Language
Language
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Blaan is a member of the South Mindanao branch of the Philippine language family. It is spoken by about 240,000 people in the Soccsksargen and Davao regions in the south of Mindanao Island in the Philippines. In particular, it is spoken in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Davao Occidental.
Blaan is also known as Bilaan, and there are two main dialects: Koronadal Blaan (Tagalagad) and Sarangani Blaan (Tumanao).
Additional Languages Spoken by the Blaan People
Additional Languages Spoken by the Blaan People
Hiligaynon:
Spoken by some Blaan individuals due to historical interactions with Hiligaynon-speaking settlers, particularly those who migrated to Mindanao during the early waves of resettlement.
Often used in trade and social exchanges in areas where Blaan communities are located near Hiligaynon settlers.
It is one of the regional lingua francas, facilitating communication between diverse ethnic groups.
Tagalog:
Introduced through settlers from Tagalog-speaking regions, particularly from Central Luzon, as part of government-sponsored migration programs during the 20th century.
Taught in schools and used in mass media, making it more prevalent among the younger generation.
Tagalog has also influenced Blaan communities through cultural exchange and intermarriage with Tagalog-speaking settlers.
Cebuano:
Widely adopted due to contact with settlers from Cebu and neighboring Visayan regions, especially as Cebuano is one of the most spoken languages in Mindanao.
Functions as a bridge language in areas where Blaan communities coexist with various ethnic and linguistic groups.
Commonly used in markets, schools, and local governance, making it a practical language for daily communication.
Ilocano:
Less commonly spoken but present due to historical migration from Ilocandia during the mid-20th century.
Some Blaan individuals have learned Ilocano through interactions with Ilocano settlers, particularly in farming communities.
Ilocano expressions may occasionally be integrated into local vernaculars in regions where both communities coexist.
Some Blaan Words and Phrases
Some Blaan Words and Phrases
Basic Greetings and Personal Introductions
Fye Flafus – Good morning.
Fye Alturo – Good noon.
Fye Flabi – Good afternoon.
Fye Kifu – Good evening.
Mingat. – Goodbye/Take care.
Kamusta gu nan? – Hello, how are you?
Fye sa, man I gu? – I’m good. And you?
Det Dagit am? – What is your name?
Ye dagit gu [your name]. – My name is [your name].
Ye gumda gu di [place]. – I live in [place].
Salamat! – Thank you.
Bong salamat! – Thank you very much!
Na kun beg falihog. – Please.
Ae. – Yes.
Nang. – No.
Ani/Ni. – This.
Aye/Ye. – That.
Dining
Kmaan ata. – Let’s eat!
Ta bitil agu. – I’m hungry.
Mal inom gu. – I’m thirsty.
Tab sol agu. – I’m full.
Lande gana gu. – I have no appetite.
Kafyenem knaan. – That was a good meal.
Kafyenem! – Delicious!
I bnayad beg falihog. – The bill, please.
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