essay

LATAH behavior by females among the Rungus of Sabah

female and male in borneo : contributions and challenges to gender studies • 1 • Published In 1991 • Pages: 121-152

By: Doolittle, Amity Appell.

Abstract

This is a study of the Malaysian LATAH, or OBINGSALA, as the Rungus call it. OBINGSALA involves verbal and kinesthetic errors, such as the use of paradigmatic grammar in speech, saying tabooed names, mimicking someone's speech or movement, and references to genitalia. According to Doolittle, the Rungus do not consider OBINGSALA a sickness, but see it as part of normal behavior. It is considered an aspect of a person's personality and a part of their fate. It is not stigmatized, nor associated with marginal status. This study is based on interviews with 55 women sampled from a community of 680. More than half of the women sampled exhibited OBINGSALA behavior. Doolittle agrees with the Rungus that OBINGSALA is not a pathology. Rather it is learned, patterned, and situational; and is usually triggered by an unexpected sound or gesture. Doolittle theorizes that OBINGSALA is a form of anti-structural behavior which helps to maintain the boundaries of proper behavior.

HRAF PubDate

2002

Region

Asia

Sub Region

Southeast Asia

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2000

Field Date

1986

Coverage Date

1959-1986

Coverage Place

Kudat District, Sabah, Malaysia

Notes

Amity Appell Doolittle

Includes bibliographical references (p. 149-152)

LCCN

91072229

LCSH

Dusun (Bornean people)