Hiligaynon Vocabulary Knowledge of Ilonggo Student Teachers

Abstract

The Department of Education in the Philippines is implementing the K-12 curriculum, mandating native languages in classroom instruction from kindergarten to grade 3. However, teachers are not well-versed in the native language, particularly Hiligaynon, and are learning to use it as the language of instruction. A 2006 World Bank study found that children experience lower learning levels when their language is not used in school. UNESCO recommends prioritising mother tongue acquisition, recruiting teachers with cognitive proficiency in the first language, providing teacher training, and promoting policies that position parents as "first teachers." Quantitative-descriptive research found that elementary teachers used 83% of the combination language, 6% of the mother tongue, and English was the least used. Hiligaynon vocabulary knowledge was highest in "Kinaandan Nga Panamyaw" and "Mga Numero", while English was the least used. Age, gender, high school, and elementary school did not significantly affect vocabulary knowledge.