Caution and Construction

Wawatur

Ismael K. Isikel 17/11/2017

Two words in English that relate to the Kuanua word wawatur are caution and construction. Caution means taking care to avoid something unpleasant or danger. The first meaning of the word construction is the action of building something, and in general the building of a large structure. The second meaning of construction is the creation of an abstract entity. This definition is further explained by the statement "language plays a large part in our construction of reality."

Wawatur

Wawatur has three meanings in Kuanua. Firstly, it means to hold on to something as a measure of safety against danger or unpleasantness. For example, when riding a canoe we hold on the side of the canoe or something steady for safety and stability against the movement of waves. Two other Kuanua words synonymous with wawatur are  adek and auwia. They are issued as caution to someone about to or carrying out  an activity that may involve risk such as climbing a coconut or using a sharp tool.

Wawatur na pal

Secondly, wawatur means establishment of building a house; the beginning of construction of a house. Watur ra pal is used to mean build the house. Wawatur na pal is used to mean establishment of building a house

Wawatur na bata

Thirdly, wawatur means the beginning of rain; clouds forming as a sign rain is about to fall. It is described as wawatur na bata. Watur , as in construction of a house, is not used when describing rain is about to fall because no human constructs rain.

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Source: Except for the definition of caution and construction, which were taken from Google, this post is written from oral source.

Disclaimer: Any errors in definitions are mine alone and not Google.