Laji is a short lyric folk poetry composed of verse lines generally of 14 syllables, of which the 4th, 7th, 10th, are stressed without rhyme scheme. This type of poetry reflects a concern for Ivatan social life and problems through the greatest number of recorded and well known laji focus on lives and marriage related lyrics. The laji may be sung for rituals, at courtship and prewedding ceremonies, at social events and celebrations, at drinking sessions and at funeral wakes or even in private.
Ivatan Muyin Paru Ninu Muyin para oinu si tauri a maoiaoanu Du chinuhat ko a danum oia di ku s’di pachilupa Ta pakaynaynamen ko a mavuya? As anu madiman aku, oia ivuvun mo ava yekn De asked nu kuku mo ta pachisuvusuvuay Ko du kanen mo a mahutu as pachidiludilupay ko Du inumen mo a danum. |
English Translation (Translated by Florentino H. Hornedo)Whose face do I behold mirrored Upon the warm water I am about to drink? I dare not drink that the vision I may prolong! If I die, bury me not At the Cross of San Felix: bury me Uner your fingernails, that I may Be eaten along with every food you eat; that I may Be drunk along with every cup of water you drink. |