Kingdom of the Bikta-Bikta
Official Names:
Bikta-Bikta ba Wuktakayu (Wuyunti)
Xep’atangwata Piqa-Piqa (Esimawa)
Shefetaŋedi Wika-Wika (Hoqwani)
Mvikta–Mvikta tihió Tachamoví (Vina)
Ethnic Groups:
– Arthropod: 68%
– Other: 32%
– Mammals, Avians, Scalies, Marines: <1%
Religion (1019 est.):
– Ouphepism: 80.6%
– Folk religions: 10.8%
– Qi’otlxi: 4.2%
– Avecitism: 1.6%
– Carianism: 1.1%
– Irreligion: 1.0%
– Other: 0.7%
Government:
Unitary theocratic absolute monarchy
– Monarch and Prime Minister: Qabim VIII
– Heir apparent: Princess Qabim Aktayasachanit’u
– Deputy Prime Minister: Yandepa It’uchega
– Legislature: Wuyi (Parliament of the Bikta-Bikta)
Capital (and largest city): Suhi
Official languages: Wuyunti, Esimawa, Hoqwani, Vina
Population: 6.283.665 (1020 estimate)
Area: 59,923 km2
Population density: 104.9 /km2
GDP (PPP): US$112.384 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$17,885
HDI: 0.706 high
EAFDS: Level II
PHI: Very stable
Currency: Bikta-Bikta basa (Ƀ)
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +559
Country’s TLD: .bk
The Bikta-Bikta, officially the Kingdom of the Bikta-Bikta (Wuyunti: Bikta-Bikta ba Wuktakayu; Esimawa: Xep’atangwata Piqa-Piqa; Hoqwani: Shefetaŋedi Wika-Wika; Vina: Mvikta–Mvikta tihió Tachamoví) is a landlocked country located and surrounded by the countries of Asap’ul Ok’i to the south and Engokasay to the north. The mountainous country is entirely located entirely within the Bictanian Mountain range that stretches from the western portion of Lavania to Chelisangku. The name of the Bikta-Bikta literally translated as ‘Sky Abodes’ in the Vina language. The Bikta-Bikta’s highest peak, Mount Tahuk (6977m), is one of the most sacred mountains in the Ouphepis religion (Up’epi), attracting pilgrims on a yearly basis. Bikta-Bikta is an absolute monarchy, headed by the Qabim VIII, the beetle Queen of Bikta-Bikta. As of 1020, the population of the country is 6,283,665.
The Bictian Mountains have been inhabited for the last 40,000 years, mostly by arthropod cultures and societies. Around the third millennium PV, the cult of Ouphepis gained prominence around the city of Old Yanakbun, near the modern day capital of Suhi. The first substantial Bictian polity became the Suhi Kingdom in 440 AV. In 250 AV, the Hargawan Kingdom attempted, and failed, to conquer Suhi. In 175 AV, the Suhi Kingdom collapsed, splintering into numerous princedoms which bought against each other for control. In 51 PV, Qabim I unified and consolidated control over the traditional territories of Suhi, establishing the Kingdom of the Bikta-Bikta in the process, and becoming its first ruler. The country would remain largely unchanged for the next several centuries, fading to near obscurity until Vasurian colonisation. The Bikta-Bikta successfully defended its independence during the Palso-Vasurian wars of 702-748. In 750, the Bikta-Bikta was made a protectorate of the Vasurian Empire amidst the expansionist growth of the Owanu Empire. Vasuria relinquished the Bikta-Bikta’s protectorate status in 850, and the country pursued a policy of international isolationism until 979. In 979, Queen Huhayukiba II died and was succeeded by Queen Qabim VIII who liberalised the country economically, instituting social programmes, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and societal modernisation.
The Bikta-Bikta is home to over 45 living languages across a plethora of arthropod groups that call the Bikta-Bikta their home. The official languages of the country are Wuyunti, Esimawa, Homaqwi and Vina. Comprising 31%, the country has a significant minority of non-Arthropod races, including slugs and other land molluscs. Owing to the country’s isolation, less than 1% of the country’s population is mammalian, avian, scalie or marine, though this has been slowly increasing. Built around a matriarchal, highly caste-based society, Bictian cultural practices and traditions form a prominent part of modern Bictian life amidst globalisation and influxes of modern cultures.
