Vicente Sotto Lecture 2024 September
“Tambag, Tigmo, Tusmod: Reading Cebuano Riddles and Dares in Selected Poems by Michael Obenieta”
Dr. Desiree L. Balota
ABSTRACT:
This paper explores the communication of intentions, intimations, and imperatives in selected poems of Michael U. Obenieta. With attention to the socio-cultural tradition in Robert Craig’s communication theory and Max Weber’s and George Herbert Mead’s symbolic interactionism, this reading navigates through the characterizations of the colonizer and the colonized in Kolonyal, the inviter and the invitee in Nibawos sa Nakamenos, the “slangard” and the “nitagay” in Twang: Dihang Nakahimamat ko og Usa ka Bisaya nga Bag-o Pang Niabot sa America, ug Unsa’y Buot Unta Nakong Ibanghag Niya Atol sa Usa ka Salu-salo sa mga Pinoy,” and the observer and the observed in Balikbayan Box. In addition, this discussion will respond to the presentation of wisdom and ironies in Sa Dili Pa Ka Mabuhi, humor and hyperbole in Panugon Alang sa Mananaygon, pain and attachment in Tigmo: “Kabayo ni Adan Dili Mokaon Kon Dili kabay-an”, and distance and change in Tigmo: “Lawom Gani, Mabaw; Mabaw Gani, Lawom”. As suggestions and challenges are analyzed in each aforementioned poem, advice, riddles, and recommendations in the context of Cebuano thought, identity, and experience are given the foreground.
Date: September 28, 2024
Category: Vicente Sotto Lecture Series