Content area
This paper highlights the vibrant and diverse world of Minasbate literature, which has never been given enough attention to be explored by research enthusiasts and scholars alike. Through the use of qualitative research methods, this study aims to discover the intricacies of Minasbate poetry, with the goals of uncovering its recurring themes, linguistic elements and poetic devices present in Minasbate poetry. This also gears at understanding how these poems can help preserve and promote regional identity and cultural survival. At the heart of Minasbate poetry lies recurring patterns of emotions, culture and values. These themes woven along poetic tapestries offer a lens of understanding how shared human experience transcends geographical locations and cultural differences. Altogether, these elements showcase structures in creating poetic language that is evocative and deeply rooted in regional contexts, eventually leading to cultural preservation and survival. Overall, the findings of this study may offer rich insights to ELT teachers across the globe, thereby promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in their pedagogical practices. Further research on the interdependence of regional poetry is hereby advised to ensure a robust identity of Filipino culture and literature.
ABSTRACT
This paper highlights the vibrant and diverse world of Minasbate literature, which has never been given enough attention to be explored by research enthusiasts and scholars alike. Through the use of qualitative research methods, this study aims to discover the intricacies of Minasbate poetry, with the goals of uncovering its recurring themes, linguistic elements and poetic devices present in Minasbate poetry. This also gears at understanding how these poems can help preserve and promote regional identity and cultural survival. At the heart of Minasbate poetry lies recurring patterns of emotions, culture and values. These themes woven along poetic tapestries offer a lens of understanding how shared human experience transcends geographical locations and cultural differences. Altogether, these elements showcase structures in creating poetic language that is evocative and deeply rooted in regional contexts, eventually leading to cultural preservation and survival. Overall, the findings of this study may offer rich insights to ELT teachers across the globe, thereby promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in their pedagogical practices. Further research on the interdependence of regional poetry is hereby advised to ensure a robust identity of Filipino culture and literature.
KEYWORDS: Philology, poetry, themes, literary devices, cultural identity
Introduction
The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, pulsates with a vibrant tapestry of languages, traditions and cultures. This archipelagic landscape provides the country with an abundance of repertoire in literature and poetry distinct to each and every region or province (Diaz, 2022). Within this diverse landscape lies Masbate, a province nestled in the Bicol Region, known for its rich fishing heritage and unique cultural expressions. This context provides a multitude of Philippine literature published internationally. The fact that these authors are more well-known among readers from other countries than they are among Filipinos themselves is, however, the source of the paradox (Martin, 2008). Limited access to regional literature and inadequate promotion could be among the possible causes why Minasbate poetry is inaccessible to the Filipino masses (Arbo & Benneworth, 2007). If given appropriate avenue, literature can help preserve Mabateño culture and Filipino culture as they resonate cultural values, morals and ethical principles (Estremera, 2021). Poetry can also potentially serve as a repository of values, beliefs, tradition and culture as these poems may serve as medium of cultural transmission for posterity. Poetry and literature in general can help preserve regional dialects as part of cultural heritage through the use of dialects and expression unique to Masbate (Culture, 2019).
Accordingly, this research delves into the captivating realm of Masbate poetry, exploring its thematic intricacies and profound cultural significance. Masbate's linguistic diversity, influenced by both natural language evolution and the convergence of various communities, has shaped the distinctive character of its literary creations. These authors have a significant impact on the international literary scene, despite their relative obscurity in their homeland. They offer foreign readers a unique perspective on the Filipino culture, mindset, and habits. Additionally, scholars have highlighted the role of language in shaping regional identities and values among Filipino ethnic groups. The indigenous personality theory emphasizes the importance of shared identity, cultural expression and strong equivalence among Filipino people as a core cultural value (Pe-Pua & Protacio-Marcelino, 2000). In Masbate, this shared identity is interwoven with the province's unique linguistic landscape, giving rise to localized literary pieces that reflect its distinct cultural heritage.
