Preservation Of Bagobo-Tagabawa Language

Bago-Tagabawa Language Preservation

Scattered throughout the Southern Philippine Archipelago slowly disappearing tribes untouched by neither time nor colonization still exist in present time. Along the desolate eastern coast of the Davao Gulf, centuries ago, new migrants mixed with the native population, forming a new community that was given the name Bagobo. This tribe traces its origin from the people who brought Hinduism to Mindanao, its name was derived from the words bago meaning new and obomeaning growth. Throughout centuries a strong social structure has enabled these native groups to blend well with the original population, retaining their indigenous customs, beliefs and values.
As UNESCO’s Endangered Languages Programme mobilizes international cooperation to focus attention on this grave situation and to promote innovative solutions from communities, experts and authorities.
Bagobo Language an indigenous Language in the Philippines was being studied by a student from Bukidnon State University for her thesis paper. The study was titled “A Translation of Bagobo-Tagabawa Poem”. The researcher choose the Bagobo language for she is one of the tribe and she can speak the Bagobo Language. The researcher has an objective to promote language preservation through translating Bagobo Poems the study is very essential since there are many Bagobo poems that are just being kept in their places. For the poems were not understood by others especially people who are not familiar with the language. By translating Bagobo poems it will open new genre of literature that will be understood by many. Also this study aims to help preserve the Bagobo-Tagabawa literature and its cultural heritage by translating and exploring the language. The study will also contribute to promote language research and preservation.