Despite abandoning isolationism in the 980s, the Bikta-Bikta maintains a handful of relations with other countries. The Bikta-Bikta is a member of the International Gatrovian League, the Palsan Bank Group and the Fourth Group. It is an observer member of the North Palsan Currency Union (NPCN) and unlike the rest of the Palsan Continent, is not a member of the Palsan Movement for Free Trade (PMFT). Landlocked, the country maintains close relations between its northern and southern neighbours of Asap’ul Ok’i and Engokasay. Nevertheless, territorial disputes and irredentist politics in Engokasay have made the country shift closer to Asap’ul Ok’i since the early 1000s.
Qabim VIII has been queen of Bikta-Bikta as an absolute monarch since 979. The country’s unicameral legislature, the Wuye, is a largely rubberstamp assembly, and the country’s prime minister answers to the queen. The Bikta-Bikta has severe blasphemy laws, and concerns have been raised of government suppression of freedom of speech. Criticism of the queen is seen as taboo, as conservative Ouphepist dogma considers the monarch to be semi-divine. In 1010, the Economic Assessment Forum upgraded Bikta-Bikta to a Level II country, indicating significant economic and societal improvements in the quality of life of the average Bictian.
Etymology
The name of the country is a reduplication of the the Proto-Vina word: biqitah, which itself is a compound of two morphemes: biqi (home, dwelling) and tah (sky). The word was borrowed into neighbouring languages, primarily Wuyunti, during the rise of the Suhi Kingdom in the 4th century AV. The name of the country that would become the Bikta-Bikta only came about during the seventh century PV when Vasurian colonisers began regular diplomatic exchanges with the kingdom. Prior to this, the Bikta-Bikta was referred as the area surrounding Mount Taruk and the city of Suhi, and not necessarily the political entity that controlled said region.
The Bikta-Bikta is never referred to without its article (except in languages that do not use articles). In Wuyunti and Vina, the dropping of the article would be describing sky houses (i.e. houses built alongside mountain sides) and not the country itself.
A person from Bikta-Bikta is a Bictian (Wuyunti: Biktañanta).
Government and politics
The current constitution of the Bikta-Bikta is the 980 constitution which establishes the Bikta-Bikta as a unitary, de jure constitutional monarchy. In actual practice, the Bikta-Bikta is an absolute monarchy governed personally by queen Qabim VIII, who is both head of the executive and head of government. The unicameral legislature of the country, the Wuyi (alternatively the Parliament of the Bikta-Bikta), plays a consultative role to the queen and is led by the prime minister which is concurrently held by Qabim VIII herself. The current deputy prime minister of the Bikta-Bikta is Yandepa It’uchega since 1016.
The Bikta-Bikta does not hold elections on a national level. Since 997, municipal elections have been held and conducted through the Election Eligibility Commission which vets candidates running for municipal offices. Members of the Bictian Ouphepisian Council, the primary religious body of the country, are appointed by the monarch, and all religious matters and disputes are resolved by the queen.
Foreign relations
The Bikta-Bikta conducts its foreign relations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 1014, the current foreign affairs minister, and second son of Qabim VIII, is Prince Qabimu Biktayabengchelkat. Prior to 979, the country pursued a hermitic isolationist policy, espousing centuries old domestic policy of ewakti minaptukt (lit. ‘self-reliance’). In 941, Bikta-Bikta established formal diplomatic relations with both neighbouring states of Asap’ul Ok’i and Engokasay, establishing economic, strategic and military ties with them. After 979, when Qabim VIII came to power after the death of her mother Huhayukiba II, the Bitka-Bikta expanded its number of diplomatic relations with other countries, including Ka’akani in 981, Vasuria in 983, Sorgun in 984, and West Ebretia in 889.
Relations with Engokasay cooled beginning in the early 990s with the rise of the National Alliance Party which espoused irredentist claims on the southern provinces of the Bikta-Bikta. In 1001, Bikta-Bikta granted nationals of Asap’ul Ok’i visa-free access to the country for 90-days, a move that was reciprocated for Bictian nationals coming into Asap’ul Ok’i alike. In 1004, Qabim VIII furthered relations with Sorgun, securing economic and military development from the draconic empire. Criticism of Qabim VIII’s rule on the country increased when Vasuria, East Ebretia, West Ebretia and other mammalian Palsan countries boycotted the 1009 International Environmental Initiative hosted by the Bikta-Bikta for the first time in the forum’s history in light of perceived humans rights concerns.
