Waya-waya sanan Jaun-jaun: A Language Description of Sinurigao

Rowella R. Parrucho* and Mary Ann E. Tarusan

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics Program Professional Schools, University of Mindanao Davao City, Philippines

*Corresponding author: wellaparrucho@yahoo.com 

Abstract

This qualitative inquiry aimed to present a comprehensive description of the linguistic features of the Sinurigao language in phonology, morphology, syntax, and morpho-syntax. The study utilized a qualitative design using the descriptive approach with five Surigaonon participants chosen through purposive sampling. The data was gathered from the participants who were 50 years old and above through online interviews using a validated instrument. The results of this study disclosed that Sinurigao is a distinct language spoken by Surigaonon, meaning the people from Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Provinces. Its phonemic inventory consisted of 17 consonants and three vowels. The study revealed that morphophonemic changes happen in the affixation, compounding, and blending of Sinurigao. On the other hand, this scientific inquiry also noted that Surigaonon terms were slowly forgotten, and some words were borrowed from Cebuano, Tagalog, and English. Since Sinurigao is at risk of language loss, this study will document and preserve the language and the identity of the Surigaonons as people. A language serves numerous functions, such as communication purposes and a symbolic distinction of groups of people. Moreover, this study can also be a teaching material for MTB-MLE instruction. 

Keywords

Wayawaya, Jaunjaun, Sinurigao, Surigaonon.

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