Due to being colonized by the Americans, the Philippines has developed a remarkably high proficiency in using English which is reflected upon its literature (Estremera and Dio, 2024). In the Philippines, culture is a potent inspiration in writing and may lay the foundation in preserving regional cultural heritage. Additionally, a study revealed that these written pieces are good sources of information about the image of the places in terms of physical and cultural milieu making it a vital tool for cultural preservation (Gilbas, 2020). With that, this study aims to illuminate the thematic nuances within poetry written in Minasbate dialect, examining how these themes and literary devices help in preserving the province's cultural heritage. By analyzing the interplay of language, culture, and artistic expression, this research seeks to deepen our understanding of Masbate's unique identity and its contribution to the broader tapestry of Filipino literature.
Theoretical Underpinning
This study is grounded by new criticism approach in literature. As a means of gaining an understanding of how apiece of literature functions as a self-contained, self-referential aesthetic object, it placed an emphasis on close reading, particularly reading poetry. (Criticism, 1941). It is also a literary approach that deals strictly with the literary texts primarily as an independent work of art. To elucidate Minasbate poetry, new criticism advocates for the adoption of a comprehensive historical perspective as the criterion for evaluating a literary work. A method for studying literature that is more methodical and objective is offered by New Criticism. It does not allow the meaning of the text to be influenced by assumptions about the author, the reader, or the historical context. Instead, it focuses on the text itself and ignores those assumptions. In the exploration of Minasbate poetry, it is a must to use this approach knowing fully well that there are minimal studies tackling Minasbate literature. As a pioneering study, it a vital to understand first the structure of the Masbateño literary landscape to thoroughly understand how these poems promote regional identity and cultural preservation on a broader scale.
Method
Research Design
This research adopts a purely qualitative approach to explore the themes and cultural significance of Masbate poetry. In order to determine the meanings people ascribe to things, qualitative research design looks at individuals, instances, phenomena, social situations, and processes in their natural settings (Chiu & Turnbull, 2014). Qualitative research, with its emphasis on understanding the themes and literary devices used through close reading of the forty-four (44) Minasbate poems, is particularly well-suited for delving into the nuanced world of literary and cultural analysis. The process also involves gathering descriptive data to strengthen the cultural implications of the poems. The rich tapestry of Masbate poetry is explored within a robust framework that is provided by this qualitative methodology. This research endeavors to elucidate the profound connections between literature, culture, and identity in the province of Masbate through the integration of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic observation, and rigorous textual analysis.
Procedure
The researcher sought permission from the chairman of the Obra Masbateño to collect the poems published during the arts festival. There was a total of forty-four (44) Minasbate poems, all written in dialects present in Masbate; namely: Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, and Minasbate in general. The researcher then conducted a close-reading to fully understand the literary pieces with the end goal of collecting the recurring themes, literary devices used and their contribution in preserving the cultural heritage of Masbate. Along the way, a thematic analysis is then used to classify data according to its unifying themes and patterns. This approach allows the researcher to carve out data from the collected poems.
Data Processing
This study used the following procedure to ensure appropriate data processing.
* Data Collection: This strategy is vital to this study as it helps the researcher gather information, which is vital to answering research questions and achieving research objectives (Karunarathna et al., 2024). The research then collected the poems from the authorized office, allowing their consumption for research purposes.
* Data preparation: Dealing with raw data can be a handful of experience that demands the researcher to cleanse, sort, and filter the data to remove any inaccurate, incomplete, or redundant data (Zhang et al., 2003). This step also involves identifying duplicate entries and taking corrective measures.
* Data output: Data are usually collected raw and are therefore difficult to understand. This demands the researcher to transform the data into understandable formats, such as graphs, videos, photos, and texts (In & Lee, 2017).
* Coding: This stage in qualitative research involves labeling, organizing, sorting the data by themes to find trends and relationships between the themes and meaning making (Williams & Moser, 2019).
* Data visualization: This requires a systematic and meticulous presentation of the insights gathered from the data as this plays a vital role in expressing research results (Parsons, 2022).
Data Analysis
The researcher used the following data analysis techniques to sufficiently analyze the data gathered. These techniques ensured the authenticity of the data collected to truly reflect the nature of Minasbate poems.
