In the pitfall of stereotypes: the “Ija Ija, Aho Aho” of Boholanos
The magnificent island of Bohol is known to different people for different reasons. To tourists for its picturesque landscapes such as the Chocolate Hills. To ecologists for its endemic species like the Philippine Tarsier. To others, maybe for the island’s delicacies like the sweet and sticky kalamay. But to Cebuanos and other Bisaya people, there’s one more thing. When talking about Boholanos another thing comes to mind – the “Ija Ija, Aho Aho” catchphrase. What is it and what does it mean exactly? Is it really true attitude of Boholanos? Or is it simply just a feature of their dialect? Let’s find out!
Peculiarities of the pronunciation
The phrase literally translates into “mine is mine, yours is yours”. Its spelling in Cebuano language is “iya iya, ako ako”. Boholano dialect sets itself apart from the mainstream Cebuano by a few phonetic differences. The perfect example would be how the “y” sound in Cebuano becomes a hard “j” in Boholano (from “iya” to “ija”) and how “k” sound sometimes becomes a hollow “h” (from “ako” to “aho”). It happens that natives are being looked down upon and ridiculed by non-Boholanos. They intentionally exaggerate the use of “j” sound to mimic them. But actually, this distinctive dialect carves the identity of Boholanos among the Visayan people. It has already become an indelible trademark of them.
But do you know that the phrase is also used to connote a negative attitude for Boholanos? In fact, it is already a common stereotype. I could recall a few times when I heard Cebuano people saying “Ah taga-Bohol diay ka, Ija ija, aho aho diay ka” (“Ah you’re from Bohol, so you have the Ija ija, aho aho attitude”). In light of this phrase, the natives are perceived as selfish people who wouldn’t want to share their resources with others.
Boholanos – Stereotypes taking roots in history
Anthropologists say that this stereotype finds its origin in the primitive group of Malays (Shri Visayans). They first settled in Bohol and spread into some parts of the Ilocos Region. These early settlers were known for being stingy. There is even a story handed down to generations about a daily worker, who, during lunch time would sit apart from his co-workers as his food is sweet potatoes with the salty “ginamos” (a fermented form of anchovies fish). Not sharing his food was seen as being selfish by some. Others, however, interpreted this as an act of feeling embarrassed for eating lowly food due to being stingy or “kuripot”. And that’s where it all began. Interestingly, people from the Ilocos Region also confirm their “kuripot” side when it comes to money.
True or false?
But again, is the Ija Ija, Aho Aho attitude really true for Boholanos? Many people beg to disagree – Boholanos themselves, and even non-natives like me. For the former, what the phrase really means is that they just mind their own business and refuse to meddle in the affairs of others in respect of their personal spaces. To live and let live. For the latter, our disagreement stems primarily from our personal encounters with the Bol’anon people. The truth is that they are generous, kind, warm, respectful, hardworking, and hospitable people. Their houses are open to welcome visitors from other islands who come to Bohol for their annual fiestas. Strangers are even free to feast in their buffet. They are “kuripot pero matinabangon” (stingy but helpful).
The kindness I have experienced during my stay in Bohol was truly heart-warming. Such encounters are hardly experienced in the city where I live, where people almost don’t care for others. It convinced me that the Ija Ija, Aho Aho catchphrase should never define Bol’anons in a negative way. Rather, it should be a phrase reminding us of their distinct dialect and of their beautiful mentality to live and let live.
Author: Krystal M. Nudalo (USC’s Student)
