Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta Language Party, Manila
| With 185 languages swimming within its borders, the Philippines is awash with linguistic diversity. In April, a passionate collective of university students at the University of Santo Tomás (UST) in Manila banded together to champion these languages. “Celebrating International Year of Indigenous Languages will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them,” said the UST English Language Studies Society. The group named their Language Party Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta (Treasure Languages: Stories and Relevance). It amassed a list of local sponsors, set about designing posters and social media banners, embarked on a Twitter and Facebook campaign, and energetically promoted its event. On party day, the students distributed free pizza to audience members and gathered together over two sessions – of three hours each – to deliver stories in Chavacano, Bisaya and Bikol, and to host discussions about language and culture. “This the first ever treasure language event in Asia,” said the students, proudly. “It recognises the diversity of Philippine languages through storytelling.” Four main storytellers graced the stage. All were women. Jazzel Zairelle Santa Teresa, who speaks Chavacano, Bisaya, Tagalog and English, shared a backgrounder on the Chavacano language. |  |
Maria Manel Lumawag performed a chilling horror story. Isabella Villarojo told a hair-raising satirical story in Bisaya. And Jecelie De La Rosa conveyed the legend of Mayon Volcano in Bikol, her mother’s language.
As the party closed, audience members were exuberant. “Let’s continue to celebrate and connect with our Philippine languages!” exclaimed one attendee. Another described the party as “fulfilling”. “I wish more of my fellow seniors got to see Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta,” said a third, “It was the bomb!”
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The details
Where: Benavides Building, University of Santo Tomás, Manila
When: 30 April, 2019
Format: Seminar-style, with morning and afternoon sessions
Languages: Chavacano, Bisaya and Bikol
When: 30 April, 2019
Format: Seminar-style, with morning and afternoon sessions
Languages: Chavacano, Bisaya and Bikol