Understanding Verbal Bullying in Meranaw: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Guidance Office Narratives

Abstract

This qualitative study examines verbal bullying expressed in the Meranaw language through a psycholinguistic lens, drawing on documented narratives from the Guidance Office of Mindanao State University–Integrated Laboratory School (MSU-ILS), Marawi City. Meranaw refers to both the language and the ethnolinguistic group predominantly residing in Lanao del Sur, whose cultural values particularly maratabat (honor) shape interpersonal communication. The study aimed to identify (1) documented narratives of verbal bullying, (2) linguistic and emotive features of Meranaw bullying expressions, (3) underlying psychological forces influencing both bullies and the bullied, and (4) the psychological consequences of these experiences. Using a narrative case study design, data were triangulated from Guidance Office archives (2017–2022), in-depth interviews with students and parents, focus group discussions with teachers, and key informant interviews with psychologists and linguists. Psycholinguistic analysis focused on lexical choice, emotive meaning, and culturally embedded interpretations of verbal expressions. Findings reveal that Meranaw verbal bullying commonly manifests through name-calling and culturally loaded insults targeting physical appearance, socioeconomic status, and ethnic or religious identity, resulting in strong emotional responses such as shame, humiliation, and insecurity. Psychological forces driving bullying include narcissistic tendencies, displacement, and peer pressure, while bullied learners often exhibit low self-esteem and social vulnerability. A key limitation is the single-site, context-specific nature of the study, which limits generalizability. The study underscores the need for culturally responsive, language-sensitive interventions involving schools and families.