kwaya
The Noongar word for "yes" is kwaya.
kwaya is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Did you know?
- In many Noongar community settings, agreement is expressed through the eyes as much as through the mouth. A person might say kwaya while looking slightly away to show respect to an elder.
- Using the word kwaya in conversation today is often viewed as a political statement of cultural reclamation due to the history of language suppression.
- The revitalization of words like kwaya often happens in 'language nests'. These are small, immersive environments where elders pass the spoken word down to the youngest generation.
