Mini Igorot Dictionary: Sagada Dialect (Kankanaey)
This mini Igorot dictionary primarily focuses on the Sagada people’s dialect, Kankanaey. While the words listed here are rooted in the Sagada variant of Kankanaey, they can also be understood in other areas. However, it is important to note that this dialect is distinct from those spoken in neighboring places like Bontok, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Ibaloi.
The Sagada dialect, Kankanaey, is also spoken in Kapangan, Buguias, and among the Bago tribes of the Ilocos region, though there are differences in intonation and the meanings of some words. Despite these variations, it remains sufficient for basic communication with speakers in these regions.
Many Sagada words have been borrowed from Ilokano, a language of the lowlands, making them relatively easy to understand for those familiar with Ilokano. The goal of this dictionary is twofold:
- To enrich your visit to Sagada by encouraging the use of the local dialect.
- To contribute to the preservation of Kankanaey, which faces the threat of extinction due to the increasing influence of foreign languages and dialects.
This dictionary will be updated periodically as more words are added.
Guide to Pronunciation:
- Ay – Similar to the "I" or "uy" in buy.
- A – Similar to the "a" in guava or "uy" in buy.
- E – Similar to the "e" in mother.
- I – Similar to the "i" in bit or kit, or the "ee" in feet.
- O – Similar to the "oo" in boot.
- U – Similar to the "oo" in noodle or boot.
Letters in the Kankanaey Alphabet:
A B C D E G H I K L M N O P (R) S T U W Y
- The Letter R:
The letter R was incorporated into the Kankanaey alphabet in the latter part of the 20th century, following the influence of Ilocano and English. Originally, words with an "R" sound were pronounced using the letter L.
For example: - Garden was pronounced as Galdin.
- Over time, the pronunciation shifted to Gardin due to Ilocano influence.
Even today, many elders continue to use "L" instead of "R."
Pronunciation Notes:
- Only the vowels A, E, I, O, U differ in pronunciation from English.
- All other letters are pronounced the same as in English.
This guide serves as a resource to help you appreciate and engage with the Sagada dialect while preserving its unique cultural heritage.
