Diving into the Language: An Ethnolinguistic Study of Bontocanon Fisherfolk in Southern Leyte

  ABSTRACT : This study aims to describe the language of the Bontocanon fishermen based on: (a) words, (b) usage, and (c) meaning. Register refers to language used within a specific domain with distinct meaning; it is a language variation related to the speaker or user, commonly observed within specific disciplines. This research utilizes ethnolinguistic, discourse, and content analysis to examine and interpret the collected words. Participants in this study are ten (10) selected fishermen residing in Brgy. Poblacion, Bontoc, Southern Leyte, chosen through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through interviews. Findings reveal that the language of Bontocanon fishermen is an ethnolinguistic language reflecting the livelihood and culture of fishermen. The fishermen’s language can only be defined and described in relation to their culture, traditions, tools, location, and livelihood in fishing. The researchers suggest expanding this study, developing a comprehensive collection or glossary, and using it as a supplementary teaching resource.

KEYWORDS – Bontocanon; ethnolinguistics; fishermen; register, language