THE SUBANEN LANGUAGE: A SIGNATURE OF IDENTITY IN

THE MODERN WORLD

Undergraduate Case Study

Presented to the Subject Instructor of the
English Department, College of Arts and Sciences
MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY–BUUG CAMPUS
Datu Panas, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay

Fulfillment of the Requirements for the ENG110

in the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS)

Jolan-Rey B. Lebara
Jemarose V. Maglasang
Apple Joy M. Lagumaby

December 2024
 INTRODUCTION

In today’s generation, most of the indigenous are also struggling to thrive

because of the world’s fast growth politically and economically, where the

indigenous people are hard to recognize through the changing era. The situation

of indigenous peoples today is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both

progress and persistent challenges. While international recognition of their rights

has grown, and many communities are actively working to preserve their cultures

and languages, they still face significant obstacles to achieving true equality and

self-determination. In this study, the researcher will be focusing on the ethnic

group of the Zamboanga peninsula, the Subanen ethnic group.

Background of the Study

This study, “Indigenous Communities in the Philippines: A Situation

Analysis,” by Hirai (2015) paints a poignant picture of the struggles faced by

indigenous peoples in the Philippines, revealing their diverse cultural practices,

their historical marginalization due to colonization and assimilation policies, and

the challenges they continue to face today in terms of accessing basic services,

securing land rights, and preserving their cultural identity. The study brings to

attention the pervasive poverty, lack of education, and discrimination faced by

these communities, which is quite often a result of minimal access to resources,

inadequate infrastructure, and lack of effective government support. The study

also provides insights into the vulnerability of the indigenous peoples to armed

conflicts and human trafficking and places an emphasis on giving further

importance to their security and well-being. Ultimately, the study calls for a more

rights-based approach to development which is responsive to indigenous cultures,

supportive of self-determination, and provides full participation in decision-

making processes that affect their lives and destinies.

The Subanen are the native people of the Zamboanga Peninsula in the

southern Philippines, a community famous for its gaiety and rich cultural and

traditional practices. Among its more distinctive features include their unique

language, complicated traditions in weaving, beautiful woodcarving, and their

animistic beliefs-all characteristics woven into a distinct culture that has survived

over centuries. The Subanen language is unique with its vocabulary, grammar,

and intricate sounds. It holds a vital link to their cultural identity and serves as a

means of preserving history, beliefs, and knowledge systems. The language itself

is a testament to the adaptability of the Subanen people, for it has evolved over

centuries of interaction with the natural world and social structures. Subanen

weaving’s intricate designs, vibrant colors, and use of natural dyes earn it high

praise. These textiles-their products-mostly use geometric patterns, symbolic

motifs, and the meaning can be very rich, thus not only providing utility value but

also profound cultural meanings. They apply in rituals, ornaments, and practical

life, knitting a tapestry of their worldview and values. The Subanen are one of the

rich examples of the Philippines’ rich cultural diversity. The uniqueness of their

language, the intricacy of their arts, and the animistic beliefs are just some of the

ways through which they open up a world where nature, spirituality, and

community interlink together. Their strength in times of adversity inspires and

reminds us of the need to protect cultural heritage and appreciate the value of

indigenous knowledge systems.

Theoretical Framework

In this study, Kim (2002) shows that group membership and the

transmission of knowledge, beliefs, and traditions shape cultural identity, a

concept central to Cultural Identity Theory (CIT) which, when applied to the

Subanen, helps explain how their language, weaving, and animistic beliefs

contribute to their unique cultural identity and its negotiation within a changing

world. Combined Concepts- The sentence combines Kim’s definition of cultural

identity with the core principles of CIT. Subanen Context- It directly connects

these concepts to the Subanen study, highlighting the specific elements of their

culture that contribute to their identity. Dynamic Perspective- The sentence

emphasizes the dynamic nature of cultural identity, acknowledging its enactment,

representation, and negotiation within a particular setting.

The Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory by Giles and Johnson (1987)

provides a framework for understanding the factors that contribute to the survival

and flourishing of a language. In the context of the Subanen language, this theory

helps answer the question of why the language is facing challenges and what can

be done to preserve it. By analyzing factors like social support, institutional

support, and intergenerational transmission, researchers can identify the specific

challenges the language faces, such as language contact, parental apathy, mixed
marriages, and tribal discrimination, as found in the study “Ethnolinguistic

Vitality of the Subanen Tribe in Barangay Sebasi, Clarin”

(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368012396Ethnolinguistic_Vitality_of

_the_Subanen_Tribe_in_Barangay_Sebasi_Clarin). This theory also helps explain

why language shift occurs, as dominant languages often influence minority

languages due to social pressure, economic opportunities, and educational

policies. Ultimately, understanding these factors provides a foundation for

developing strategies to revitalize the Subanen language, such as promoting

language education, encouraging intergenerational transmission, and advocating

for policies that support the Subanen language and culture.

Conceptual Framework

Merging Ethnolinguistic Identity Theory and Cultural Identity Theory

(CIT) can connect the study’s conceptual framework.

Ethnolinguistic Identity Theory focuses on how individuals maintain or

shift their language use in interethnic encounters, emphasizing the role of social

categorization, identity, comparison, and attitude formation. It suggests that

people who strongly identify with their ethnic group and perceive their language

as a core aspect of their identity are more likely to maintain their language in

interethnic situations.

Cultural Identity Theory (CIT) examines how individuals and groups

construct and maintain their sense of identity through cultural practices, beliefs,
 and values. This emphasizes the crucial role of cultural transmission and the

contribution of language to a group’s cultural identity.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the ethnolinguistic theory and its linguistic

identity vitality.

ETHNOLINGUISTIC CHALLENGES
VITALITY TO IDENTITY

Statement of the Problem

The problem of this study is that indigenous peoples in the Philippines face

significant challenges in maintaining their cultural identity in a rapidly changing

world.

1. How does the Subanen language reflect their unique cultural identity?

2. What are the implications of the Subanen language and cultural practices for the

preservation of indigenous knowledge systems?

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is to highlight the importance of preserving

the Subanen language, weaving, and important beliefs as vital elements of their

cultural identity. The study aims to showcase how these cultural practices
contribute to their unique identity and how they navigate their cultural identity

within a changing world. This study would benefit several groups:

Linguists. This will provide a valuable information about the Subanen

language, including its phonology, lexicon, and historical development. Linguists

can use this information to further research and document the Subanen language,

as well as to compare it to other Philippine languages.

Subanen people. This study helps to document and preserve the Subanen

language and culture. This information can be used to educate Subanen people

about their language and culture, and to help them to maintain their cultural

identity in a changing world.

Government. the government can use the study to develop educational

materials for Subanen children and adults. This can help to promote the

preservation of the Subanen language and culture, and to ensure that Subanen

people have access to education.

Students and scholars. The study will provide a valuable resource for

students and scholars who are interested in linguistics, anthropology, or the

Philippines. Researchers can use it for research papers, projects, and

presentations.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of the study is to examine the Subanen ethnic group of the

Zamboanga Peninsula in the southern Philippines, focusing on their language,

weaving traditions, and animistic beliefs. It aims to showcase how these cultural

practices contribute to their unique identity and how they navigate their cultural

identity within a changing world. The limitations of the study are:

Focus on one ethnic group. The study focuses solely on the Subanen

ethnic group and does not explore other indigenous groups in the Philippines.

Limited scope of cultural practices. While the study addresses language,

weaving, and animistic beliefs, it does not delve into other aspects of Subanen

culture such as music, dance, food, or social organization.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 This part of the paper presents a review of relevant literature and studies

that informed the research on the Subanen ethnic group of the Zamboanga

Peninsula in the southern Philippines. It aims to highlight the significance of this

study by situating it within the existing body of knowledge and demonstrating the

need for further research on this unique and understudied community. The chapter

also synthesizes key concepts and findings from previous studies to provide a

comprehensive understanding of the Subanen language, weaving traditions, and

animistic beliefs, ultimately contributing to a deeper comprehension of the

complex relationship between language, culture, and identity within the Subanen

community.

Related Literature

This study, “Indigenous Communities in the Philippines: A Situation

Analysis,” by Hanayo Hirai (2015), provides a comprehensive overview of the

challenges faced by indigenous peoples in the Philippines. It highlights their

diverse cultural practices, their historical marginalization due to colonization and

assimilation policies, and the ongoing challenges they face in accessing basic

services, securing land rights, and preserving their cultural identity.

The study draws upon existing literature and research to support its

findings. It cites works by IWGIA (2011), UNDP (2010), De Vera (2007),

Meltogina (1995), ONCC and OSCC (1996), and NCIP (1998). These sources

provide context for the historical and contemporary challenges faced by

indigenous communities, including their economic marginalization, lack of

access to education and healthcare, and the impact of colonization and

assimilation policies.

