Abstract
This qualitative multiple-case study explored how Ata-Manobo natives maintain their language against all odds across five cases through in-depth interviews. The study also utilized data triangulation by interviewing individuals closely associated with the participants. The thematic analysis uncovered seven key themes related to language maintenance: language revitalization, erosion due to dominant language, struggles with social stigma, intergenerational transmission, cultural esteem, challenges in vocabulary acquisition, and tribal identity through language proficiency. Participants dealt with these challenges through various strategies. They emphasized language utilization across settings, intergenerational language transmission, cultural empowerment for language preservation, governance and community engagement, family-led language transmission, and cultural stewardship. While the cases shared similarities in language revitalization, language erosion due to dominant language, and cultural esteem through language preservation, differences emerged in dealing with social stigma, intergenerational language transmission, challenges in advanced vocabulary, and shaping tribal identity through language proficiency. Participants underscored language utilization across settings, cultural empowerment for language, and cultural leadership in addressing the challenges. They exhibited variations in intergenerational language transmission, governance, and community engagement, and family-led language transmission.
