The Cebuano Bugalbugal

Abstract

Bugalbugal, defined in this paper as a verbal event that makes use of playfully derisive language, is examined, interpreted, defined, and given discursive order based on data from dictionaries and fieldwork. Using the Communication Theory on Language by Roman Jakobson to structure the analysis of data gathered from interviewees, this research offers preliminary knowledge on bugalbugal, putting forward its five core elements: it is a social transaction and a cultural practice; it has cultural and historical specificity; it has norms on power and behavior as well as on language; it has laughter and ridicule; and, it has ritualistic qualities.