Language and Maratabat: A Potential Source of Ethnic Conflict
Abstract
In almost all societies, people find the speech of others an irresistible target of criticism. This study aimed to analyse how language can be a source of conflict between Maranaos and Bisaya-speaking residents in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. Data were gathered using the qualitative method of research involving twenty respondents. The findings revealed that when Bisaya-speaking locales hear individuals speak Maranao language they become cautious and distrustful. The Maranaos shared the same reaction. Both groups tend to withdraw and avoid possible interaction for fear of being misunderstood and offensive. There were instances when the Maranaos, to avoid criticism and conflict, would try to speak fluently in Bisaya hiding the Maranao accent. Since interaction is inevitable between the two groups, this study documented words used that violated the maratabat of Maranaos. Maratabat is the Maranaos' deep sense of personal honor, dignity, self-esteem, and reputation. This is one aspect that makes them different from the other ethnic groups in Southern Philippines. This study concludes that language can be a source of conflict for the Maranaos especially when their maratabat which gives them a sense of pride and honor that is violated.
Keywords:
Language, maratabat, ethnic conflict, interpretive phenomenological analysis
References
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Tajfel, H. (ed.). (1979). Differentiation between social groups. London: Academic Press.
Bartolome, C. (2001). Conceptualization of the Maranao personality. Mindanao Journal, 24, 168-181.
Coupland, N., Sarangi, S., & Candlin, C. N. (2014). Sociolinguistics and 'theory'. In Sociolinguistics and Social Theory, 18-22. Routledge.
Durante, O., Gomez, N., Sevilla, E. & Mañego, H. (2005). Management of clan conflict and rido among the Tausug, Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama and Yakan tribes. Retrieved from https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/ADZUExecSummary1.pdf
Fardejah, K. (2017, February 10). Chapter 3: Early Philippine Civilization and Its Asian Influences. [Web blog post]. Retrieved from http://students.ajperez.ph/uncategorized/chapter-4-overview-of-mindanaos-history/
Galban, J. (2017). Maratabat: Key to understanding culture. Retrieved from http://pia.gov.ph/featured/stories/208
HDN-Pulse Asia Inc. (2005). Ulat ng Bayan Survey: March 3-16, 2005. Report for the Human Development Network. PSSC, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Hilsdon, A. (2009). Invisible bodies: Gender, conflict and peace in Mindanao, Asian Studies Review, 33 (3), 349-365, DOI: 10. 1080/10357820903153723
Hinde, R. (1997). The psychological bases of war. Paper presented at Study of War Conference, Wheaton Il.
Hollway, W., & Jefferson, T. (2000). Doing qualitative research differently: Free association, narrative and the interview method. Sage.
Jayaweera, P. (2012). Language as a tool of reconciliation and ethnic harmony: A case study of Sri Lanka, in Chen Bo, Manas Chatterji, Hao Chaoyan (ed.) Cooperation for a Peaceful and Sustainable World Part 1 (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Volume 20 Part 1) Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 93–115.
Kamlian, J. (2005). Incidences of clan conflict and conflict management: Survey of feuding families and clans in selected provinces in Mindanao. Retrieved from https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/MSUIITExecSummary4.pdf
Kamlian, J. (2017, December 5). Science.ph.Retrieved from http://www.nrcp.dost.gov.ph/latest-news/313-nrcp-researcher-calls-for-more-culturally-%20sensitive-depiction-of-filipino-identity-in-national-symbols
Kristiansen, G. (2001). Social and linguistic stereotyping: A cognitive approach to accents. Estudios ingleses de la Universidad Complutense, (9), 129.
Laluddin, H. (2016). A review of three major sociological theories and an Islamic perspective.International Journal of Islamic Thought. 10, 1-19. Retrieved from http://www.ukm.my/ijit/wp-con tent/uploads/2016/12/IJIT-Vol-10-Dec-2016_2_8-26.pdf
Malinowski, B. (1962). Anthropology. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. New York: York University.
Maranda, A. (2009). Awareness and behavioral indicators of Maratabat among Maranao-Muslim children. The Mindanao Forum, 22 (1), 179-189.
Philippine Human Development Report (2005) Philippines unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group? (2016, June 14). BBC Monitoring. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36138554
Rubrico, J. G. U. (2008). The difference between Bisaya, Binisaya, Visayan and Cebuano. Retrieved from https://aboutphilippines.org/documents-etc/Difference-Between-Bisaya-Binisaya-Visayan-Cebuano.pdf
Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research. London: Sage.
Tajfel, H. (ed.). (1979). Differentiation between social groups. London: Academic Press.
Published
2018-12-27
Section
Articles
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Copyright holder is the Bukidnon State University.
