The word "WALIS" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /wælɪs/. The first sound, /w/, is a voiced bilabial glide, followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat". The third sound, /l/, is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant where the tongue touches the alveolar ridge. The fourth sound, /ɪ/, is a short vowel sound as in "lit", and the final sound, /s/, is an unvoiced alveolar fricative produced by pushing air through a narrow gap.
Walis is a Tagalog term that refers to a broom or a cleaning implement composed of bristles or fibers attached to a handle. It is commonly used in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries for various cleaning tasks, particularly sweeping and removing debris or dirt from floors, sidewalks, or other surfaces.
Typically, a walis consists of a long handle made of wood or bamboo that serves as the grip for the user. Attached to this handle are numerous fibers or bristles, usually made from dried plant material such as coconut leaves, rice straw, or palm fronds. These bristles or fibers are bound tightly together and spread out at the end of the handle to form a brush-like structure.
The design and dimensions of a walis may vary depending on its intended purpose or location of use. Some walis are small and handheld, primarily used for indoor cleaning, while others can be longer and larger for outdoor sweeping tasks. Additionally, there are different types of walis specialized for specific jobs, like street sweeping or cleaning tight corners.
Walis has been a pivotal cleaning tool in Filipino culture for generations, known for its efficiency in sweeping and its ability to reach hard-to-clean areas. It is commonly seen in households, workplaces, and street cleaning operations across the Philippines, embodying a practical and traditional approach to maintaining cleanliness.