The Bikta-Bikta is a member of a handful of international organisations. The kingdom is a member of the International Gatrovian League, the Palsan Bank Group and the Fourth Group. It is an observer member of the North Palsan Currency Union (NPCN) and unlike the rest of the Palsan Continent, is not a member of the Palsan Movement for Free Trade (PMFT). Owing to Bikta-Bikta’s significance as the brithplace of the Ouphepis religion, the country is host to the annual Ouphepis Conference, founded in 985.
Law and law enforcement
The kingdom’s justice system is overseen by the Uyukta, or simply the Supreme Court, the highest body of arbitration in the country. However, as with many of the country’s government bodies, the Royal Family holds significant influence over the outcome of cases, appointment of judges, and the implementation or amendment of laws of the land. The Bikta-Bikta is unique in that customary legal traditions are actively practised. Given the largely oral nature of Ouphepis codes, laws are not codified, and precedence may or may not often followed, making the country’s system academically difficult to define.
Local law enforcement is conducted through the Bikta-Bikta Police Force. It is the responsibility of the police to enforce the Penal Code which is codified by royal decree in 1000. With over 360,000 members, it is one of the largest employers in the country. The police are also in charge of immigration, prison service and the country’s protection of sacred religious sites.
Defence
The Bikta-Bikta Royal Armed Forces is divided into three branches, the Royal Army, Royal Airforce and Royal Guards. The Armed Forces numbers 48,600 as of 1019. In 982, a law prohibiting male soldiers from becoming officers was lifted. In 1007, the Bikta-Bikta enacted laws making conscription mandatory for all abled body citizens (regardless of sex) for a period of 3 months between the ages of 17 and 28. A select few are required to serve 1 year.
The kingdom is officially a neutral country and its military is strictly defensive. Over 17,500 personnel serve full-time, while 193,000 make up its reserves. The Bikta-Bikta has a small defence budget of about 0.8% of it’s GDP. A vast majority of its equipment is imported from Asap’ul Ok’i, Ka’akani and Sorgun in form of small arms and vehicles.
Administrative divisions
The Kingdom of Bikta-Bikta is divided into 14 provinces (paísyekte) and 1 autonomous province (paísyekte chabanka). Each province is further subdivided into municipalities (epuek’e), then districts (mengteáw).
| Province | Capital |
|---|---|
| Agamuba | Agamuba |
| Bechawehi | Yapíya |
| Ehun | Pongawé |
| Egulil | Sapiha |
| Gwekweyeya | Andwa-andwa |
| Inaetyanul | Inaetyanulikti |
| Kaqwati | Kaqwati |
| Nokyuntañem | Gyuh |
| Pugeseit | Michtya |
| Seáma | Wehochet |
| Sechewakt | Mahityeña |
| Suhi | Suhi (also capital city of the Bikta-Bikta) |
| Tahuk | Bikatahuk |
| Winaktike Autonomous Province | Ipi |
| Yaóp’enunge | Akeúksun |
Human Rights
The Bictian Social Welfare Programme guarantees universal access to healthcare nationwide. Clinics are readily available nationwide and early-childhood vaccinations are compulsory. Environmental education and conservation are amongst the core tenants to the country’s education system, with children required to learn farming and horticulture during their primary and secondary education. Anti-discrimination campaigns, laws and education saw rapid declines in discrimination between people of different caste, gender, ethnicity, problems over the last century.
While significant effort was made to improve the quality of life for the average Bictian, the kingdom continues to face numerous allegations of human rights violations. The International Centre for Human Rights classifies the Bikta-Bikta as ‘serious’ (the 4th of five levels for individual liberties). Undemocratic practices, laws against free speech, media censorship, ingrained caste-system, violence against men (misandry), trafficking and imprisonment without trail have been reported extensively by independent rights groups operating within the country. Independent newspapers, tabloids, media channels and radio stations are heavily regulated by the country’s Telecommunications Security Clearance Board (TSCB). Under the current 1000 Penal Code, protest without government permission is illegal, and freedom of assembly is often cracked down by police.
