Discovering an Emotion among the Ilongot Tribe

Anthropologist Renato Risaldo and his wife Shelley immerse themselves in the world of the isolated Ilongot tribe in the rainforest in the Philippines. Through their research, they decode the emotions of the tribe, including a feeling called 'legget,' which initially seemed simple and positive. However, when confronted with the intense emotional response of the tribe to a deceased elder's voice on a tape recording, Renato realizes that 'legget' represents an unmoored and out-of-control feeling. This feeling remains untranslatable to an American understanding until Renato experiences it himself after the tragic death of his wife, leading him to understand and embrace 'legget' as a better way to grieve.