Thursday, April 27, 2017

Wai-wai

As I write this post, I can hear the sound of children playing outside my window. 

They shout and yell and laugh. They make rules and break them. Small victories are celebrated by slapping their friends enthusiastically on their backs, and whooping loudly. While slights, real or imagined, see them take sides on behalf of the misunderstood aggressor or the aggrieved victim.

The games leave them dusty, yet the sweat washes their hearts clean, teaching them about fair play and the importance of giving the game your all.

English doesn’t have one word that could conjure all of the above, but Japanese does. That word is Wai-wai and it stands for the sound of children playing.

Kids hardly ever understand the larger-than-life significance of these games. It is left to us grownups to ponder over the deeper meaning of Wai-wai and what it represents.

Long after we have ceased to play these games.


Do you like Wai-wai?

14 comments:

  1. Hi Cynthia - I saw lots of African Wai-Wai in the Film Society film I saw last night - Queen of Katwe (filmed in Uganda - about a kid (family) who was exceptionally gifted at chess) ... just delightful and inspiring ... what can be achieved. Kids just can't help but express themselves ... love it ... cheers Hilary

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    Replies
    1. I shall look up Queen of Katwe on Youtube.
      The beauty of Wai-wai is that it sounds as beautiful in any language.

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  2. Wai-Wai...yes why would one not love Wai -Wai...for it has simple meaning that is so profound! So it appeals to all ages!
    Thanks for sharing the new word!
    ------------------------------------------------
    Anagha From Team MocktailMommies
    Collage Of Life

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome, Anagha.
      Children express their emotions best, that is why wai-wai is so meaningful.

      Delete
  3. Fascinating word. Thanks for sharing :-) Happy A-to-Z-ing.

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  4. What a great word. As I'm reading this, I'm hearing the laughter of children playing outside, trying to get what looks like a handmade kite to fly. Plenty of running and jump "lifting" and not much success. How fun!

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    Replies
    1. Reading your comment, I am reminded of the wai-wai we made as children. Sigh!

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  5. Unfortunately, I rarely hear that sound except for Charlie. Most kids around here are kept indoors. My boys were always outside playing.

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    Replies
    1. Happy to know your Charlie is enjoying his childhood. Most kids these days do not.

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  6. Heard a lot of wai wai in India - one of the things I miss so much. Here it's pretty quiet.

    Suzy at Someday Somewhere - When will we learn.

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    Replies
    1. How sad! Children make the best soundtracks. I'm glad I still get that here.

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