Aiming to equip more Mindanaoan researchers with the skills necessary to advance language and literary research rooted in Mindanao’s linguistic and cultural realities, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), through its Center for Language Studies and the Department of English, hosted a panel presentation on crosslinguistic works titled “Comparing Language Systems: How and Why Do We Do Crosslinguistic Analysis” earlier today, August 27, at the Institute Mini Theater.
The panel brought together Dr. Rynj Gonzales, Mr. Jay Chester D. Usero, and Dr. Honeylet E. Dumoran, who presented insights into different areas of Philippine linguistics. Dr. Gonzales explored the morphosyntax of the Cordilleran family of languages, Mr. Usero examined the phonological and lexical evidence of Bicol dialects in Catanduanes, and Dr. Dumoran focused on the typological account of transition in Bilic languages.
In his talk, Usero emphasized the importance of comparing dialects. “Dialects are often insufficiently described, so by doing a comparison among dialects, existing classifications may be corrected or updated,” he explained.
He further noted that “Comparisons do not have to be big to matter. The closer the relationship between varieties, the more subtle—but revealing—the differences can be. These subtleties aren’t trivial; they show how language systems reorganize over time and space, often in ways that broader comparisons cannot detect.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Gonzales underscored the importance of her topic, particularly for the Cordillerans. “Kasi yung Cordilleran language, very critical yung role niya sa subgroup ng Philippine languages,” she said. She explained that the Cordilleran language is significant in Philippine linguistics because it has been able to kick out certain Austronesian features, showing developments not present in other languages.
She added, “Kapag naintindihan natin yung features na ito sa Cordillera, mas makikita natin yung development ng language sa the rest of Philippines. This also contributes to understanding the development and spread of Austronesian languages in the Philippines.”
To conclude the panel, Dr. Dumoran highlighted the value of typological comparisons in studying Bilic languages. “The work being done for Bilic languages allows us not only to account for their apparent features but also, more importantly, to open new areas of inquiry and new perspectives,” she explained.
She further noted, “Through these studies, we are able to situate the unique features of language more accurately within the broader linguistic landscape.”
The event also provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the practical significance of crosslinguistic research. Angel Missy Cuenco, a 2nd-year BA ELS student, shared, “I realized during the event that studying language is very important to us, especially as language students, because it connects people. Understanding our differences allows us to relate to each other better."
Dafnie Solo, a 4th-year BA ELS student, added, “I think it is important to understand nganong i-compare nato ang languages. Even though the nuances are small, they matter. Understanding language helps us understand culture and how people live. If we generalize, we might include communities where they don’t belong, so crosslinguistic analysis is really important.”
Micah Indab, a 4th-year BA ELS student, reflected, “Attending this discussion has really enlightened us, especially social science and language majors, about our role in research and the community. Comparing language systems and doing crosslinguistic analysis gives insight into how language reflects culture and how we can preserve and better cultivate our communities. In this way, research becomes a way of giving back to our community.”
The presentations not only showcased the depth of linguistic diversity in the Philippines but also encouraged emerging scholars to pursue research that reflects Mindanao’s voices and realities. By emphasizing the value of crosslinguistic analysis, the event inspired participants to see language study as both an academic pursuit and a means of preserving cultural identity.
The panel brought together Dr. Rynj Gonzales, Mr. Jay Chester D. Usero, and Dr. Honeylet E. Dumoran, who presented insights into different areas of Philippine linguistics. Dr. Gonzales explored the morphosyntax of the Cordilleran family of languages, Mr. Usero examined the phonological and lexical evidence of Bicol dialects in Catanduanes, and Dr. Dumoran focused on the typological account of transition in Bilic languages.
In his talk, Usero emphasized the importance of comparing dialects. “Dialects are often insufficiently described, so by doing a comparison among dialects, existing classifications may be corrected or updated,” he explained.
He further noted that “Comparisons do not have to be big to matter. The closer the relationship between varieties, the more subtle—but revealing—the differences can be. These subtleties aren’t trivial; they show how language systems reorganize over time and space, often in ways that broader comparisons cannot detect.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Gonzales underscored the importance of her topic, particularly for the Cordillerans. “Kasi yung Cordilleran language, very critical yung role niya sa subgroup ng Philippine languages,” she said. She explained that the Cordilleran language is significant in Philippine linguistics because it has been able to kick out certain Austronesian features, showing developments not present in other languages.
She added, “Kapag naintindihan natin yung features na ito sa Cordillera, mas makikita natin yung development ng language sa the rest of Philippines. This also contributes to understanding the development and spread of Austronesian languages in the Philippines.”
To conclude the panel, Dr. Dumoran highlighted the value of typological comparisons in studying Bilic languages. “The work being done for Bilic languages allows us not only to account for their apparent features but also, more importantly, to open new areas of inquiry and new perspectives,” she explained.
She further noted, “Through these studies, we are able to situate the unique features of language more accurately within the broader linguistic landscape.”
The event also provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the practical significance of crosslinguistic research. Angel Missy Cuenco, a 2nd-year BA ELS student, shared, “I realized during the event that studying language is very important to us, especially as language students, because it connects people. Understanding our differences allows us to relate to each other better."
Dafnie Solo, a 4th-year BA ELS student, added, “I think it is important to understand nganong i-compare nato ang languages. Even though the nuances are small, they matter. Understanding language helps us understand culture and how people live. If we generalize, we might include communities where they don’t belong, so crosslinguistic analysis is really important.”
Micah Indab, a 4th-year BA ELS student, reflected, “Attending this discussion has really enlightened us, especially social science and language majors, about our role in research and the community. Comparing language systems and doing crosslinguistic analysis gives insight into how language reflects culture and how we can preserve and better cultivate our communities. In this way, research becomes a way of giving back to our community.”
The presentations not only showcased the depth of linguistic diversity in the Philippines but also encouraged emerging scholars to pursue research that reflects Mindanao’s voices and realities. By emphasizing the value of crosslinguistic analysis, the event inspired participants to see language study as both an academic pursuit and a means of preserving cultural identity.
Written by Bea Faye Eumague
Proofread by John Vincent Balustre
Photo by Literature, Language, and Culture Society
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