Prosody in Yakan Oral Storytelling: A Phenomenological Study of Local Identity and Intergenerational Transmission in Sumisip, Lantawan, and Maluso, Basilan, Philippines
Abstract
Prosody in Yakan Oral Storytelling: A Phenomenological Study of Local Identity and Intergenerational Transmission in Sumisip, Lantawan, and Maluso, Basilan, Philippines
Abstract
This phenomenological study examines how 12 master Yakan storytellers (pag-ilay), aged 50–72, experience and use pitch, rhythm, stress, and tempo in oral narratives across Sumisip, Lantawan, and Maluso in Basilan Province, Philippines. It draws on in-depth interviews and performance analysis of three traditional genres: kissa, pabasul, and tarasul.
The analysis identified five themes: prosody as a marker of local identity, emotional expression through variations in pitch and tempo, the role of prosody in memorization, its spiritual significance in sacred narratives, and a perceived decline in prosodic competence among younger performers. Participants described the prosody of Sumisip as “gentle waves,” that of Lantawan as “sharp peaks,” and that of Maluso as “steady streams.” They referred to prosody as the nyawa (soul or breath) that distinguishes culturally grounded storytelling from recitation. They reported that younger performers often memorized the texts but delivered them with what the storytellers described as “flat” or “borrowed” prosody. Participants attributed this perceived decline to fewer opportunities for immersive apprenticeship and live performance, the prominence of written and digital media, and educational standardization.
The study treats prosody as embodied cultural knowledge transmitted through listening and performance. It recommends establishing bale’ tulay (storytelling houses), creating mentorship programs and annotated audio materials, incorporating prosodic awareness into mother-tongue-based education, and prioritizing the documentation of elder storytellers’ repertoires.
Keywords — Yakan oral narratives, prosody, phenomenology, local identity, intergenerational transmission, Basilan.
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References
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