Despite Ouphepisism being the official state religion of the Bikta-Bikta, the 980 constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The constitution also guarantees places of worship for members of other religious groups and sects (albeit with government approval). Proselytisation, however, is illegal. Since 939, citizens whom were born or converted into the Ouphepis faith are forbidden from renouncing their faith. Citizens who commit apostasy are heavily fined, jailed, have their citizenships revoked, or exiled. Before the 940, apostasy was punishable by death.
Muktengútyem, or blasphemy, is a punishable offence of 8 years jail time, and has been used against political opponents deemed antagonistic or opposed to the Royal Family. In 1011, the Bikta-Bikta came under international scrutiny over the alleged torture of Bictian army colonel Mayegosatlo Seseromak who was captured and imprisoned for attempting to flee to Engokasay whilst on trial for allegedly ‘insulting the queen’. The leaked Kebto Report found that Mayegosatlo was being targeted by Queen Qabim VIII for his association with the banned underground republican group, now known as the Bikta-Bikta Republic Front.
Officially, the Bikta-Bikta enforces capital punishment against those who have committed ‘grave’ crimes including human trafficking, terrorism, arson, murder, kidnap, rape, grand theft, child abuse and treason. The Bikta-Bikta last carried an execution (by traumatic endoparasitic birth) in 986. Since then, a moratorium on capital punishment has been in place.
Economy
The economy of the Bitka-Bikta is dominated by its agricultural, hydropower, forestry and tourism industries. Over 65% of the country’s population is employed in the agriculture sector, 20% in manufacturing and 15% in the service sector. The GDP (PPP) of the country, as of 1019, is 104.737 trillion Bictian basas ($112 billion USD). The GDP per capita (PPP) is 16.725 million Bictian basas ($17,885), ranking them 172nd out of 285 countries.
The Bictian basa (BCB) is the currency of the Bikta-Bikta. Since 981, it has been pegged to the Asap’ul Ok’i ña’ap at a rate of 600 BCBs for 1 ña’ap. The Central Bank of the Bikta-Bikta is the central bank and financial regulatory authority of the country. As of 1019, the country has over 863 million BCB (US$9,235 million) in foreign exchange reserves, accumulated largely from water exports and tourism.
Agriculture accounts for 50% of the country’s economy. Its primary produce include soybean, apples, honey, potatoes, rice, chilli and maize. Bictian honey is one of the country’s most renowned export with over 144,000 metric tonnes produced in 1018. Soybean oil is another significant export, with 130,000 metric tonnes produced in 1019, with 37,000 of it exported.
The Bikta-Bikta constructed its first dam, the Atkyekcha Hydropower Plant, in 967. The plant produces 2,778 GWh annually, and is one of the largest damns on the North Palsan continent. Since then, nine new dams have been built producing anywhere between 200 to 1000 GWh of energy annually. Today, the country exports over 1130 GWh of electricity to its neighbours. With 100% of its electrical demands powered by hydroelectricity, the Bikta-Bikta is one of only five countries entirely powered by hydroelectricity, making the country one of the largest users of renewable energy.
The country used to have a vibrant mining industry until the 930s when it was banned for religious and environmental reasons as part of a push towards ultraconservative Ouphepism. According to the Bictian Geological Survey, the country sits on 510-878 billion VAD worth of mineral deposits. As of present, the ban on all mining activity remains in place. An exception is made for gold digging which has a small industry.
Eco-tourism and religious tourism make up the vast majority of tourist arriving in the country on a early basis since the 980s. In 1019, Bikta-Bikta received over 6.3 million visitors a year, up from 6.0 million in 1018, and up again from 5.8 million in 1017.
Travel
Getting in
All visitors arriving into Bikta-Bikta must obtain a visa before arrival, both by air and land. Only nationals of Asap’ul Ok’i, Purak’ani and Xilawa may enter the country visa free for 90 days. Nationals from Bulema, Ichyx, Inosivia, Ka’akani, Sakinu’ul, Vata-Tama, Xowana may obtain tourist visas on arrival for a fee of Ƀ130,000 (or about 283 VADs), valid for 30 days. During pilgrimage season, pilgrim visas may be issued for a fee of Ƀ22,000 to pilgrims with valid Certificates of Initiation, valid for 60 days.
The Bikta-Bikta takes environmentalism seriously. All kinds of produce, including vegetables, fruits and meat may not be brought into the country. Only dried foodstuffs, such as crackers, biscuits and jerky are allowed. Failure to declare results in a fine of up to Ƀ500,000 for foreigners, and in rare cases, jail time.
