Language Shift and Linguistic Attitudes in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines
Subject Area
Hispanic Linguistics
Abstract
According to Grenoble and Whaley (1998), the attitude of a speech community towards the languages spoken by its individuals is vital for predicting language shift. To be precise, the value assigned by the speakers of a given community to the languages spoken within it is a fundamental factor that promotes the displacement of a language. Thus, people’s attitudes towards a language are fundamental for its preservation.
The present study investigates the language attitudes of Cavite Chabacano speakers in the Manila bay region of the Philippines. It is one of the six Spanish-based creole varieties spoken in the country. Based on my own observation along with estimates from consultants during a two-month fieldwork in 2016, I estimate that there are only 2,000 speakers remaining. In order to carry out the study, a paper-based survey questionnaire was used to collect data on the speakers’ demographic information, language use, and attitudes towards the languages spoken within their community. Five-point Likert scale was employed to quantify the data. The data analyzed for the study are based on the responses of 18 participants divided into three age bands: 50-59 years old, 60-69 years old, and 70 years and older. Results indicate that although speakers have a positive attitude towards the creole variety, it shows to be of no aid in maintaining Cavite Chabacano as it is not being transmitted to the younger generation. Notwithstanding, speakers deem that learning the creole variety is valuable, and that it should be a requirement in the school curriculum.
Brief Bio Note
Sheryl Bernardo-Hinesley is a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Spanish and Lower Division Spanish Coordinator in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Columbus State University, Columbus, GA.
Keywords
language attitudes, language shift, language endangerment, Philippine Creole Spanish
Location
Room 210
Presentation Year
2018
Start Date
4-5-2018 2:45 PM
Embargo
11-24-2017
Recommended Citation
Bernardo-Hinesley, Sheryl, "Language Shift and Linguistic Attitudes in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines" (2018). South East Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL). 35.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/seccll/2018/2018/35
Language Shift and Linguistic Attitudes in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines
Room 210
According to Grenoble and Whaley (1998), the attitude of a speech community towards the languages spoken by its individuals is vital for predicting language shift. To be precise, the value assigned by the speakers of a given community to the languages spoken within it is a fundamental factor that promotes the displacement of a language. Thus, people’s attitudes towards a language are fundamental for its preservation.
The present study investigates the language attitudes of Cavite Chabacano speakers in the Manila bay region of the Philippines. It is one of the six Spanish-based creole varieties spoken in the country. Based on my own observation along with estimates from consultants during a two-month fieldwork in 2016, I estimate that there are only 2,000 speakers remaining. In order to carry out the study, a paper-based survey questionnaire was used to collect data on the speakers’ demographic information, language use, and attitudes towards the languages spoken within their community. Five-point Likert scale was employed to quantify the data. The data analyzed for the study are based on the responses of 18 participants divided into three age bands: 50-59 years old, 60-69 years old, and 70 years and older. Results indicate that although speakers have a positive attitude towards the creole variety, it shows to be of no aid in maintaining Cavite Chabacano as it is not being transmitted to the younger generation. Notwithstanding, speakers deem that learning the creole variety is valuable, and that it should be a requirement in the school curriculum.
