Latah is a condition where, triggered by the startle reflex, victims fall into a trance in which they engage in repetitive speech or movements. Often these take the form of echopraxic and/or echolaliac automatisms. Latah is found only in certain world cultures and is therefore commonly considered a culture-specific syndrome.
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Latah, as a noun, is also the name for those with the condition, which is found mainly in women. Latahs are generally not considered responsible for their actions during these episodes. The word latah is originally from Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia.[1]
Similar conditions have been recorded within other cultures and locations, such as among the so-called Jumping Frenchmen of Maine, women of the Ainu of Japan (imu), Siberian (miryachit), Filipino and Thai peoples; however, the connection among these syndromes has been controversial.[2] The Ainu blame imu on possession by snakes.
Latahs are a recurring theme in the writing of William S. Burroughs.