The word "sawah" is a Malay term that refers to a flooded rice field. Its spelling is pronounced as /sɑː.wɑː/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable "sah" sounds like "saa" with a long vowel sound, followed by the second syllable "wa" which is pronounced with a short vowel sound like "wah". The overall pronunciation of "sawah" is thus saawaa, with a stress on the first syllable. The spelling of words like "sawah" is essential for correct pronunciation and understanding of languages.
Sawah is a noun that refers to a type of agricultural land or field primarily used for rice cultivation, commonly found in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The term originates from the Indonesian language, where it specifically denotes a flooded plot or paddy field.
Traditionally, the process of cultivating rice in a sawah involved an irrigation system that regulated the flow of water to keep the field submerged. This method allows rice plants to grow in waterlogged conditions, reflecting the specific requirements of rice farming. Often, sawahs can be found located on hilly terrains, where water is channeled from higher elevations to flood the fields below through a series of canals or gates, ensuring the even distribution of water across the entire field.
The cultivation of rice in a sawah requires a considerable amount of labor and diligence from farmers. They are responsible for maintaining the water levels and collaborating with their community to coordinate the timing of planting, harvesting, and the upkeep of the irrigation system. Sawahs are not only vital for the agrarian economy of the region but also play a significant role in the cultural heritage and identity of the local communities.
In recent years, due to advancements in agricultural technology, the traditional sawah system has undergone changes with the introduction of mechanized techniques, modern irrigation systems, and hybrid rice varieties. These developments have aimed to increase productivity and efficiency in rice production while still upholding the ecological significance and cultural importance of the sawah.
The word sawah comes from the Indonesian language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Javanese word sawa or savah, which means field or paddy field. This term was then adopted into Malay and became known as sawah, referring to the flooded rice fields commonly found in Southeast Asia. The word has also been borrowed into various other languages in the region, including Tagalog, where it is known as sapa.