Group #4 - Badjao

• What is the role of the guardian of souls?

  Guides the dead to the afterlife
• What does the sea god or Raja Laut do?

  Protects the sea and guides fishermen
• Why are offerings made to the weather deity?

  To ensure safe travel
• Which language family does Sinama belong to?

  Austronesian
• What is the main dialect spoken by the Sinama people?

  Central Sinama dialect
• Name two other Sinama dialects besides Central Sinama.

  Northern Sinama and Southern Sinama
• What type of alphabet does Sinama use?

  Latin-based alphabet
• In what context is Jawi script used for Sinama?

  In some Islamic contexts
• Where is the stress typically placed in Sinama words?

  On the second-to-last syllable
• What threatens the Sinama language?

  Pressure from dominant languages
• What happens when a Badjao baby is born?

  They are thrown into the ocean
• What do Bajau men do after a baby is thrown into the ocean?

  They dive to rescue the baby
• Why are Badjao children often uneducated?

  They are uninterested in schooling
• What is a common issue faced by Badjao people?

  They are stateless or illegal immigrants
• How do Badjao people view government assistance?

  They often refuse government help
• What is a common behavior among Badjao people regarding begging?

  They are inclined to street begging
• What hygiene issues are associated with Badjao people?

  They lack hygiene or discipline
• What is the implication of giving money to a Badjao beggar?

  It supports terrorism in the southern Philippines
• What is the relationship between Badjaos and Sama Daleya?

  • Cordial relationship based on mutual economic needs
  • Part of the Samal-speaking group
  • Badjaos view Sama as calm and friendly
• How do Badjaos perceive the Tausug people?

  They see them as outsiders and dangerous
• How does the nomadic past affect Badjao identity?

  • Settled Badjaos may identify as Filipino
  • Others reject Philippine citizenship
  • Complex view of Filipino identity
• Where did Badjaos traditionally anchor?

  Sibutu Island, Tawi-Tawi
• What historical event separated Sibutu from greater Sulu?

  Presidential Decree 302 (1973)
• What role did Tongehat in Sibutu play for Badjaos?

  It became a hub for southern Badjaos
• How did Badjaos trade fish traditionally?

  They moored near land with permission
• How do Bongao and Siasi Badjaos view their identity?

  • They see themselves as distinct
  • They consider themselves part of the Samal group
  • Reflects Samal diversity
• What distinguishes "original" Badjaos from "real" Badjaos?

  Original Badjaos settled permanently
• What challenges do many original Badjaos face in urban areas?

  Joblessness and poverty
• How are Badjaos regarded in Southeast Asia?

  As one of the most persecuted groups
• What is the estimated population of Badjaos in the Philippines?

  142,000 to 400,000
• What larger cultural group do Badjaos belong to?

  Southeast Asian nomadic boat culture
• Where are Badjaos prominently located?

  Sulu archipelago
• What ethnolinguistic group do Badjaos belong to?

  Broader Sama-speaking group
• How are Badjaos commonly referred to by outsiders?

  As "Bajau" or "Badjao"
• What do Badjaos call themselves?

  Sama Dilaut or Sea Sama