A LOVING GREETING FROM NIAS: THE MEANING, FUNCTION, AND SOCIAL VALUES IN THE WORD YA’AHOWU
Keywords:
Ya’ahowu; Nias Culture; Cultural Identity; Local Language; Social Values; Traditional Greeting; Linguistic Heritage.
Abstract
The word Ya’ahowu is a distinctive greeting used by the people of Nias, carrying deep meaning and strong cultural values. This study aims to explore the meaning, function, and social significance of Ya’ahowu as a symbol of love and cultural identity within the Nias community. The research employs a literature review method, analyzing various sources such as journals, books, and scholarly articles related to the language and culture of Nias. The findings reveal that Ya’ahowu is not merely a simple salutation but embodies a prayer and well-wishes for the person being greeted. Its primary functions extend beyond social interaction, encompassing cultural and emotional roles that strengthen interpersonal relationships and foster social solidarity. Moreover, Ya’ahowu reflects core values such as affection, respect, and a strong spirit of brotherhood. In today’s modern context, this greeting remains relevant and holds potential as a symbol of cultural diplomacy and a tool for preserving the local language. In conclusion, Ya’ahowu is an important intangible cultural heritage that must be preserved. It serves not only as a means of communication but also as a representation of the unique values of love and peace inherent to the Nias people.
References
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Harefa, D.. (2024, Nov 30). Ya’ahowu: Mengukir Demokrasi melalui Pendidikan Bahasa Nias yang Berakar pada Nilai Budaya. Kompasiana.
Indonesia Travel. (2018). Thrilling Nias Pro & Incredible Ya’ahowu Festival. Indonesia Travel. https://www.indonesia.travel/id/id/travel ideas/thrilling nias pro 2018 world surf league qualifying series and incredible ya ahowu festival/
R. K., & Hardiyanti, H. (2022). What’s ‘Wisdom’ in Local Wisdom Imaginaries on Indigenous Research? Indigenous Southeast Asian and Ethnic Studies, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.32678/iseaes.v1i2.23
Waruwu, D. P., Harefa, N. A. J., Riana, R., & Ndruru, M. (2024). Analisis Penggunaan Bentuk Kata Sapaan Bahasa Nias di Desa Ambukha. Jurnal Kata: Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pembelajarannya, 12(2), 191–197. https://doi.org/10.23960/kata.v12i2.129
Zalukhu, A. (2025). Filosofi Ya’ahowu dalam Budaya Nias sebagai Basis Teologi Perdamaian Inklusif dalam Pendidikan Kristen Multikultural. Jurnal Teologi Injili, 5(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.55626/jti.v5i1.170
Zalukhu, A. (2025). Filosofi Ya’ahowu dalam Budaya Nias sebagai Basis Teologi Perdamaian Inklusif dalam Pendidikan Kristen Multikultural. Jurnal Teologi Injili, 5(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.55626/jti.v5i1.170
Bruner, J. S. (1966). Toward a Theory of Instruction. Harvard University Press.
Daeli, M. J. (2007, June 9). Makna Sapaan “Ya’ahowu” bagi Ono Niha. NiasOnline. https://niasonline.net/2007/06/09/makna‐yaahowu‐bagi‐ono‐niha/
Daeli, M. J. (2007, June 9). Makna Sapaan “Ya’ahowu” bagi Ono Niha. NiasOnline. https://niasonline.net/2007/06/09/makna yaahowu bagi ono niha/
Explorer, M. (2011, November). Nias Island: Ya’ahowu Ono Niha. M Explorer Blog. https://m explorer.blogspot.com/2011/11/nias roads to beautiful island.html
Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
Harefa, D. (2025). Getting to Know Yahowu and Ya’ahowu: Warm Greetings from the Nias Community. KOHESI: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, 5(2), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v5i2.2559
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu The Role Of English In Promoting Nias Local Wisdom On The International Stage. Research on English Language Education, 7(1), 74-91. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu The Role Of English In Promoting Nias Local Wisdom On The International Stage. Research On English Language Education, 7(1), 74-91. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Relation.V7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu A Traditional Art That Can Be Explained With The Laws Of Physics. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 264-276. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Faguru.V4i1.2459
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu The Tradition Of South Nias That Teaches Courage And Cooperation. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 75-84. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Faguru.V4i1.2454
Harefa, D. (2025). Implementation Of Pancasila Character Education In Hombo Batu In South Nias. CIVIC SOCIETY RESEARCH And EDUCATION: Jurnal Pendidikan Pancasila Dan Kewarganegaraan. 6(1), 1-13, Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jpkn.V6i1.2566
Harefa, D. (2025). Improving Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/gsce/article/view/302
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation In Social Science Learning Based On Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu As A Cultural Education Media In South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(1), 15-27. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jpe.V6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education Into Science Learning To Improve Academic Achievement At Sma Teluk Dalam. Tunas : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 6(1), 1-13. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Tunas.V6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics As A Philosophical Foundation In Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom Through The Perspective Of Mathematics. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(1), 13-26. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Afore.V4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application Of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning In Enhancing Student Discipline And Cooperation In The Nias Islands. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(1), 14-27. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Ndrumi.V8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence Of Soil Texture Types On Land Resilience To Drought In South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13-30. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jsa.V4i1.2585
Harefa, D.. (2024, Nov 30). Ya’ahowu: Mengukir Demokrasi melalui Pendidikan Bahasa Nias yang Berakar pada Nilai Budaya. Kompasiana.
Indonesia Travel. (2018). Thrilling Nias Pro & Incredible Ya’ahowu Festival. Indonesia Travel. https://www.indonesia.travel/id/id/travel ideas/thrilling nias pro 2018 world surf league qualifying series and incredible ya ahowu festival/
R. K., & Hardiyanti, H. (2022). What’s ‘Wisdom’ in Local Wisdom Imaginaries on Indigenous Research? Indigenous Southeast Asian and Ethnic Studies, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.32678/iseaes.v1i2.23
Waruwu, D. P., Harefa, N. A. J., Riana, R., & Ndruru, M. (2024). Analisis Penggunaan Bentuk Kata Sapaan Bahasa Nias di Desa Ambukha. Jurnal Kata: Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pembelajarannya, 12(2), 191–197. https://doi.org/10.23960/kata.v12i2.129
Zalukhu, A. (2025). Filosofi Ya’ahowu dalam Budaya Nias sebagai Basis Teologi Perdamaian Inklusif dalam Pendidikan Kristen Multikultural. Jurnal Teologi Injili, 5(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.55626/jti.v5i1.170
Zalukhu, A. (2025). Filosofi Ya’ahowu dalam Budaya Nias sebagai Basis Teologi Perdamaian Inklusif dalam Pendidikan Kristen Multikultural. Jurnal Teologi Injili, 5(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.55626/jti.v5i1.170
Published
2025-10-19
How to Cite
Harefa, D. (2025). A LOVING GREETING FROM NIAS: THE MEANING, FUNCTION, AND SOCIAL VALUES IN THE WORD YA’AHOWU. Research on English Language Education, 7(2), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i2.3853
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2025 Darmawan Harefa
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