dalit
dálit with stress marks
indigenous 8-syllable poem
Usage Note
Dalit is a pre-colonial Filipino poetic form with lines of eight syllables, akin to the amahan or kundiman in structure. It was used for lyrical and meditative expression and is studied in Philippine literature courses. Not related to the South Asian usage of the word; in Filipino it carries exclusively poetic meaning.
Examples
" Bumigkas siya ng isang dalit. "
Natural Translation
He recited a dalit poem.
Literal Translation
Recited he of one dalit.
" Isinulat ng guro ang isang dalit para sa kanyang mga estudyante. "
Natural Translation
The teacher wrote a dalit poem for his/her students.
Literal Translation
Wrote the teacher a dalit for the his/her students.
" Ipinaliwanag ng propesor na ang dalit ay binubuo ng mga taludtod na may walong pantig bawat isa. "
Natural Translation
The professor explained that a dalit is composed of lines with eight syllables each.
Literal Translation
Explained by-the professor that the dalit is composed of the lines that have eight syllable each one.
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