Search This Blog

06 April 2015

What is “balae” in English?

Today, one of my co-workers asked me if I knew the English word for “balae.”  I did some quick research and there is none. The closest terms we can use are

  • Co-parent-in-law
  • Co-mother-in-law
  • Co-father-in-law
  • My son’s  father/mother-in-law
  • My daughter’s father/mother-in-law

In Filipino, specifically in Tagalog, we have the word “balae.” The fact that such a term exists is proof that the extended family is important in traditional Filipino culture. “Balae” indicates that the relationship between the parents of both the husband and wife is significant.  Perhaps in Western culture, parents of the husband and wife are not really expected to form a strong bond, a long-term relationship or they are not expected to be really involved in the married life of their children. However, I am just speculating so please correct me if I am wrong.

When I was growing up, I often witnessed my relatives interact with their “balae.”

A: “Hoy, balae, kamusta na?’
B: “Naku, balae, may problema ang ating mga anak.”
A: “Huwag kang mag-alala, napagsabihan ko na ang anak ko.”
B: “Ako rin, pinagsabihan ko na rin ang anak ko.”
A: “Ang kabataan talaga! Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi parang mainit na kanin na bigla na lang isusubo at kapag napaso ay bigla na lang iluluwa.”
B: “Sinabi mo balae.”

Being an unorthodox English teacher, perhaps it is time to create a new English word for “balae.” One funny suggestion from a co-worker was “balei” (sounds like ballet).

How about “chidadilaw” /chee-da-dee-lo/  and “chimomilaw” /chee-ma-mee-lo/, which are the shortened versions of “my child’s dad-in-law” and “my child’s mom-in-law” respectively.  

Example: "This is Susan, my chimomilaw." 

What do you think?

3 comments:

  1. Hahahaha! I laughed at chimomilaw when I said it aloud to myself. XD It sounds very exotic but I also think that they should try to make a word for it in English.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I need exact meaning of balae in english.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We stick with the original "balae" so that other nationalities would be awed by its richness of meaning though only 5 letters. How they would pronounce it? Just like any Tagalog-speaking person would utter it. Let us propagate "balae" to make it to the international foreign word.

    ReplyDelete

DISCLAIMER
The other contributing writers and members of this publication and our advertisers do not necessarily share the opinions of the writer of the article above. (Hindi nangangahulugan na sang-ayon ang mga ibang manunulat, miyembro ng babasahing ito at aming advertisers sa mga opiniyon ng may akda ng sanaysay na nakasulat sa itaas)

COMMENTS POLICY
Brun Philippines encourages readers to focus solely on the issues when commenting or criticizing. We do not allow foul language and personal attacks on any individuals. You may only comment on a public person’s beliefs and actions. We strictly screen people who will leave comments, and only comments from readers with full names will be posted. Freedom of speech also includes responsibility. We want to weed out the buffoons from the critical and freethinkers. Thanks so much.

(Hinihikayat ng Brun Philippines ang mga mambabasa na tumutok lamang sa mga isyung pinag-uusapan sa pagkomento o pagpuna. Hindi namin pinapayagan ang napakaruming wika at personal na pag-atake sa sinumang indibidwal. Maari lamang punahin ang aksiyon at paniniwala ng isang publikong indibidwal. Istrikto naming sinasala ang mga taong nagkokomento at tanging ang mga komento mula sa mambabasa na ginagamit ang buong pangalan ang aming ipapaskil. Kaakibat din ng kalayaan sa pananalita ang responsibilidad. Gusto naming alisin ang mga luko-luko mula sa kritikal at malayang mag-isip. Maraming salamat po.)

NEVER AGAIN!

NEVER AGAIN!
Brun Philippines joins the nation in remembering the evils of Martial Law and the fight to bring to justice those who are responsible for the human rights violations and other atrocities committed

WHO DID OUR READERS CHOOSE?

WHO DID OUR READERS CHOOSE?
Click banner above to see full list of winners