Academic literature on the topic 'Bisaya (Philippine people)'

The Philippines is the home of 120-187 dialects by different indigenous groups of people. One of them is the Subanen language which is spoken in various areas of northern, western and southern portions of the Zamboanga peninsula. Many Subanen shows linguistic inadequacy in their own mother tongue-the Subanen language. This study aimed to identify the language vitality of the Subanen in Sebasi, Clarin. Specifically, this study seeks to determine the variables of ethnolinguistic vitality which are respondents’ status, demography, and institutional support and to identify their skills in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Subanen language. Through researcher-made instruments, the study conducted an actual test and an assessment of the ethnolinguistic vitality of the Subanen respondents. An observation checklist was used in assessing the respondents’ linguistic competence of the Subanen language which catered to four language skills-comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. This was followed by series of interviews to determine the variables for ethnolinguistic vitality including status, demography, and institutional support. Using weighted mean and standard deviation, the researchers was able to determine the respondents’ performance in all linguistic skills tested. Results revealed a weak vitality of the Subanen language in the city. The study revealed that intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as language contact, parental apathy, mixed marriages, and tribal discrimination are contributory factors affecting the language vitality. Further, the interviews revealed the major factors negatively affecting the vitality of the Subanen language in the tribal community in Barangay Sebasi. These factors include (1) language contact, specifically between the Subanen language and the Bisayan dialect, (2) mixed marriages between a Subanen and a “Bisaya," (3) apathy of Subanen parents to teach the language to their children, and (4) discrimination against the Subanen tribe. It is recommended that contemporary Subanen should take more decisive steps in revitalizing their first language for cultural preservation and tribal identity.

Languages in a country are considered to share common characteristics and possibly similar features. This can be attributed to many factors, but one holds true, language is essential in keeping a community. Its vitality molds a society’s identity. The more active the language is, the more its culture gets the exposure it needs. This notion goes two ways for culture cannot also stand without the usage of a language. In this study, Bisayan and Tausug lexicons were compared using a Samarin list to identify factors of similarities as well as their relationship in terms of their semantic and ontological categories. The list was subjected to a qualitative-descriptive analysis. The result of the study revealed that both Tausug and Bisayan (Cebuano) cultures have come from the same linguistic family. Both belong to the Philippine VISAYAN LANGUAGES. Of all the Visayan cultures, the TAUSUG is a Muslim dominated culture which makes it the reason why people associate Tausug language as part of the Mindanao language. The study showed that of the 200 lexicons used based on a Samarin list, 72 of those are true cognates and 28 are cognates with few differences and changes in the spelling. The findings also indicate that these similarities can be attributed to different factors like tracing language relationship by means of genetics, the environmental changes, the language sounds and language arbitrariness.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 8371 that recognizes, respects, and preserves the culture, traditions and institutions of ICCs/IPs, this study described the demographic profile and socio-cultural practices of 160 indigenous peoplerespondents in Carol-an, Kabankalan City who were purposively identified in ten proximate sitios. Qualitative-descriptive methods utilized were key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The results revealed that most respondents were 16-26 years old; lived in the area for 31-40 years; female; married; mothers who belonged to a Carol-anon ethnic group; spoke Hiligaynon and Bisaya dialects. Their socio-cultural practices include high respect of family to the father in decision making, communal ownership of tax exempted land. “Kagon” (mediator), the elder, resolved legal disputes. Marriage proposal called “isaka” was mediated by “Dakong Tawo,” (respected elder) and the bride was allowed to marry at age 12. They believed in sacred places and offer sacrificial pig called “Buhat”. The dead were wrapped in bamboo coffin called “Iiya-liya” and brought to “Binangkilan” Cave, the tomb. To them man used supernatural powers known as “antinganting.” The result of the study served as basis for considering these IPs’ rights in the formulation and application of national educational plans and policies. Keywords - Social Science, indigenous people, socio-cultural practices, research and development, descriptive design, Philippines