Philippine English phonology: Its features across speakers of the major Philippine languages

Date of Publication

7-22-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics

Subject Categories

Linguistics

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

English and Applied Linguistics

Thesis Adviser

Eden Regala Flores

Defense Panel Chair

Jose Cristina M. Pariña

Defense Panel Member

Shirley N. Dita
Marianne Jennifer M. Gaerlan
Cecilia F. Genuino
Alice Mae M. Arbon

Abstract/Summary

This study aimed at providing an inclusive and pluricentric approach in describing the features of Philippine English (PE) phonology. The investigation included two native speakers of each of the 13 major languages in the Philippines: Tagalog, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Ilocano, Bicol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Tausug, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Chavacano, and Kiniray-a. Of these two representatives, one was a university official while the other one was an administrative staff, with a total of 26 research participants. In order to obtain the needed speech samples, the speakers were asked to read aloud the words and sentences on the lists as well as the Wolf passage. Moreover, monologue and spontaneous responses based on the passage were performed by the participants. The data collected were then transcribed and analyzed to illustrate the segmental (vowels and consonants) and suprasegmental (stress and intonation) features of PE. Based on the results, the PE variety has a smaller inventory of its phonological units. The vowel system is considerably reduced because of the weakened vowel length distinction, while consonants are neutralized since fricatives are generally collapsed. Additionally, PE is characterized by rightward shift and penultimate stress, while its intonation contours are comparable with the other Englishes except that all types of questions receive a rising intonation. Furthermore, it was shown that speech styles determine the features of PE phonology as differing forms were found in controlled and semi-controlled speeches. Thus, this study further sustains the assertion that pluricentricity of the English language is a sociolinguistic reality.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG008236

Keywords

English language—Phonology; Philippine languages; Philippine languages—Influence on English

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Embargo Period

3-11-2025

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