Paiwan Every Day 8: rumedan // rumedananga

Yesterday (14 March) is the White Valentine's Day. In Paiwan, both Valentine's Day (14 February) and White Valentine's Day are referred to as "na maresudju a qadaw", the day for the lovers.

The Paiwan style of courtship is very communal. By this I mean Paiwan youth in the past do not date the individual they like; instead, they hang out as a group and insinuate feelings into their part of singing in a group song, hoping the message will get to the one they like. How the other person feels is returned in the same way.

For Paiwan people, what matters is not perfect singing nor a pretty voice, but smart lyrics and skillful play of words. The more unthought-of, the better. Artsy and philosophical; that's Paiwan. Ah, yea, and dramatic too. 

inika amin a tjengelay; 

rumedananga aken tjanusun a ku varung. 

In English: 
I do not just "Like you" only; my heart is already broken into pieces for you. 

Glossary: 

1. inika: not
2. amin: only
3. tjengelay: to like 
4. rumedan-anga: love deeply. The root is rumedan 'to feel strong love towards'.
5. aken: I, 1st person singular nominative (NOM)
6. tjanusun: about or to you, 2nd person oblique (OBL) 
7. ku: my, 1st person singular genitive (GEN) 
8. varung: heart

Reading:

(from PayuanClassic)