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Originally Posted by asomotif
.. Is/was it normal to use nick names in Aceh ? ..
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Willem, the use of nickname is not only normal in Aceh but in most parts of Malay Archipelago.
In Malaysia for example, names like
Tok Janggut, Tok Gajah and
Tok Pulau Manis are nicknames. Those were not their real names.
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Originally Posted by asomotif
.. Does this give any indication on the status of this person ? ..
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It's the culture in Malay Archipelago never to address a respectable person or an elder with his real name but his
nama gelaran (i.e. nickname).
In Malaysia, Indonesia, Southern Thai and Southern Philippines they will never call you "Willem" but "Mr Willem" or "Uncle Willem" or "Pak Willem" or whatever name that they think most suitable with your age or status.
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Originally Posted by asomotif
.. My idea goes towards an Oeleebalang / spiritual leader. Do you agree ?
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Hulubalang (i.e. Oeleebalang is the miss-spelling of it) means knight.
Tok Sheikh which means The Old Pious might be the nickname of a leader with high knowledge in Islamic religion. It also might be the nickname of a leader with Arabic family root.
mohd