Supernatural Elements in the Traditional Melanau Concepts of Illness Causations: A Preliminary Observation.
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THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
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Title :
Supernatural Elements in the Traditional Melanau Concepts of Illness Causations: A Preliminary Observation. |
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Author :
Hashim bin Awang A.R. |
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Abstract:
To the Melanaus illness is associated with a situation that indicates pain or discomfort and also suffering. To be ill means to be in pain, discomfort, and to suffer. The suffering is three-fold, namely: (i) to suffer means to be passive. A sick person is cut off from the active life to the extent that he is unable to obtain his own food. He is helpless and is at the mercy, or care of other person or persons. The rhythm of his active life has been disturbed. (ii) suffering is not only limited to the patient, but also to the spouses as illness is hardship. This is the time when they must give special attention, especially serious illness, to the patient to ensure that he does not feel alone or neglected. (iii) besides pain, discomfort and suffering, the patient is also subjected to fear, that is, fear of death. Death is a very critical point of the life-cycle. Death will lead the sickman to an unknown world. As such it further creates anxiety which would be detrimental to the sick man, his family and spouses.
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| DOI: XXXX |
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How to cite:
Hashim bin Awang A. R. (1985). Supernatural Elements in the Traditional Melanau Concepts of Illness Causations: A Preliminary Observation. The Sarawak Museum Journal, XXXIV (55): 47-52 |
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References
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