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Home » Categories » Writing » Other Writing » Do You Know What Wa-la Or Wa-lah Means? » Printer Friendly
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I am one of those people who has a habit of incorporating a few "foreign language" words or "cool" phrases into my written and spoken English. Some of these words and phrases have a way of adding flavour and personality when interjected in the right places.
I've however, found out through embarrassing experiences that sometimes we may use words whose origins are unknown and whose meanings are fuzzy at best and an unexpected and undesirable at worst.
Just the other day, someone asked me if I knew the meaning of " mumbo jumbo" and I immediately jumped in and said it meant unintelligible speech but may have originated from the Swahili greeting " mambo jambo" ("What's happening?" or "What's up?").
Luckily for me I had a few minutes to waste before my next appointment, so I decided to see what others on the internet were saying. And lo and behold! There are many different origins of this word.
Now, perusing through some of my favourite websites like The Huffington Post and Searchwarp, I've seen the word " Wa-la" or " Wha-la" or " Wa-lah" or " Wah-la" used so many times. Like I said, I am one of those people who uses these kinds of "cool expressions" so I try my best to read the expression in context. Every single time I've seen " Wa-la" or " Wha-la" or " Wa-lah" or " Wah-la" used, I've wondered if the person realizes that even though one hears the word as " wa-la" it's actually written "Voila" ; a French word pronounced as "vwa-la " (with silent "v') and often used to call attention to ("look!") or express satisfaction or approval with a thing shown/done or to suggest an appearance as if by magic ("lo and behold!").
I've also wondered if people who use this "cool expression" also realize that "Wa-la" or " Wha-la" or " Wa-lah" or " Wah-la" also sounds like the Arabic oath " Wa Allah (swear to God ) al adime (it's the truth)".
I personally have no problem with saying " Wa Allah" to mean " swear to God". It's a common Arabic expression many use, even those who do not necessarily speak Arabic but have friends or relatives who do. In my household we use "Wa Allah!" (sometimes in place of "Tell the truth?" or "It's the truth!") when someone is saying something that's almost unbelievable. I have no problem saying "Wa Allah" because I believe that we all worship the same God. I know God (call Him in any language on earth) has a son called Yesu Kristo. I do not care one bit if others say God does not have such a son, or if some people question my commitment to my God because I believe we all worship the same God.
It's just like if my father had a son and he came to me and my other siblings and said, "I am your brother. Your father is my father. I have his DNA in me to prove it". But our other siblings insist, "You can't be our brother. Our father could never have begotten you". Well, it doesn't change the fact that He is the son of our father. Moreover our father has said "He is not just my Son, He is my Heir!".
I'll love and respect my father enough to not only accept my brother, my father's son, but honour and serve him as heir to my father's throne. I'll also love and honour my father enough to not reject or hate my other siblings because they refuse to acknowledge our father's son -- and heir to our father's throne. I'll love them unconditionally, they're my siblings, my father's children. Whether they love me back or not, doesn't matter. I love them, that is what matters most. Simple minded like a child? Yes, I am. "Daddy's girl?" You betcha! I KNOW MY FATHER and my commitment is between me and my God. That's the only One Who matters and whose approval I seek with every breathe I take -- until the day I die. But I suspect that some people who use the word " Wa-la" or " Wha-la" or " Wa-lah" or " Wah-la" but don't believe we all worship the same God might have a problem with it also sounding like " Wa Allah" (swear to God). Food for thought, may be... [I could not get the article editor to post "Voila" with a grave accent over the "a", the right way it's written in French]. About the Author: From the mountains to the valleys, from the rivers to the sea, every word of every story, every hand that reaches out to find where love begins, I'll be a witness to love. Every dream of love, all the hope in every heart, I will speak of what love has done. And when words are not enough, I'll be a witness in the silences. For as long as I shall live, with every breathe I take, I will testify to love.
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Internationally recognized Relationships Coach and author of three popular eBooks: Dating Your Ex, The Art of Seducing Out Of Fullness and Playing Hard To Get the Love Way, Yangki Christine Akiteng has devoted years of her life helping men and women create loving, authentic, exciting and fulfilling relationships. Having lived and worked in Africa, Europe and North America, Yangki brings a unique international perspective and multicultural understanding to her work. For more articles and information on the services she offers to singles and couples please visit: www.torontosnumber1datedoctor.com
Ask your questions, read answers and join discussions on HOT Topics at: www.askthelovedoctor.com. All are welcome! |
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