Marianne Chan reads "Some Words of the Aforesaid Heathen Peoples”

The transcript explores the significance of a poem central to a collection, reflecting on Antonio Pigafetta's list of Bisaya words and the exclusion of the word for 'mother'. It delves into the author's family history, cultural identity, and language, highlighting the impact of colonial narratives. The narrative intertwines personal memories with broader themes of heritage and future concerns, ultimately reflecting on the importance of preserving cultural identity and language.

What is the central theme of the poem 'Some Words of the Aforesaid Heathen Peoples'?

• The history of European exploration

• The significance of language and cultural identity

• The beauty of nature

• The economic value of trade goods

Why might Europeans have found the absence of the word for 'mother' in Pigafetta's list strange?

• They were unfamiliar with the Bisaya language.

• They believed all cultures had a word for 'mother'.

• They assumed the list was only for trade items.

• They thought the list was incomplete.

What does the narrator's grandmother's story highlight about her life?

• Her love for travel

• Her interest in European culture

• Her fear of starvation and dedication to family

• Her passion for education

How did Pigafetta's list affect the perception of the Bisaya language?

• It reduced the language to trade terms.

• It highlighted the language's richness.

• It was ignored by Europeans.

• It made the language seem less valuable.

What is the narrator's personal struggle with the Bisaya language?

• Fear of forgetting it completely

• Lack of interest in learning it

• Difficulty in speaking it fluently

• Inability to understand it

Why is the narrator concerned about her child's cultural heritage?

• Her child might not visit the Philippines.

• Her child might not value family traditions.

• Her child might not be interested in history.

• Her child might not learn the Bisaya language.

What does the narrator hope to achieve by writing down her thoughts?

• To teach others about European explorers

• To create a new language

• To preserve her cultural history

• To publish a book