While working with an AI image generation app (perchance.org), I thought it would be fun to use the app to illustrate some Estonian vanasõnad(expressions). The Estonian language has a wealth of interesting sayings and words of wisdom. Many are funny and humorous. Some are downright bizarre and absurd, defying explanation and illustration, but making for interesting translations.
The ones I’m presenting I either heard from my parents or heard in the Estonian community at large. There are a few instances of alliteration and even one example of an onomatopoeia. Look this up in your Funk & Wagnalls encyclopedia!
With the app I was able to generate countless illustrations for each scenario typed in, each one appearing in seconds. It was just a matter of choosing the best one.
“Raha paneb rattad käima”(“Money makes the wheels turn”): This is a universally understood concept. No explanation needed. I’m guessing every language has the same expression or variation thereof. This phrase is part of a popular Estonian folk song that reads “Raha paneb rattad käima, kas sa seda ei tea?” (“Money makes the wheels turn, don’t you know that?”)
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