Sukulais

Sukulais is a term used in several Austronesian-speaking communities to refer to kin, particularly relatives through marriage. It commonly translates as “relatives” or “in-laws,” and in many contexts denotes an extended kin network that binds families through marriage, adoption, and clan ties. The exact meaning and social functions of Sukulais vary by language and locality, and it can carry obligations such as mutual aid, participation in ceremonies, or shared decision making.

Etymology: Most scholars link Sukulais to roots in Malay, Indonesian, or related languages that convey kinship or family, but there is no single universally accepted origin. The word’s sense has sometimes broadened in certain dialects to include broader notions of community and lineage.

Usage and regional variation: In different communities, Sukulais networks may govern patterns of support, inheritance, access to land, or ceremonial responsibilities. In urban settings, the term may be used more loosely to refer to extended family or even close friends treated as kin. In legal or customary contexts, Sukulais ties can influence conflict resolution and collective responsibility for relatives.

As a proper noun: Sukulais is also encountered as a surname in some families and, less commonly, as the name of fictional groups or organizations in literature and media, drawing on the resonance of kinship terms.

Sukulais is a term with varied use and meaning across cultures, and its interpretation depends on language, region, and social context.