wati

Wati is a term that can refer to several different things. In linguistics, Wati denotes a group of related languages that have been described as the Wati branch within the Nilo-Saharan language family. These languages are spoken by communities in parts of Central and East Africa, though precise classifications vary among scholars and as a result the boundaries of the Wati cluster are not universally agreed.

Ethnographically, Wati has been used to refer to diverse groups connected with Wati languages. Because ethnic identities in the region are fluid and overlapping, the label may not correspond to a single, clearly defined community.

Outside linguistics, Wati appears as a personal name or surname in several cultures. It is also used in geographic names and in fiction or media as a character or place name.

The term Wati thus functions as a linguistic designation, an ethnographic label, and a name across different contexts. Because its meanings vary by discipline and region, clarification is often required when the word is encountered in literature or conversation.