Two Letters – One Word – Infinite Value…
- Time11:11 am
- Niki NorlockNiki Norlock
- Writer's Words
3 June 2011
Perhaps one of the most challenging things about visiting a foreign land is not melding into the culture but rather understanding the language. Often the two, culture and language, are interconnected and if one does not understand the meaning behind the use of the words chosen by the people to use in their daily life, it is difficult to understand the importance of those words to the culture of the people.
Thankfully the Filipino people are extremely welcoming and kind, generous with their time, patient in their teaching, joyful in their mannerisms and above all proud of both their language and their culture. It is not hard then to understand why they would be so willing to take on the daunting task of working through the basics with a young woman who has no head for foreign tongues. They taught me what they felt was important – words that to them would be a sure fire way to both impress strangers and reassure them that I was interested in their way of life. The very first word I learned in Tagalog was thank-you, a word that is used in such a variety of ways as to immediately indicate the polite nature of the people, yet along with that word came a simple addition that fully expresses’ the importance of caring for and being respectful to others.
It begins with a simple Salamat – short and to the point, thank-you … and ends with a remarkable complex two letter word – PO…
Now at first glance this tiny little word seems simplistic beyond reason but when one dives into the meaning behind it one discovers an ingrained belief in their culture that all life is of value. The word simply means respect – so to say Salamat Po is to say thank-you with respect. You would think then that the word would be reserved for places of honour, much like the titles Mr. And Mrs. which in English have been used for years towards those who are either older or in a higher position, yet when you go out into the public and mingle among them you find the word is used with just about everybody. Kids obviously use it with adults, but I have also been blessed to hear adults use it when speaking to their children. A driver of a cab might use it with their customer but it is almost certain that the customer will reply in kind. A server or a store clerk might use it with a guest and inevitably the guest will give as much respect back as has been given. What I found unique about this is that it is not thought of as something special – this show of respect for each other – but rather as part of their upbringing and who they are as individuals and as a people.
It has always been a pleasure to learn from them, and it is with much joy in my heart that I have been able to pass along what has been learned to you the reader as I find much value in the wisdoms of the people of the Philippines. I believe that this tiny little word holds within it the potential to change how we view one another, for if it is that we take the time to add a simple show of respect, either through our actions or our language to those we meet on the street how great is the possibility that we all might learn to truly the value and appreciate the worth of our fellow man.
A small word, a tiny word, a simple word with complex meaning – Two letters, one word, infinite value…
Niki Norlock – producer/writer Beyond Strength
