Loss of Language and Culture

Acculturation ensues losses in Iraya language and culture. Jocano (2004) defines acculturation as situations in which alterations in the cultural pattern transpired after series of close contact among individuals. Acculturation in the Mangyan community is linked with multiple factors. These factors are the Iraya Mangyan’s close interaction and intermarriages with tagbari or outsiders, dislocation of Mangyan from their ancestral lands, the emergence of government and non-government organizations.

Iraya Mangyan has adopted some of the Tagalog customs including language and material culture. It is clear that Tagalog is slowly replacing Iraya Mangyan’s primary language. Furthermore, the existence of other institutions dislodge elders in the Mangyan community to decide on their village's concerns. The traditional system of Balay Mangyan has been replaced by Barangay Hall headed by Barangay councils.