Honorific title in the Harari and Somali languages
Aw (sometimes spelled Au)[1][2] is an
honorific title in the
Harari and
Somali languages.[3][4][5] It is used widely and most commonly in the Somali territories.[6] During his research in the ancient town of
Amud, the historian
G.W.B. Huntingford noticed that whenever an old site had the prefix Aw in its name (such as the ruins of
Awbare and
Awbube),[4] it denoted the final resting place of a local saint.[7] It commonly designates a father, respected elder or
saint in
Harari and
Somali languages.[8][9][10] Most notably applied to the founder of Harar Aw
Abadir.[11] According to Banti Giorgio the term has been adopted by various
Somali clans from the Harari language.[12] According to the southern Somali
Geledi clan, the appellation Aw was common amongst them and was used “scrupulously” in interactions between the
nobles and half casts.[13] Sorcerers among the
Arsi Oromo are known as Awan Shan which is derived from the title Aw.[14]