Genealogy of Cebuano Language in Calbayog City, Samar

Abstract

This study investigated the reasons why the resident-participants of Brgy. Pena, Brgy. Malayog, Brgy. Cagmanipis Sur and Brgy. Cagmanipis Norte speak Cebuano. The researcher used narrative research design wherein, in-depth interviews were conducted to the participants of the barangays. Significant reasons revealed that the first settlers of the barangays originally came from Cebu and Masbate. The original settlers who came from Cebu and Masbate were Cebuano speakers in nature and this is due to the primary livelihood which is fishing. Further, the participants have strong language preservation and maintenance towards Cebuano language and a strong indicator of this is they are active speakers of their language. Hence, the participants positively see their language as their tool to communicate even with the majority speakers as they perceived their language not as a hindrance in participating in communication settings even with the Waray-Waray Speakers. Lastly, there is a precise establishment of habitual language use in a contact situation despite of contact with majority language speakers.