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The husband's work brings laughter to the table.

The son's work brings tears to the table.

The grandson's work is far away.

Understand

The proverb describes a family through three generations. In the first generation, a husband and wife can enjoy rich meals as they can spend their earnings as they please. As their child grows up and becomes an adult, the father can no longer work as much as he used to. Instead, he and his wife must rely on their child’s labour to live well. They cry and apologize for having to do so. As time passes, their grandchildren leave to work in far away places, and the grandparents feel sad for being far away from their family.

Listen to an explanation of the proverb given in the Miyako language:

EXPLANATION AUDIO

Learn

Butu nu hataracchugyaa barai du fau The husband's work is laughing and eating.

Ffa nu hataracchugyaa naki du fau The child's work is crying and eating.

Mmaga nu hataracchaa Tarama du The grandchild's work is Tarama (Island).