Thematic Analysis: The main technique for examining the information gathered will be thematic analysis. This entails identifying common themes and patterns in the poems, interviews, and focus group discussions (Jowsey et al., 2021). The way that these themes represent and influence Masbate's cultural identity will be the main focus of the analysis.
Discourse Analysis: The language used in the poems will be examined using discourse analysis, which will focus on the subtleties of meaning and the ways that language shapes cultural understandings (Foulkes, 2010).
Narrative Analysis: In order to investigate the narratives and stories that are interwoven within the poems, narrative analysis will be implemented to investigate the extent to which these narratives contribute to the formation of cultural memory and identity (Earthy & Cronin, 2008).
Ethical Considerations
Strict ethical standards will be implemented to guarantee that all poems provided are with informed consent and maintain their anonymity in this investigation. As research contexts continuously evolve, it is crucial that ethical standards keep pace to ensure that protection of research subjects, concepts and results (Rivers & Lewis, 2014). Authors of the poems consumed in this study provided their consent. Under no circumstance shall the individual analysis of the poem go public which may tarnish the reputation of the author knowing too well that ethical dilemmas continuously arise in the field of research (Vanclay et al., 2013). Throughout the research process, cultural norms and values will be carefully considered. The research findings will be presented to the Masbate community in a respectful and accessible manner which may tentatively be available during the next Obra Masbateño Arts Festival.
Findings and Discussion
Common themes and motifs in Minasbate poetry
This study identified three predominant themes and motifs in Minasbate poetry: emotions, culture, and values. These topics provide a vivid depiction of Masbate in its poetry. These have contributed to the diversification of poetry in the province, enabling it to breathe life into a plethora of poetic works.
Emotions
In order to preserve a community's cultural identity and legacy, regional poetry must contain strong emotional undertones. The production of Masbate's poetry is frequently inspired by emotions such as love, yearning, and loss, which in turn serve as a potent medium for the dissemination of cultural traditions and values. Poetry illustrates the interaction between emotion and cultural memory. This enables the author to create a work imbued with a deep sense of nostalgia and desire for the past, lamenting the deterioration of cultural practices and traditions. The need to preserve historical rites and artefacts, the recurrent imagery of time, and the transient character of the present all contribute to the community's efforts to protect its collective memory. In poetry, emotions are essential because they influence its composition, significance, and interpretation. These emotions create the tone, allowing authors to not only convey their emotions but also provide firsthand experiences that reflect their towns and cultures. There are certain feelings that might serve as a source of inspiration for poetry. For example, happiness can bring about lyrical beauty, while sadness can bring about introspection and solemnity. Similarly, poems establish connections with the audience by transforming genuine emotions into relatable ones (Olsen, 1998). With the intention of comprehending cultural viewpoints, readers are able to experience universal emotions such as love and loss through the lens of these emotions. As a result, because poetry conveys the emotional essence of historical events and lived experiences, it may be used to archive experiences and serve as a record of values, cultures, and traditions (Petievich & Stille, 2017). These compositions subsequently serve as conduits for cultural transmission, guaranteeing the preservation of traditional and cultural traditions across generations. Emotional poems can be used to combat cultural extinction causes such as globalization and colonialism. It is intriguing that poets ultimately convey regional landscapes and histories by using emotions that are evoked by the regional environment, including its topography, history, and climate. The use of regional dialects enhances emotional expression in local languages, thereby reinforcing linguistic identity. By employing Minasbate as the medium for poetry composition, the language is able to flourish in the context of written literary works. Frequently, the cadence, rhythm, and vocabulary of regional dialects are indicative of their distinctiveness and their resonance with other languages. Though emotional depth embodies cultural memory and meaning, the capacity of regional poetry to elicit emotion and preserve cultural identity is further emphasized by the concepts present in the poem. The emotional appeal and content of a poem can be used to interpret it in a variety of ways (Tsur, 2017). The poems' creation and perception are significantly influenced by the emotions they elicit. The development of a distinctive linguistic repertoire by each poet is a defining characteristic of their work, as it reflects their individual experiences and perspectives. The nuances and complexities of regional cultural expression are preserved through the personalized use of language, which also functions as a literary device. These all encapsulate the essence of a culture, creating an enduring cultural narrative by combining individual and collective experiences. It is the emotional resonance that guarantees the survival, growth, and celebration of cultural and regional subtleties as indicators of identity.
