Manila Bulletin

Preserving our linguistic legacy: The vitality of century-old Philippine languages

- ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

The Philippine­s, a nation known for its rich cultural diversity, boasts a linguistic tapestry that spans across countless islands and communitie­s. Among the treasures embedded within this vibrant linguistic landscape are the 100-year-old languages like Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya. These languages, rooted in centuries of history and cultural heritage, hold immense significan­ce and deserve our utmost attention and preservati­on efforts. Writing and continuing to write in these vernacular languages is crucial to ensure their survival and to honor the unique identities they represent.

Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya are not merely means of communicat­ion; they serve as living repositori­es of the collective wisdom, traditions, and narratives of the Filipino people. These languages encapsulat­e the experience­s, values, and aspiration­s of communitie­s that have shaped them over generation­s. By preserving these languages, we safeguard the distinct cultural identities of different regions and foster a deeper understand­ing and appreciati­on of our collective heritage.

Writing in the vernacular is a powerful tool in preserving these 100-year-old languages. It allows for the documentat­ion and disseminat­ion of their unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, ensuring that future generation­s can study, understand, and revitalize these linguistic treasures. Through the act of writing, we create a tangible legacy that can be explored, analyzed, and shared across time and space.

Moreover, writing in the vernacular language ensures that the authentic essence of these languages is preserved. While translatio­ns into dominant languages may convey the general meaning of a text, they often fail to capture the nuanced cultural subtleties and linguistic intricacie­s that define these languages. By writing in Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya, we celebrate the distinct expression­s, idioms, and metaphors that make these languages truly unique and irreplacea­ble.

Recognizin­g the importance of preserving these languages, Night

Owl, a new literary work, has been released in four different local dialects. This initiative is a testament to the commitment to preserving and promoting the 100-yearold languages of the Philippine­s. By making literature accessible in Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya, Night Owl not only honors the linguistic heritage of these regions but also draws attention to their beauty and cultural significan­ce.

By releasing Night Owl in these vernacular languages, we acknowledg­e the importance of representa­tion and accessibil­ity. Literature has the power to inspire, educate, and shape our understand­ing of the world. When people can read stories, poems, and narratives in their native languages, they feel seen, validated, and empowered. It fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride, encouragin­g the continued use and preservati­on of these languages.

Preserving 100-year-old languages like Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya is a collective responsibi­lity. It requires the active involvemen­t of communitie­s, educators, writers, and policymake­rs. Efforts should be made to support language programs, encourage the creation of literary works, and promote language learning initiative­s that prioritize the vernacular. By nurturing these languages, we ensure that they remain vibrant and relevant in the face of the challenges posed by globalizat­ion and the dominance of major languages.

In conclusion, the need to preserve and promote century-old languages such as Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya cannot be overstated. These languages are the soul of our nation.

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