Rawa or Rao is a term given to a Minangkabau people who come from Rao, West Sumatra. In the Malay Peninsula, now the West Malaysia, it's common for the Rawa to identify themselves as Ughang Rawo or Ughang Rao or even Rao.
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History
The Rawa or Rao people came to Malaysia from Rao Mapat Tunggul, in Pasaman, West Sumatera, Indonesia in 1773 to 1848 to Negeri Sembilan, in 1857 to 1863 to Pahang, in 1867 to 1873 to Selangor, in 1875 to 1876 to Perak and some in Kelantan.
Population
The population spread around Perak, several parts in Penang, Selangor and Pahang. Gopeng, a small town in Perak is a well-known town for its Rawa community who is still preserving most of its tradition and dialect for centuries, way before the formation of Malaysia.
Dialect
Among the most notable suffixes used by the Rawa is kuak, sang, tang. For instance:
Other significant phrases such as:
The Rawa is well known for its distinctive deep vocabulary and exquisite grammar, very different from the ordinary Bahasa Melayu or Standard Malay speakers.
Rawa Cuisine
The Kelamai, Gulai Nangko and Asom Iken Koli (or Asam Ikan Keli as in Standard Malay Language), have become the signature cuisine of the Rawa community in which they mastered every inch of its details and procedures. Many tourist who joined the Gopeng Homestay Program in Gopeng will experiencing these wonderful cuisine. The Kelamai or pronounce as Kelamei is a sweet dark brown delicacy similar to the Lemang . It is cooked for hours inside a specifically chosen bamboo under very tedious supervision. Not to mention the complicated pre cook procedures of preparing the down.
Tradition
Adet Berjojak or Adat Berjejak (in standard Malay) is a traditional ritual usually practiced for children. There are very detail protocols and constrains to abide upon completion.