Culture
In Minasbate poetry, the subjects, imagery, and emotional depth are all profoundly influenced by recurring cultural patterns, including tourism, livelihood, festivals, and cuisine. These cultural aspects, which are deeply embedded in a community's way of life, frequently serve as the foundation for creative expression. By encapsulating the substance of local experiences and customs, they contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and regional identity through poetry (Elizabeth, n.d.). Authors of Minasbate poems frequently write about tourist attractions, distinctive cultural traditions, and historical sites in Masbate province. This facilitates the introduction of themes related to encounter and the exploration of narrative and cultural exchange. Poetry in some way addresses themes of connection, hospitality, and cultural pride when it cultivates a relationship between the writer and the reader. The poems also incorporate prominent tourist destinations, which results in an evocative representation of Masbate's regional identity. Moreover, the essence of livelihood encapsulates the daily existence of the community, profoundly shaping the poetry that emerges from the tangible realities of resilience, labor, and struggle (Culture, 2019). In rural areas such as Masbate, poetry frequently honors the abundant harvests and fishing, illustrating the rhythms of life and the challenges inherent within them. The poems further illustrate the pride that Masbateños hold in their local artisans and the craftsmanship evident in creations such as banig, sculptures, and paintings.
The objective of poetry is to safeguard cultural heritage, as evidenced by these works of art. Over time, poetry also challenges social inequalities and inequities associated with livelihood in the province, providing a platform for the marginalized sector that is striving to preserve their communities and narratives (Reyes et al., 2024). Festivals, characterized by their vivid demonstrations of cultural identity, can be mirrored in Minasbate poetry, enriching it with color, rhythm, and emotion. Joy, triumph, struggle, faith, and even spiritual connection are frequently the subjects of poems that are inspired by festivals. Two of Masbate's most well-known festivals are the Rodeo Festival, which depicts cattle farming in the province, and the Lapay Bantigue Festival, which pays homage to Lola Fely, the majestic seagull, and St. Felomina (Antoinette, 2014). These serve as an illustration of the spiritual significance of festivals in the province that Minasbate poetry explores in order to preserve them for future generations. Food has a significant impact on poetry expression since it is the most accessible sensory and cultural experience. For some individuals, food serves as a way to reconnect with their heritage and upbringing, evoking nostalgic feelings in both readers and authors. In many cases, poems about food are employed as an ode to cultural pride, memory, and affection. Masbate, in particular, and the Bicol region as a whole, take great delight in their cuisine, which is also evident in their poetry and songs (Gilbas, 2015). Poetry underscores the distinctiveness of Masbate's cultural identity by emphasizing regional cuisines, thereby guaranteeing that the culinary traditions are commemorated and cherished. Overall, the recurring themes capture a sense of sentimental pride and the significance of the province. Poetry that honors livelihood, food, culture, and tradition fosters a connection among people to their heritage, increasing the likelihood of preserving these practices. It nurtures a shared memory through emotional connection, which will probably aid in embedding these ideals into the community's cultural narrative and preserving them as symbols of identity. In a time of rapid technological progress, poetry serves as a means for Masbate to share its culture and heritage with the world, ensuring that these values remain unique and appreciated.
