. Question: The riddle itself.

  2. Answer: The solution to the riddle.

• Types of Ndagi:

  1. Zonena za Zinthu Zamoyo (About living things):

     • Zonena za Anthu (About people): Describes characteristics and behaviors.

       • Example: “Njiwa ziwiri zawoloka dambo” (Two doves have crossed the river – eyes).

     • Zonena za Nyama (About animals): Describes various animals.

       • Example: “Chikhutirecho koma sikaonetsa mkhuto” (The one that looks but doesn’t show its feathers – chicken).

     • Zonena za Zinthu Zomera (About plants): Describes plants or crops.

       • Example: “Nyumba yanga ya mzati umodzi” (My house with a single roof – mushroom).

  2. Zonena za Zinthu Zopanda Moyo (About non-living things):

     • Examples include “Bwenzi usiku wokha” (A friend at night – moon) and “Phiri langa lokwera ndi manja” (My hill that climbs with hands – cereal).

KAPEKEDWE KA NDAGI (Creating Riddles)

• Ndagi can be formed through four methods:

  1. Kufananitsa Makhalidwe (Comparing characteristics):

     • Example: “Ndafera uchembere” (I’m pregnant – potato).

  2. Kufananitsa Machitidwe (Comparing actions):

     • Example: “Bokosi lotsekula ndi chala” (Box sealed with a finger – nut).

  3. Kufananitsa Maonekedwe (Comparing appearances):

     • Example: “Make mbuu mwana mbuu” (Make like a fly – spider).

  4. Kufananitsa Mamvekedwe (Comparing sounds):

     • Example: “Mkango walira m’nkhalango wpanda matumbo” (Lion cries in the forest without guts – drum).

NTCHEDZERO (Similes)

• Definition: Ntchedzero uses comparisons to relate one thing to another, often using “ngati” (like) or “monga” (as).

• Types of Ntchedzero:

  1. Zamaonekana (Appearance comparisons):

     • Example: “Kunenepa ngati make chulu” (Heavy as a full sack).

  2. Zamachitidwe (Action comparisons):

     • Example: “Kununkha monga swiswiri” (Smells like perfume).

  3. Zamakhalidwe (Characteristic comparisons):

     • Example: “Kupanda chifundo monga imfa” (Heartless as death).

  4. Zamamvekedwe (Sound comparisons):

     • Example: “Kuwawa ngati tsabola” (Soft as a pepper).