The study also emphasizes the role of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act

(IPRA) of 1997 (Republic Act 8371) in recognizing and protecting the rights of

indigenous peoples. It highlights the importance of this legislation in promoting

self-determination, cultural autonomy, and land ownership for indigenous

communities.

In the study of Ambato and Echavez (2019), highlights the dynamic nature

of the Subanen language and its variations across different dialects. By

comparing the Salugnon and Sibugaynon dialects, the study reveals significant

differences in lexicon and phonology, demonstrating the language’s ongoing

evolution and adaptation to diverse contexts. These variations, while reflecting

the language’s dynamism, also underscore the importance of preserving the

Subanen language and its rich cultural heritage. The study emphasizes the need

for further research and documentation of the Subanen language, particularly in

the face of language endangerment and the influence of dominant languages like

Filipino and English. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the

Subanen language and its role in shaping the identity of the Subanen people.

Lobel’s (2013) research focuses on the Subanen language and its variations,

particularly in terms of lexicon and phonology. He also attempts to reconstruct

the Proto-Subanen language. While his study doesn’t directly address Subanen

culture, it provides valuable insights into their linguistic heritage, which is a

crucial aspect of their cultural identity. Lobel’s work highlights the diversity of
the Subanen language, with its various dialects and unique phonological features.

This linguistic diversity reflects the richness of their cultural heritage and the

adaptability of the Subanen people to different environments. By reconstructing

the Proto-Subanen language, Lobel helps to trace the historical development of

the Subanen language and its relationship to other Philippine languages. This

understanding of their linguistic history can contribute to a deeper appreciation of

their cultural heritage and its evolution over time.

In conclusion, this study offers a significant analysis of the multifaceted

challenges confronting indigenous communities within the Philippines. Its

findings are supported by an array of sources, and it highlights the importance of

a development approach grounded in human rights, respectful of indigenous

cultures, and focused on their welfare.

METHODOLOGY
 The Subanen ethnic group of the Zamboanga Peninsula, southern

Philippines, that have examined in this study using a qualitative-descriptive

methodology. The study will examine their language, weaving techniques, and

animistic worldview to illuminate how these cultural practices shape their distinct

identity and how it adapts to a dynamic global environment.

Data Corpus

This study has drawn upon existing literature and research on the Subanen

people, including works by Hirai (2015), Kim (2002), Lobel (2013), and Ambato

and Echavez (2019). This will provide a foundation for understanding the

Subanen language, weaving traditions, and animistic beliefs.

Research Design

The study that the researcher utilize a qualitative-descriptive approach,

focusing on the interpretation and analysis of existing data to understand the

complex relationship between language, culture, and identity within the Subanen

community.
Data Gathering Procedure

The research that the researcher gather data through a review of existing

literature, including academic articles, books, and reports. This will involve

identifying relevant sources and extracting key information related to the

Subanen language, weaving traditions, and animistic beliefs.

Interviews and Respondents

The paper will not involve direct interviews with Subanen people. However,

the researcher will draw upon existing interview data and ethnographic accounts

from previous studies to gain insights into the lived experiences of the Subanen

community.

Research Ethics

The researcher will adhere to ethical guidelines in conducting this study,

ensuring that all data sources are properly cited and that the study is conducted

with respect for the Subanen people and their cultural heritage.
Data Analysis

The study will analyze the gathered data to identify key themes and patterns

related to the Subanen language, weaving traditions, and animistic beliefs. The

researcher will examine how these cultural practices contribute to their unique

identity and how they navigate their cultural identity within a changing world.
REFERENCES

Kim, Y. Y. (2007). Ideology, identity, and intercultural communication: An

analysis
of differing academic conceptions of cultural identity. Journal of
intercultural communication research, 36(3), 237-253.

Lobel, J.W. & Hall, W.C.. 2010. Southern Subanen aspiration. Oceanic
Linguistics

Lobel, J.W. (2013). Philippine and northern Bornean languages: Issues and
description, subgrouping and reconstruction. University of Hawai’i at
Manoa.

Hirai, H. (2015). Indigenous Communities in the Philippines: A Situation

Analysis. Yuchengco Center, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.

Giles, H., & Johnson, P. (1987). Ethnolinguistic identity theory: A social

psychological approach to language maintenance.