Values
The poetic landscape of Minasbate poetry is influenced by recurring patterns of values, including family, faith, religion, the struggles of the marginalized sector, and the knowledge of the elderly. These values are profoundly ingrained in the morals of a Masbateño, motivating poets to compose works that reflect universal truths and cultural wisdom. By articulating their values, poems contribute to the preservation and reinforcement of cultural identity, thereby establishing a shared emotive and moral landscape (Lumbera, 1968). As a consequence, Minasbate poetry contains poems that explore themes of self-discovery. The unique natural landscape of Masbate often serves as metaphors of self-discovery, such as mountains, rivers and sailing across the seas. These allude to journeys of emotional highs, low self-esteem and symbolize introspection. Poets often weave concepts of self-discovery into a cultural context, exploring identity within a traditional framework of societal expectations. Faith and religion influence Minasbate poetry deeply through spiritual themes, morals and cultural rituals present in the poem. Religious practices, prayers and myths are often embedded in poems preserving sacred traditions in verses (Arcilla Jr., 2024). Masbate and the Philippines in general, being the third largest Catholic country, put great emphasis on its religion and faith. Markers of religion can be traced back even from the pre-colonial periods and are reflected in its culture, tradition and literature. Poems which are deeply rooted in religion and faith often revolve around redemption, hope, offering moral compass and reintegrating communal values.
Additionally, an emotional core of familial themes and human relationship is one of the core patterns of Minasbate poetry. These poems often portray familial bonds of parents and siblings and even the extended families, which is very common in Filipino context. Poets often explore these themes as modes of transmission of tradition and family values necessary in preserving the dynamics of Filipino cultural practices and stories (Cabanias, 2017). Symbolisms of home and belongingness often emerge in Minasbate poetry using images like ancestral homes, shared meals and even a shared home. Struggles of the marginalized sectors are also highlighted in poetry in the province of Masbate, as it inspires poetry to give voices to the silenced and overlooked narratives of the masses. Cries for social justice and advocacies are reflected upon these poems with the hopes of addressing poverty, inequality and discrimination (Camangian, 2008). One of the most notable themes of Minasbate poems is that it tends to romanticize the struggles of the poor people and how they are able to overcome these struggles to share stories of success. Emotional resilience is often highlighted in these poems, focusing on raw emotions of anger, hope, and defiance. All of these encapsulate the human spirit, connecting readers to a shared struggle for life and success. These are powerful tools for raising awareness and fostering empathy, which will eventually lead to developing values of resilience and gratitude. In areas like Masbate where specific groups of the marginalized sector, like indigenous people, women and laborers are often overlooked, poetry helps shed light upon their unique struggles, preserving their stories, demanding recognition and attention. Embedding values in cultural narratives through poetry often captures the emotional essence of self-discovery, faith, family and values, which are also central to cultural preservation and regional identity. By preserving morals, religious practices and familial traditions, they act as a repository of cultural knowledge. Also, amplifying voices of the marginalized sector preserves experiences embedded in cultural narratives. This fosters inclusivity in literature and ensures that diverse perspectives are valued and acknowledged. By doing so, poetry can help promote intergenerational knowledge within the province of Masbate. It is by immortalizing the wisdom of the elders through poetic expression, we can pass on cultural practices and values across generations to come. All of these will eventually lead to reinforcing Masbateño pride, strengthening communal bonds, bridging the gap between the past and present and showcasing regional identity. Poetry becomes a medium for the purposes and goals by celebrating cultural uniqueness, shared values and perspectives distinct to various communities.
