Multilingualism in Action: The Case of Aytas in the Mountains of Bamban, Tarlac

Abstract

This paper investigated the case of multilingualism, particularly the languages used by Ayta Mag-Antsi speakers in Sitios San Martin, Buok, Burog, and Sta. Rosa in Bamban, Tarlac. This paper used a synchronic approach survey, which implies that this study focuses on the languages as they are currently being used by an ethnolinguistic community. A researcher-made questionnaire that determined the frequency and percentage of distribution of language used by the heritage speakers (i.e., from the children to the elderly) in Sitios San Martin, Burog, and Santa Rosa in two domains: (1) home domain and (2) outside domain was utilized. The results revealed that multilingualism is undoubtedly active in the community, and the three languages frequently used by the communities are Mag-Antsi, Kapampangan, and Filipino. Results also revealed that children have the tendency to use other languages than their heritage language. Although a high level of multilingualism is observed, it is equally important for this ethnolinguistic community to understand that the languages that they have access to or aspire can greatly influence the revitalization of their heritage language. Hence, properly managed language policy can help to ensure or at least minimize the negative effect on their first language, culture, and most importantly, the local identity of the children and elderly in the communities.