Aspects of Western Subanon Formal Speech (SIL International and the University of Texas at Arlington Publications in Linguistics , vol 81)

Describes the speech behavior of the Western Subanon people (southwestern Mindanao, Philippines) in formal situations such as ceremonies or litigation.

Makes a distinction between the study of language as an autonomous entity and studies of language used in cultural contexts. Assumes that linguistic structure, social structure, and linguistic behavior within the social context is patterned and systematic. Discusses formal situation, interchange dynamics, and patterns of poetry. Includes five texts with gloss and free translation.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations and Symbols
Acknowledgements

1. Introduction
   • 1.1 Language and Linguistics
   • 1.2 Language and Society
   • 1.3 The Present Study
   • 1.4 The Observer
   • 1.5 Formal Speech
   • 1.6 The Western Subanon
2. Formal Situations
   • 2.0 Introduction
   • 2.1 Subanon Speech
   • 2.2 Etic Units
   • 2.3 Emic Units
   • 2.4 Western Subanon Speech Situations and Events
3. Interchange Dynamics
   • 3.0 Introduction
   • 3.1 Participant Perceptions of the Speech Situation
   • 3.2 Dynamics of Turn Taking
   • 3.3 Beginnings and Endings
   • 3.4 Back Channel Responses
   • 3.5 Interruption
4. The Patterns of Poetry
   • 4.0 Introduction
   • 4.1 Parallel Structures
   • 4.2 Doublets
   • 4.3 Conclusion
5. Poetic Patterns in Formal Speech
   • 5.0 Introduction
   • 5.1 Parallel Structure in Speech
   • 5.2 Parallelism and Linguistic Analysis
   • 5.3 Parallels from Formal Speech
   • 5.4 Conclusion

Appendix A - the mongimunag Event Text
Appendix B - The Feast of dakul Event Text
Appendix C - The mogogoka´oy Event Text
Appendix D - The Confrontation Event Text
Appendix E - A Polite Formal Request Text