Linguistic elements and poetic devices present in Minasbate poetry
Linguistic elements (such as syntax, morphology, tone and rhyme) and poetic devices (like imagery, metaphor, simile, alliteration and symbolism) profoundly shape the structure, emotional impact, value and meaning of a poem. Altogether, these elements work together to communicate emotions, ideas, regional identity and preserve cultural heritage. When these elements are used sparingly in a cultural context, they ensure that Masbate's traditions, values, language and culture are expressed and celebrated. Using Minasbate as a medium in writing these poems ensures the cultivation of authenticity and regional identity. The choice of language initially reflects the identity and culture of the poet (Santos, 2023). For instance, Minasbate poems are written in local languages or indigenous dialects, thereby ensuring that it is deeply rooted in Masbate's culture and context. As a result, this fosters authenticity by using local expressions, phrases and idioms capturing the essence of a cultural identity. Additionally, the use of syntax and grammatical structure of the language can influence how ideas and emotions are expressed. Take, for instance, honorifics in Minasbate poetry, which are evident in the use of "po and opo", reflect cultural norms and respect for elderly people, which are central values in the province. Authors also manipulate syntax to emphasize rhythm, evoke a specific mood and create ambiguity all throughout the poem. This manipulation of linguistic elements and poetic devices is extended with the use of rhyme and rhythm as it adds musicality to the poem, often serving as mirrors of oral tradition, songs and storytelling (Alejandrino, 2016). Rhyme and rhythm are also emphasized with the playful accompaniment of allusion and alliteration in Minasbate poetry. The repetition of sounds enhances the poem's auditory appeal, echoing the oral traditions of Masbate. This is evident in the use of words like natitingala, pispis, gingugukod and many more. Evidently, these elements add color and vibrancy to Minasbate poetry, paving the way for cultural preservation. In the majority of these poems, imagery also plays a vital role in creating a vivid sense of places and emotions anchored upon local landscapes, festivities and rituals which are common in the province. When used effectively, imagery does not only enhance the artistic value of a poem, but it also deepens its cultural significance by immortalizing a community's unique identity, values and traditions. Imagery stirs emotions by drawing on universal and culturally appropriate experiences, making Minasbate poetry relatable while preserving Masbate's cultural context (Oliveros et al., 2023). It also translates abstract emotions into tangible experiences, making the poem more accessible and relatable to the audience. Symbolic imagery also enlivens the poem and encourages readers to explore the layers of its meaning as it carries symbolic meanings equipping the poem with a deeper interpretation. Moreover, symbolism is also evident in Minasbate poetry as it is tied to a community's rich history, encapsulating its cultural identity. When one uses symbolism in poetry, it helps shape and preserve cultural icons and regional emotions. While some symbols are universally understood, others also carry a unique regional significance native only to the province, allowing poetry to bridge the local and global scenes of literature. Consequently, these linguistic elements and poetic devices aid cultural preservation in ways far greater than the poems themselves. Altogether, these capture emotions, values and traditions reflecting a unique cultural memory, preserving these for generations to come. These elements also help in revitalizing the local linguistic landscape of Masbate. The emotional appeal of poetry written in regional languages encourages its continued use, fostering a sense of pride and linguistic heritage. Poets also use these linguistic elements and poetic devices to highlight what makes Minasbate distinct from all other languages. This linguistic identity enriches global literature and helps recognizing lesser-known cultures and languages.
Poems are great vessels of cultural preservation and regional identity. Likewise, Minasbate poetry can help secure Masbate's cultural survival through these dominant themes present in its poetry. Minasbate poems focus on uplifting communities and the ideas of collective progress. This promotes the idea of how shared struggles and victories work together in defining the identity of a region. By portraying values of perseverance and hard work in poetry, it can instill a sense of pride and resilience. Additionally, the use of poetry has helped shape the landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT) by incorporating these elements and linguistic devices into lessons using contextualized poems. Through intensive exposure to poems, learners get to develop literary competence, which is vital for language learning (Phinn, 2009). Literary competence can be useful in addressing certain assumptions in language which fall mostly on the structure of the language. In this sense, competence can be regarded as the revision and accommodation of language based on language systems. Moreover, many argued that poems frequently break the rules of language through its different take on writing and expression. However, these irregularities in poetic writing give learners a fresh perspective on the nature and use of language. Since most poems often use deviant language, students get to explore distinctive features of language, which is otherwise impossible with other approaches (Firdausi, 2020). This deviancy in language allows opportunity for learners to discover irregularities in language, reinforcing appropriate use of language. Ultimately, the use of poetry in English Language Teaching can be viewed on the perspective of different lenses, but it is no less than a fact that poems can help shape how learners learn and use English as a language.