Visas are not multiple-entry visas. A foreigner leaving the country atomically forfeits all remaining days they have on their current visa, and must apply for a new one in order to re-enter the country.
Permanent residency in the country for foreigners is forbidden, except for diplomatic staff, volunteer workers, specialists, professionals, Ouphepisian clergyperson and honorary citizens.
Entering by air is one of the most common means of getting into the country. Virtually all international arrivals land in Suhi International Airport. Some budget airlines from nearby countries arrive at Kaqwati-Mawitkyachami Airport, mostly from neighbouring Engokasay, Asap’ul Ok’i and Lavania. There are daily international flights to Suhi via Bictian Airways from Qoshimka, Xadlógod, Ostroconium and Gyrostia, and flights from Patleók to Suhi twice a day. Deteriorating diplomatic relations relations between Engokosay and the Bikta-Bikta meant that air travel between the two between the two states have been considerably reduced. Budget airline flight North Palsus operates twice-weekly flights between Engokasay City and Suhi, as well as biweekly flights from Sqatsadl’u and Suhi, as well as from Engokasay City and Kaqwati three times a week.
A cheaper option would be to take the train, bus or car from Asap’ul Ok’i or Engokasay. The Patleók-Suhi line runs trains daily between Patleók South Station all the way to Suhi Central Terminal. The train stops at the border town of We’elok, where all passengers must disembark and clear Bictian immigration (including locals) before boarding their train again. The train will remain at the station for 30 minutes before moving off (it will not wait for stragglers). During pilgrimage season, the train would wait for an hour so as to accommodate a higher volume of visitors coming into the Bikta-Bikta.
Getting around
Unless stated otherwise, tourists may only explore the country through guided tours approved by one of several dozens of government-approved tour agency. In general, freedom of movement for foreigners is restricted to the provinces of Suhi, Kaqwati, Tahuk and Agamuba; the other 11 provinces are closed off to foreigners except for business and government-approved appointments.
Plane
Despite being a remote country, the Bikta-Bikta has a remarkable 24 serviceable airport for both passenger and cargo. The most common domestic route is the Suhi International-Kaqwati route operated by government run Bictian Airways. As domestic flights are not able to compete with its more established bus and train services, expect to pay somewhat marked-up fares for flights across the country. The views from the plane are spectacular, as travellers will be able to see the tall mountains and volcanoes that scatter the country.
Bus and Train
The most common form of intercity transport is by bus and train. As the Bikta-Bikta is mountainous, the Bictians have conquered this barrier by building elaborate tunnel and mountainside systems to help people navigate its unforgiving volcanic, earthquake prone terrain. Bictian Trains and Bictian Bus Services have become somewhat of a national pride for the locals, and foreigners will be pleased to find how affordable the system is.
A one way train ticket from Suhi to Bikatahuk (the capital of Tahuk province) may go as low as 8000 basas (17.45 Ð), but explodes to 40,000 during pilgrimage season. Trains are not entirely punctual; expect frequent delays of up to 30-60 minutes at any given time. During rush hour, trains are often packed. Sometimes, trains do not depart on time to satisfy passenger quotas. Be prepared to not arrive at your destination on time.
When travelling to harder to reach towns, buses are plentiful, with one-way trips going for as low as 1000 basas (2.20 Ð) going out of the capital for microbuses. Be warned that microbuses have questionable levels of comfort and safety. In rural areas, expect passengers to bring livestock on board, including ducks, chicken and larvae. Luxury buses (or executive buses) provide both locals and travellers an alternative to the lower-end buses, with rates going up to 6000 basas a trip. These buses do not allow livestock to be brought on.
Taxi and private hire
Taxis are plentiful and competitive. In major cities like Suhi and Bikatahuk, all taxis are required by law to display the fare meter and are very safe. Prices are, however, fairly steep. A trip from Suhi Int’l Airport to Suhi Square can cost 38,000 basas (41.20 Ð). Outside major cities, taxis become questionable, with stories of foreigners getting robbed or at worst, kidnapped. Private hire is uncommon and very often limited to only major cities. Car and motorbike rental has become increasingly more popular as the country opens up to more and more tourists. Hitchhiking is not advised unless travelling with at least a local, as Bictians (especially rural folk) are weary of foreigners.
