Hi! I'm doing some research for a piece of fiction and I'm looking specifically for a proverb or saying from Niger, especially in Hausa, Zarma, or another language spoken in the country.
What I'm looking for:
something short — ideally only a few words or one short sentence
related to self-perception, identity, reflection, seeing yourself, or the difference between how you're perceived and who you are
preferably something that is actually used by speakers, rather than one of those quotes circulating online as an “African proverb” that 65-year-old “progressive” white grandmas post with a lion and a savannah 💀 I'm especially interested in regional or local variations of a documented proverb
it does not need to literally mention a mirror; imagery involving faces, eyes, shadows, water, seeing, etc. would also be interesting ideally something that has a natural rhythm or distinctive cadence in the original language and just sticks with you — I'm not looking for something merely “exotic sounding”
If you know one, I'd really appreciate:
the proverb in the original language
a literal translation
what it actually means in context
where/among which speakers you've heard it used
whether there are different regional versions
and, if possible, a source where I could verify the broader proverb
I'm particularly interested in sayings you've actually heard from family or community members, including versions that might differ slightly from the commonly documented form.
Thanks!