Eventually, it encourages communities to overcome challenges brought about by economic marginalization that hinders their way of life, reinforcing the idea that local actions and community efforts are integral to global cultural preservation (Herrero, 2007). Local identity, language, and heritage are central features of any culture. The themes emphasizing its preservation allude to the uniqueness of a community's tradition and linguistic diversity. As globalization threatens regional identities, this should remind us that there is a need to safeguard the distinctiveness of our culture, considering that the Philippines is an archipelago of culture, language, and identity. Areas characterized by varied cultures and languages frequently encounter difficulties in preserving their identity. The concept of resilience within diversity can be amplified via poetry by celebrating distinctions and regional identity. This will ultimately cultivate mutual respect across diverse ethnic groups, reducing violence and encouraging cohabitation. This theme universally reflects multicultural situations that promote inclusivity and illustrate how regional uniqueness enhances a mosaic of cultures. Art, food, festivals, and oral tradition can be modes of cultural expression and encapsulate the essence of a community. It connects people to their history and reinforces a sense of belongingness. By expressing culture through poetry, Masbate can preserve practices that may fade over time. Cultural expression fosters a sense of pride while guaranteeing its perpetuation. Cultural identity is a universal human right and a vital element of global cultural heritage as reflected in the themes in poetry. This challenges existing narratives regarding the role of Minasbate poetry in promoting regional dialects and languages as poetic forms, thus reclaiming the agency of marginalized languages. This will transform how underrepresented languages can challenge prejudices and misrepresentations. By affirming Minasbate narratives, poetry helps foster cultural preservation and ownership of their identities. This would facilitate a continuous discourse on power dynamics and global representation that emerged in the post-colonial age. The utilization of regional languages and dialects challenges monocultural viewpoints while promoting a society that appreciates diverse narratives (Savski, n.d.). Regional identities and cultural preservation through local knowledge and customs honored in Minasbate poetry. Moreover, the emergence of a new age in cultural sustainability and identity should reflect traditional knowledge encompassing even indigenous agricultural methods, fishing practices, and religious beliefs through poetry. Showcasing the unique cultural expressions of Masbate and challenging dominant narratives, Minasbate poems can invite a global audience to appreciate diversity and reconsider valuing ethnographic perspectives. In an era run by social media and globalization, these poetic themes serve as countermeasures to cultural homogenization and remind us of the value of unique cultural identities. Hopefully, this will foster a shared cultural future that celebrates differences and diverse perspectives.
Conclusion
This research study aims to identify recurring themes, linguistic elements, and poetic devices present in Minasbate poetry. Along with this, the study also aims to navigate the contribution of Masbateño poems in fostering regional identity and cultural survival. With themes revolving around emotions, values, and culture, Minasbate poetry surely has a unique way of moulding the cultural and linguistic landscape of the province. Emotions like love, friendship, and longing are central concepts present in Minasbate poetry. The production of Masbate's poetry is frequently inspired by emotions such as love, yearning, and loss, which in turn serve as a potent medium for the dissemination of cultural traditions and values. Additionally, cultural perspectives tackling festivals, food, and livelihood foster a connection among people to their heritage, increasing the likelihood of preserving these practices. It facilitates the cultivation of a shared memory by fostering emotional connections and cultural experiences. Values are also integrated in these forms of poetry, as these values are profoundly ingrained in the morals of a Masbateño, motivating poets to compose works that reflect universal truths and cultural wisdom. Linguistic elements and poetic devices like imagery, simile, metaphor, syntax, morphology, metaphor, symbolism and the likes are well-observed in Minasbate poetry. Consequently, these linguistic elements and poetic devices aid cultural preservation in ways far greater than the poem itself. Altogether, these capture emotions, values and traditions reflecting a unique cultural memory preserving these for generations to come. Altogether, these helps promote concepts of regional resilience amidst diversity, challenging dominant languages, cultural representation and importance of preserving local identity which are the vital contributions of Minasbate in preserving cultural survival and regional identity. These would facilitate a continuous discourse on emerging power dynamics and global representation. Extensive research is hereby recommended to widen the understanding on Minasbate poetry and how these can strengthen cultural resilience in the modern context. Furthermore, comparative study of Minasbate poetry with other regional poetry can help us better understand how dynamics of regional and cultural interdependence play a vital role in shaping national identity. Focus on gender representation can also be one of the focal points of further studies to establish how gender influence the creation and meaning of Minasbate poetry. Such undertaking can help us boost the morale of Philippine culture and identity as it focuses on regional poetic landscape as means of establishing and embracing cultural pride.
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