Analyzing Filipino Sign Language through Systematic Functional Linguistics

Shiela D. Tabingo and Ana Helena R. Lovitos
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Shiela D. Tabingo: University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines
Ana Helena R. Lovitos: University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, 4423-4434

Abstract: The Filipino Sign Language (FSL) has been studied but limited to lexicography and sociolinguistics. The syntax of FSL has not been thoroughly explored. This qualitative study examined how Systemic Functional Linguistics is applied to FSL and how it is adapted to describe a visual-spatial language. An in-depth interview was done to ten deaf learners who served as respondents from two senior high schools in the Philippines. Results revealed the sociocultural aspects of FSL which included natural language of communication among the deaf community, unique linguistic identity and embedded Filipino culture, traditions, and values. Verbs to express tense and mood, meanings of verbs, basic word order patterns are the linguistic aspects of FSL. Handshapes, fingerspelling of loanwords, technical or specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, and iconic signs for family members, animals, food, colors, numbers, action words, parts of the body, greetings, drinks and beverages, vulgar words, onomatopoeic words represent certain lexemes while sign types consist of iconic, arbitrary, initialized, classifiers, spatial grammar, facial expressions, and non-manual signals. For interpersonal metafunction of FSL, it includes respectful signs and use of honorifics. The textual metafunction of FSL consists of visual-gestural nature, spatial grammar, verb agreement, non-manual signals, time sequencing, linguistic features to mark transitions and cohesive elements in sign texts while the ideational metafunction comprises iconic signs (symbols, icons and index) and metaphorical language. The analysis of FSL through Systemic Functional Linguistics contributes to the development of inclusive education and accessibility policies. Understanding its lexicon, grammar, sociocultural, sign types and variations can improve the training of sign language interpreters and educators, ensuring better integration of deaf individuals into mainstream society. FSL is a promising area of linguistic research that challenges conventional understandings of language and highlights the diversity of human communication. Thus, future research in the domain of the language documentation may look into other FSL features of classifier constructions, iconicity, and modality-specific phonology, aspects which are very different from spoken language systems. It may also be concerned with how the Filipino Sign Language Act has been framed in legislative discourse, how politicians talk about deaf rights, and how the very legal recognition of Filipino Sign Language either challenges or reinforces societal representations of the deaf community.

Date: 2025
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