Ibanag Ga, Makabida Ga: Language Vitality, Choices and the Teaching of English

The study sought to determine the vitality of the Ibanag language in different domains, how language choices affect the condition of Ibanag and the teaching of English and elicit activities that can help in maintaining the language as a basis for the development of a language revitalization program. The study used the explanatory sequential mixed method that involved 500 respondents from the four Ibanag- speaking barangays of the City of Ilagan, Isabela. Eight teachers and 40 members of the Ibanag community were also interviewed. The research instruments used in gathering the needed data were the questionnaire and interview questions validated by the adviser of the researcher. The qualitative data were transcribed and content analyzed whereas the quantitative data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics. The study has found out that the Ibanag language is still flourishing among the Ibanag communities. Elderly Ibanags, on the other hand, are more loyal than the younger generation. There is a decline in the use of the Ibanag language in formal settings such as education and government or private offices. It is also concluded that the Ibanag language is diminishing because of these factors: language policy, language shift, codemixing and bilingualism of some Ibanags. Also, some Ibanag children no longer speak the Ibanag language. For the Ibanag language in relation to the teaching of English, respondents perceive the Ibanag language as essential as other languages for more effective communication and academic possibilities. Also, Ibanags use the Ibanag language as an effective platform for learning the English language. Moreover, activities for maintaining and preserving the Ibanag language in the community and in schools no longer exist. The activities suggested by the respondents upshot the Ibanag Language Revitalization Program.