Cross Cultural Empathy in the College of the Marshall Islands

CROSS CULTURAL EMPATHY DESMOND NARAIN DOULATRAM

SEAL

Jepelpel in ke Ejukâân Jepelpelin refers to the vast ocean distances separating the islands while at the same time recognizing the unified, self-confident spirit of the people. The fact that these islands are spread over an ocean area of more than one-half million square miles and yet have only one language, one custom, one tradition attests to the strength of family and clan ties. Ejukaan refers to a stand of coconut trees that are tall, firm, strong, unified, and thoughtful of each other symbolizing the people of these islands.

“The Marshallese system of land tenure is the dominant factor in cultural configuration” Marshall Islands District Anthropologist Jack Tobin

Traditional Maps

Continuation

Land Tenure: Matrilineal Clan (Jowi) Culture Iroijlaplap Iroijdrik (Ratak Chain Only) Alap Ri-jerbal An Belinlin Koba Koman Lometo--->We are all drops of one Ocean IROJ (for the royal lineage) and KAJUR (for the commoner).

Iroij stems from the word Erwoj meaning YOU ARE ALL OF THEM. The word Kajur means strength, might, etc. Meaning, the more Kajur (commoners) the Iroij has at his or her disposable, the more powerful he or she becomes hence the term KAJUR and its associated proverb Kajur Wot Wor meaning multitude matters.

It’s a reciprocal relationship.

Centrality of Female: Marshallese Women Highly Valued for their roles in Society Otto Von Kotzebue’s Account: “In gentleness and good-nature (Radakians) excel (all other South Sea Islanders), even perhaps the Tahitians…Whence have these people derived characters so much superior to those of other South Sea Islanders, many of whom, enjoying as final a climate, and a more bountiful soil, resemble beasts of prey? I attribute this in some measure to the superior purity of manners among the females. Experience teaches us, that wherever that sex is held in its due estimation, morals are proportionably refined…Thus have the females of Radack contributed to for, the amiable character of their countrymen…It is justice to assert here that, upon perfect conviction, I give a decided preference to the Radakers (Radakians) over the inhabitants of Tahiti.”

Chamisso’s Account: “The Women’s comportment was shy and reserved, they withdrew when we first appeared and only returned under the protection of the men…No woman from (Radak) ever came on board our ship.”

Kotzebue: “The conversation, in which the females, who are treated extremely well, took part was very lively but perfectly decorous.”

One Leroij of Maloelap showed her dislike of her foreign visitors by later denying Kotzebue’s request to meet with her a second time.

Radakians laughed at themselves at their fear of the new western items introduced by the crews.

Language revolves around Women: Lejmanjuri, Kora Jeltan Bwij, Limarobikbikir kolo eo, Kora Menunak, Jined Ilo Kobo, Kora im an Kol, etc.

Picture(s)

Proverbial Idiom(s)

Jalimar Jab Unnar (literally translated One in Bush begs not) —->Disloyalty deserves no consideration.

Jouj eo mour eo, lej eo mej eo "Kindness brings life, hate brings death." From a very young age a child is taught to be kind to everyone and to always share whatever he/she has, especially food that is necessary for life. If one is kind to others, then in turn they will be kind to you. In times of need, there is always someone to turn to for help or support.

Jede ak eo “Point to the frigate bird” is a saying that reveals the level of respect islander's hold for their Irooj. The symbol for the Irooj is the ak (the frigate bird), which does not dive into the water for food as the other birds but rather catches its food in mid air as it is dropped by others. Ak feathers were traditionally displayed at the top of every canoe mast. The sail of the outrigger canoe is so delicately balanced against the direction of the wind; a sailor who was not watchful could find the sail mast and all quickly falling if he allowed the wind to catch its backside. It this happened he would suffer a great disgrace if he let the feathers touch the water in the process.

Continuation Individualism/Individuality Or Tooj in Erwan. ( Ostentatiousness of a fool)—-> No class person elevated is prone to ostensively show off

Community/COmmunal

Traditional Protocols 90 Plus percent of land in the Marshall Islands is privately owned so consent is important.

Respect Elders Remember Boundaries: Gender norms apply a great deal and personal space is important to consider especially to avoid harassment claims.

Always be mindful of the energy you bring into the room and emit Generally speaking, Marshallese are non confrontational so social harmony is important.

As stated earlier, consent is what cements the rubrics of the customs which is different from the western legal system built on an adversarial nature of confrontational disputing.

Try not to Eat in Public or in front of People without sharing food Privacy is Important so no C.I.A. (Cornbeef in Action)!

Jab Ka-Bwebwe Armij (Don’t Call People Stupid)!

Jab Kalikjeklok—->Don’t Look Down on People and Discriminate!

Be mindful of the extended family connections

Dress Code: Bikinis?

Spiritual World Lay and Hussey: “They believe there is an invisible spirit that rules and governs all events, and that he is the cause of all their sickness and distress.

As in other traditional societies, there were clans that held specialized knowledge. These included diviners, astrologers, medicinal practitioners, canoe builders, navigators, farmers, fishing masters, genealogists, storytellers, sorcerers, magicians, and warriors. The iroij did not have to be a possessor of all knowledge, but as chiefs they had the capacity and authority to use the knowledge of others for the betterment of the community. The iroij or his meditators (ri-kojmelan) carefully orchestrated and managed the society-ensuring that all, according to rank and requirements, benefitted from the specialist expertise. The Chief (Iroij), who was also understood to hold a mystical connection between the material and the spiritual world, was held in awe, and therefore his/her health and well-being were carefully guarded. Certain specialists, including healers, were selected to serve the well-being of the iroij and his/her family. These healers were known as ri-katutu and kwor. Dr. Irene Taafaki and Maria Kabua Fowler

Black Magic/Negative Magic: Akkabel Positive Magic: Anjin Wullebo Aao (Mana/Sau)—>Representative Power

Public Displays of Affection?

Traditional Ceremonies

Kemem: 1st Birthday Marriage: Family Alliance Funerals (Errak)—>Ien JiTDam

Kommol Tata!

Acknowledgments are important so I would like to thank Dean Va, Dr. Taafaki, Ms. Mary Silk, Mylast E. Billion, the Marshallese Studies Department and Faculty/Admin for promoting CMI’s Mission making CMI a center for Marshallese Culture despite a rapidly changing world.

"All cultures are passing...even the Americans. Marshallese custom is an ever changing, ever dying thing, yet like all cultures is being reborn every day of the year".

President and Iroijlaplap Amata Kabua