On foot
Hiking, mountaineering and beetle riding is by far the biggest highlight of a Bictian holiday package. However, as with areas of high elevation, altitude sickness and remoteness, common sense, and having a local guide are lifesavers. When riding pack animals such as carriage beetles (Imebega in Wuyunti), treat the animal and its owner with reverence.
Buy
The national currency is the Bictian basa, denoted BCB or more commonly Ƀ. It is the only currency with legal tender in the country. The basa is nominally subdivided into 36 it’eyuktoba, but given rapid inflation that occurred during the 950s-980s, it’eyuktoba are virtually worthless today.
As of 1020, the Bictian basa trades for about 1 VAD to Ƀ464, or exactly 1 Asap’ul Ok’i ña’ap (ONY) for Ƀ600 (as the basa is pegged to the ña’ap). The currency has coins denominated Ƀ5, Ƀ10, Ƀ20, Ƀ50, Ƀ100 and Ƀ200, though the Ƀ5 are rarely used. Banknotes are denominated Ƀ500 (blue); Ƀ1,000 (green); Ƀ5,000 (yellow); Ƀ10,000 (orange) and Ƀ50,000 (rose).
Bitcian basas can only be exchanged within the country, and in the neighbouring states like Asap’ul Ok’i and Engokasay. Most major world currencies such as the Vasurian denarii, East Ebretian denarii, West Ebretian aurei, Bulemani karpadas, Sorgunese yan, Ache’qi t’eqachwa, Ka’akani ña’ap, Kheldesh rupee, Xowanan añixuq and Icyrian siglos are accepted in virtually every money changer countrywide. It is advised to change them at the city centre of Suhi for the best rates.
All major hotel chains, guided and pilgrimage tours accept major foreign currencies as transactions, but exchange rates may or may not be favourable depending on how established or reputable the agency is. When paying by cash in a foreign currency, change is usually given back in basas.
As the Bictian basa is pegged to the Asap’ul Ok’i ña’ap (ONY) for a fix exchanged rate of Ƀ600 to Ꞥ1, while not legal tender, many places in the Bikta-Bikta, including hotels and banks, will happily accept ONYs without question. This also applies to North Palsan Ña’aps (NPN) which itself is pegged to the ONY at a rate of Ñ10 to Ꞥ1. The benefit of this is that it completely avoids the problem of unfavourable exchange rates.
As Bictian basas are not accepted outside the country, it is highly recommended that one spends any small change they have in the country before leaving. Once out, most banks will refuse them. However, around the southern border with Engokasay (at the border town of Lowina), some merchants, restaurants and shops do accept Bictian basas as it is ironically a more stable currency than the Engokasay Qapo.
Talk
The Bikta-Bikta is amongst the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. There are four official languages of the country: Wuyunti, Esimawa, Homaqwi and Vina. Wuyunti is the most commonly spoken language at 30%, while the remaining 70% are spread across 45 languages. Wuyunti is a member of the North-Palsan language family, while Esimawa and Homaqwi form its own language family: the Nisiho languages. Vina is a language isolate, and spoken primarily by the Vina jewel beetles, south of the country.
Wuyunti is the primary lingua-franca of the country and is spoken all over the country, with varying degrees of fluency. In major cities with significant foreign presence, locals (especially the younger generation) are likely to be able to communicate in one or more international languages such as Ka’akani, Vasurian, Heclivinian and Sorgunese, in addition to Wuyunti. However, outside major cities, the proficiency of Wuyunti diminishes, as with a sharp decrease in proficiency of major world languages.
Wuyunti is a fairly simple language to learn for the average Vasurian or Heclivinian speaker. Most locals are exceedingly friendly and make it a habit to forgive a learner for blunders. All road signs are written in Wuyunti and Vasurian scripts to aid reading. In fact, Wuyunti has two writing systems: Native and Vasurian, the latter of which was introduced into school curricula in the 980s to help students learn how to read Vasurian scripts.
Respect
Naming taboos are exceedingly important in Bictian society. It is vital that visitors must not address certain family members by their first names, let alone addressing them by the second person: ‘you’. When visiting a Bictian home, one must refer to their host’s spouse, parents, children and in-laws by various honorifics. For instance, wekabni for the host’s spouse, imayitay for the host’s mother, or tawaki for the host’s in-laws (regardless of gender). While foreigners are not expected to remember these terms, locals greatly appreciate any effort to learn of these naming taboos.