The Key to the World of Culture

Language is the key to world of culture. It is the power that allows the people to communicate with one another.

The people of Bicol Region speak in several languages of Bicol sociolinguistic language. “Bikol” is the dominant language of the Region.

The Northern parts of Camarines Norte as well as in the municipality of del Gallego, Camarines Sur used Filipino language (Tagalog). Bicol languages also include the “Bikol-Rinconada”. The Rinconada areas are composed of Buhi, Bula, Baao, Iriga, Bato and Nabua. “Standard Bikol” is based on the coastal Bicol language of the dialect of Naga City. This “Standard Bikol” is understood throughout the region. In Albay, Albayanos speak a little similar to “Bikol-CamSur”. In Northern Catanduanes, they uses the “Bikol-Pandan” while the two provinces, Sorsogon and Masbate uses “Sorsoganon” and “Masbateño” mixed with “Samar-Leyte and Visayan Language”.

Language is a cultural heritage. Though the provinces spoke in different ways or dialects, Bicolanos can still communicate with one another using the “Standard Bikol”, even if they cannot speak it fluently, good communication is still there.

Language not only allows communication but it ensures the continuity of culture from one generation to the next. It is also the key to freely expressed one and perceives the world through the cultural language.