Unveiling the culture of cogtonganon through Timori: A coded native dialect

Timori, a coded dialect used by the Cogtonganons, has long been a subject of interest in the study. Despite its prominence among the Cogtonganons, it is being endangered of becoming obsolete due to various social and environmental changes. This study aims to amplify the relevance of the Timori as a cultural body and analyze its profound influence on the Cogtonganons’ identity as speakers of this distinctive linguistic code. Ethnography is used to collect and analyze data from eight key informants aged 55 and above through in-depth interviews. The key informants are natural, born in barangay Cogtong, and considered native residents. Interview data were then recorded and transcribed for the analysis. Using a thematic analysis, five themes emerged: the Spanish era, elders’ wisdom through wit and tradition, cultural narrative on folk survival, whispers of community in strengthening social bonds, and closely-knit nature. These themes exemplify that the Timori dialect has been a significant element in the culture of the Cogtonganons as they mark their collective identity. Cogtonganons have demonstrated a strong connection between their language and cultural practices, as evidenced by the preservation of traditions and the transmission of knowledge across generations, and even in far places, they still recognize their being Cogtonganons. Timori, with its nuanced expressions and deep-rooted symbolism, serves as a unifying force, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a sense of shared belonging among the Cogtonganon community.