How Do You Spell SALANGANA?

Pronunciation: [sˌalɐŋɡˈɑːnə] (IPA)

The word "Salangana," which refers to a type of swiftlet bird found in Southeast Asia, is spelled phonetically as /səˈlæŋɡənə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by the "a" sound in "cat." The second syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, followed by the "ə" sound in "sofa." The final syllable is pronounced with the "uh" sound, also represented as a schwa. The spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word.

SALANGANA Meaning and Definition

1. A salangana, also known as a swiftlet, is a small, insect-eating bird belonging to the family Apodidae. They are found primarily in Southeast Asia and are known for their unique nesting behaviors. The word "salangana" itself is often used to refer specifically to the nests of these birds.

   The nests of the salangana are highly sought after due to their use in traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly in the production of bird's nest soup, which is considered a delicacy. These nests are built by the salangana using their saliva, which hardens when exposed to air, creating a glue-like substance that holds the nest together.

   Salanganas are adept flyers and spend most of their time in the air, catching insects on the wing. They have a distinctive darting and agile flight pattern. Their small size and streamlined bodies allow them to maneuver through dense vegetation and caves, where they typically roost and build their nests.

   The nests are often harvested by humans, who climb steep cliffs or enter caves to collect the nests. This can be a dangerous and challenging task, as access to nesting sites is often limited and involves significant physical exertion. However, due to their high value, the collection of salangana nests has become an important industry in some regions.

   In addition to their economic value, salanganas play an important ecological role as insect controllers, helping to control populations of flying insects, including mosquitoes. They are also considered indicators of healthy ecosystems, as their presence often indicates abundant insect populations.

Common Misspellings for SALANGANA

• salanhana

Etymology of SALANGANA

The word "Salangana" has its etymology rooted in the Malay language. Specifically, it stems from the Malay word "salang", which refers to swiftlets, a type of bird, and "ana", which means "take care" or "look after". When combined, "salangana" can be translated to mean "to look after swiftlets". This term is associated with the edible bird's nests produced by these birds, which are highly prized and used in Chinese cuisine for their texture and taste.