Nakamal
A nakamal is a traditional meeting place in Vanuatu. It is used for gatherings, ceremonies and the drinking of kava. A nakamal is found in every significant Vanuatu community, but the design of the nakamal and the traditions surrounding it vary between areas. Etymology. The term "nakamal" is a Bislama word, borrowed from certain Oceanic languages spoken in Vanuatu, such as North Efate. In those languages, such a form can be parsed as "na kamal", combining the common article "na" and a noun "kamal" or "kamali". Ultimately, it descends from a Proto-Oceanic and Proto-Malayo-Polynesian etymon "*kamaliR , meaning men's house". Cognates in non-Oceanic languages include Cebuano and Tagalog "kamalig" “granary”. Traditional nakamals. In north and central Vanuatu, the nakamal generally takes the form of a large building, assembled from traditional materials with the help of the entire community, under the direction of a particular chief. Entry to the nakamal is often restricted to men, and the building may be used as a sleeping and living area for unmarried men and boys and for male visitors to the village. Significantly, most nakamals lack a lockable door, indicating that all friendly visitors are welcome, although there may  be a low barrier across the entrance to keep out animals. In front of a nakamal there is often a flattened clearing, or "nasara", used for dances and outdoor gatherings. In southern Vanuatu, a nakamal may be a large, sheltered outdoor space, such as under a banyan tree. In Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, the assembly building of the national council of chiefs (Malvatumauri) is designed in the form of a traditional nakamal. Section::::"Nakamal" as "kava" bars. The "nakamal"'s most prominent function nowadays is as a place for the preparation and drinking of "kava". In urban Vanuatu, and in  neighbouring New Caledonia, the term "nakamal" may be used for a kava bar where the drink is sold, although in rural Vanuatu a traditional nakamal (where "kava" preparation is a communal activity and money does not usually change hands) is distinct from a kava bar. An urban "nakamal" or "kava" bar at which "kava" is available for sale is advertised by a coloured light displayed at the entrance.