The Significance of Kirim in Maguing, Lanao del Sur

Abstract

This study was conducted for the purpose of exploring the nature of Kirim, including its form, style and letters. Included in its objectives were to explore some manuscripts written in Kirim, such as Salsila, Darangen, Kapasadan, Katao, Bolong andSorat. Moreover, this study also examine the present status of Kirimamong the Mëranaw. The study was conducted at Maguing Proper at the Municipality of Maguing, Lanao del Sur. This utilized qualitative, narrative and descriptive design. Ten (10) informants were purposely chosen. This study made use of purposive sampling considering the ten (10) informants are known to be Kirimliterate, owners of Darangen, Salsila, Kapasadan, katao ,Bolong and Sorat which werewritten in Kirim. They are also professional readers and writers of Kirim writing. They could understand easily the difficult terms used as figurative speech accounted in Darangen. In the gathering of data, the researcher used key informant interview. Using a guide questionnaire, the ten informants were asked questions, the answers were recorded using a cellphone recorder and later transcribed. To validate the data, the researcher also made use of participant-observation and triangulation method. This study shows that kirim writing is used for writing Darangenowned by some old residents of Maguing and Salsila of a certain families in Maguing. It is also used to write Kapasadan (agreement) for dispute settlement, Bolong (medicine), Katao (amulets, love potion and witchcraft) and in writing an ordinary letter called Sorat. The use of Kirim writing among the elder group of Mëranaw at Maguing played a significant contribution in writing, recording, expressing, and communicating their day to day activities. Thus, it is recommended by this study to explore more Kirimwriting. This does not only gave the people of Maguing express themselves but also help them continue appreciate their culture.