Tarlac State University’s Center for Tarlaqueño Studies organized a lecture on linguistic anthropology and Ilocano Studies with Toronto Metropolitan University Associate Professor Dr. Dana Osborne on May 9, 2024 at the CASS Theater Room.
The lecture is a part of the university-wide lecture series of CTS spearheaded by Prof. Jose Russell S. Arador, unit head, aimed to equip students with knowledge of the rich history and culture of the Tarlac Province and deepen their understanding and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of Tarlac.
As the first leg of the lecture series, Dr. Orsborne discussed the concept and foundation of ethnography, elements of contemporary linguistic anthropology in the American tradition, and the context of ethnographic work to some students and faculty members of the College of Education, College of Arts and Social Sciences, and the TSU MAHARLIKA.
She also shared the elements of her work in Ilocandia, focusing on her research topics on codeswitching practices of Ilocanos in the provincial Philippine classroom and the place of English in contemporary Philippine linguistic life.
According to Prof. Arador, the purpose of the lecture is to spark the interest of students in Ilocano studies as the former CTS directors, Dr. Lino L. Dizon (also a former commissioner of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) and Dr. Rodrigo Sicat, have already accomplished the study and popularization of the Kapampangan language.
“As we all know, the Ilocano language, history, and culture are very much a part and parcel of Tarlac. To spark interest in Ilocano studies, the CTS invited an international expert on the linguistic anthropological study of Ilocano,” he said.
Dr. Dizon supported this by stating that the lecture creates a balance in Tarlac’s linguistic culture.
“This kind of lecture is very important and interesting as it strikes a balance between all the languages we have here in Tarlac as there [is] little to no effort when it comes to studying the Ilocano language [in Tarlac] knowing that our province is home to a large number of Ilocano speakers,” Dr. Dizon said in an interview.
Moreover, Prof. Douglas C. Ferrer, Office of Culture, Arts and Language assistant director, shared that he was inspired to conduct the same study in the Pangasinense language.
“I was awakened [by] your topic because, in our province in Pangasinan, most speak Ilocano. It seems like our language, Pangasinense, is dying. While you were delivering your presentation, I was just thinking that I have to conduct a similar study that really inspires us to continue using our language,” Prof. Ferrer said.
He further encouraged the audience to “speak, love, and promote your language.”
The continuation of the three-part lecture series will feature historians and Tarlac pride, Dr. Dizon and Prof. Xiao Chua, public historian and assistant professor at De La Salle University, who have both contributed to realizing and cultivating the rich culture of Tarlac.
Also present during the event are Office of Culture, Arts and Language Director Prof. Marcelino Balanquit, Faculty Regent Prof. Winifredo L. Luis, Presidential Assistant Dr. Brigido B. Corpuz, and Dr. Rodrigo Sicat, former CTS director and retired TSU professor. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo by Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
