GREETINGS TO EVERY WOMEN BEARING THE TITLE ‘BIG SIST’ FROM A SEPIK SIDE OF YOUR SPACE. – Heard stories of the PM’s visit to ESP, Wewak for the EU grant launching and it amazed me for the homely atmosphere created by my folks in ‘Wiah’.
One in particular was the Wewak style of respect expressed towards Mrs Marape. I’ve heard that When she approached the crowd in Wewak, All the youths started cheering ” BIG SIST! BIG SIST! BIG SIST! BIG SIST!”
The title ‘ BIG SIST!’ in Wewak context signifies respect and loyalty. In Wewak, ‘Big Sist’ means you’re respected ‘na nogat man bai touchim you’. Yu blo mipla stret!
When used by someone younger to an older lady, it shows how humbled and respectful he/she is. It is common in Sepik settings all over the nation.
For instance, you’d notice the manner in which sepiks approach their elders’ wives ( Meri blong ol big brats). They would respectfully smile humbly and acknowledge them as big sist instead of in-law ( Tambu ) or whatsoever in many cases or perhaps, most likely ‘poro’.
When Wewak citizens addressed a female as big sist, they recognized value and worth in her and they mean it. ‘Big Sist’ in Wewak context may not always as literal as it may be. It is a crowning address and a code of respect.
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