If you’ve ever been to an island in Romblon, you’ve likely noticed a distinct difference in the way the locals speak. It’s not quite Bisaya, it’s not quite Tagalog, and it’s definitely different. This language, spoken in Romblon Province, is a Visayan dialect that provides a unique glimpse into the rich traditions of its ethnic people. Romblon Province, consisting of islands like Tablas, Sibuyan, and Banton, is where this Philippine language spoken thrives. Romblomanon, also called Asi, belongs to the Austronesian language family, connecting it to other Philippine languages such as Tagalog, Waray-Waray, and Tausūg.
In the broader context, the linguistic tapestry of the Philippines is vast, with notable variations like Kinaray-a from Capiz and Aklan, and languages spoken in Mimaropa and parts of Luzon. The Romblomanon language, with its lexical diversity and cultural depth, illustrates the vibrant Philippine identity found in the occidental and oriental regions. The inhabitants of Romblon, primarily Catholics, maintain a close-knit community where the language acts as a cultural anchor, much like the sea that surrounds their islands. Exploring this language is like a journey to the heart of the Filipinas, echoing the stories of Leonard, Jose, and Niño, who are people you know from the islands.
Origins and History of Romblomanon
Being that there were already indigenous Aeta (Negritos) inhabitants in the Romblon region long before the Spaniards and major movements of people via boat, there was an existing native language, specifically in the cave settlements found in Banton. The first known migration to Romblon came from peoples of the nearby island of Panay, bringing their dialect with them.
Shortly after, the Mangyan people of Mindoro started to discover Romblon, which is where the origin of Visayan culture is said to have been introduced. This may have been some of the foundation of the language spoken in the province today.
The Unhan and Nayon Visayan people from the south had a major, lasting impact on the culture of the Romblomanon people and language, even after they began to leave the region in the 17th century. Around this time in history, peoples from the Batangas region of Luzon started to settle in Romblon as well, bringing with them some influence of Tagalog words. The word “dine,” for example, is said to have ties to Romblomanon, which means “here,” and is pronounced as “dire” locally.
Is Romblomanon a Dialect or a Language?
Romblomanon is considered a language rather than a dialect. It is a Visayan language, which can actually be divided into 3 different dialects, Ini, Asi and Unhan. Depending on the island, and community, you will find different variations of the language.
While it shares similarities with other Bisayan languages, its distinct vocabulary and grammar set it apart, classifying it as a separate language.
Some Specific Words Used in the Romblomanon Language
The Romblomanon people take pride in their local language, slang words and features unique terms that reflect its cultural heritage. For instance, the word “dahan” is sometimes used to tell someone to be careful, or to take care, similar to the Tagalog word, “ingat.” The term “balay” or “bayay” means house, while “kaon” signifies eating, illustrating daily life activities.
A common filler word you will hear used in Romblon, as well as many other Bisaya dialects is “kwan.” This term is used when a speaker is temporarily lost for the next word to use. It’s like using the phrase “umm” in English, or “ano” in Tagalog. The word “bukid” generally means “farm,” but in Romblon some people use this term for the word “mountain.”
The locals in Romblon are extremely friendly, and take pride in helping tourists understand their language. So feel free to ask the meaning of some words, and start practicing, as locals often get giddy (“kilig”) when they hear an outsider making an attempt to learn their culture.
