18/07/2025
𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗞
"PANGASINAN" refers to the province, people, and the language. "PANGASINENSE" is another term referring to Pangasinan people. Though it was coined by the Spaniards, it is widely use nowadays.
"PANGALATOK" is a derogatory and offensive word.
But when was the term "Pangalatok" started? Long ago, according to Atty. Raul Lambino, there was a conflict that sparked between Pangasinense and Ilocano. The Ilocanos cannot understand how the Pangasinense talked so they said, "Pangasinan kasla kayo nga agtogkik nga manok no agsasao." (You are like chicken with a bad flu when talking.) Pangasinan+kasla+togkik+manok= Pangalatok. So the Pangasinense answered, "Sicayo ya Ilocano agyo amtay manpuniti no milaban, kapara kayoy asilok ya otot, mangkogtot." (Ilocanos do not know how to box, they jump like frightened rats.) Ilocano+kogtot+otot=Ilocogtot. "The term "Pangalatok" is insulting and derogatory. So too is "Ilokogtot". Atty. Lambino added.
Some say "Pangalatok" came from the terms "Pangasinense" and "akatok" - a Pangasinan word that means crazy in English. So Pangalatok means crazy Pangasinense.
We may not have a solid evidence where the term "Pangalatok" came from, but surely a Pangasinense do not want to be called one. Say Pangasinan instead of Pangalatok as a sign of respect to Pangasinan.
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Sources:
"Pangalatok" is Insulting and Derogatory! Raul L. Lambino Revised 08 April 2009
Erwin S. Fernandez, "Agew na Pangasinan: Diad Pamabiskeg na Kultura tan Luyag," Balon Silew 10 (2) 2010
Rocaberte, R.A. (2023, August 1). I AM A PANGASINAN...NOT PANGASINENSE. Facebook
