In celebration of Women’s Month 2024, we honor the contributions of homegrown Filipina linguists who have left an indelible mark on the field of linguistics and language studies in the Philippines. These women, through their pioneering research, dedication to education, and commitment to language preservation, have significantly contributed to the discipline. They have played roles in shaping language policies, promoting linguistic diversity, nurturing future generations of linguistics scholars, and fostering a deeper understanding of Philippine languages and cultures. Their dedication and expertise have paved the way for greater recognition and appreciation of the linguistic heritage of the Philippines. 

This occasion for the celebration of women is a time to acknowledge and pay tribute to the achievements of women across various fields, including those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge and culture. As we celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, let us recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of these homegrown Filipina linguists who have significantly enriched our understanding of language, culture, and identity as we aspire to build upon the foundations they have established. 

Dean Consuelo J. Paz†

  • a pillar of modern Philippine linguistics and a force in the establishment and advancement of Filipino as the National Language
  • Chair of the Department of Linguistics  (1979-82, 1988-91)
  • Dean of College of Social Science and Philosophy (1992-1998)
  • historical and comparative linguistics, sociolinguistics, and ethnolinguistics

Dean Consuelo J. Paz was a pioneering linguist, activist, and leader whose legacy continues to resonate within the academic community and beyond. Throughout her career, she served as Chair of the Department of Linguistics twice (1979-1982, 1988- 1991) and later as Dean of College of Social Science & Philosophy (1992 – 1998), where she championed the widespread adoption of Filipino as the medium of instruction and communication. 

Specializing in historical and comparative linguistics, sociolinguistics, and ethnolinguistics, her unparalleled contributions to the field of Philippine linguistics and culture act as the cornerstone of many of the subsequent work in the discipline. Her various works include  “A Reconstruction of Philippine Phonemes and Morphemes,” which served as a milestone for Philippine diachronic studies. Her articles including “The Effects of Language on Social Structures: The Philippine Multilingual Scene,” “The Nationalization of a Language: Filipino,” and “A Multidisciplinary Study of Stigma in Relation to Hansen’s Disease Among the Tausug,” were published in international academic journals.

Her lifelong presence in the UP community solidified her role as a transformative figure within the academic community, leaving an indelible mark on the traditions of the university, including the usage of the sablay during graduation ceremonies. 

References:

Department of Linguistics (2022). In Memoriam: Dr. Consuelo J. Paz (1933-2022). https://linguistics.upd.edu.ph/news/in-memoriam-dr-consuelo-j-paz-1933-2022/

Farolan, J. (2022) Consuelo J. Paz 1933-2022. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2022/09/18/2210457/consuelo-j-paz-1933-2022

Farolan, J. (2022). Consuelo J. Paz, mother and leader. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2022/05/01/2177927/consuelo-j-paz-mother-and-leader

Gargantiel, F. (2022). Remembering Consuelo J. Paz, the grand dame of philippine linguistics. University of the Philippines Alumni. https://alum.up.edu.ph/remembering-consuelo-j-paz-the-grand-dame-of-philippine-linguistics/

Jadloc, M. (2022). Paalam, Dean Consuelo J. Paz. University of the Philippines Diliman. https://upd.edu.ph/paalam-dean-consuelo-j-paz/

Prof. Emilita L. Cruz†

  • BA in Foreign Service & MA in Linguistics
  • taught at UP for more than four decades
  • Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs 
  • “Subcategorization of Tagalog Verbs”

Professor Emilita L. Cruz’s dedication to teaching and research spans over four decades, during which she has influenced countless students and colleagues with her expertise in Philippine Linguistics and Bahasa Indonesia/Malaysia (BIM). Her extensive academic background, which includes a BA in Foreign Service and a MA in Linguistics, laid the foundation for her distinguished career as a professional lecturer at the College of Social Science & Philosophy at the Department of Linguistics for more than four decades. Affectionately referred to as “Chegu” (from cikgu, meaning ‘teacher, professor’ in Bahasa Malaysia) by her colleagues, her research including her work on the “Subcategorization of Tagalog Verbs” has greatly advanced the study of linguistics in the Philippines. Prof. Cruz’s commitment to education and cross-cultural understanding has been instrumental in shaping linguistic discourse in the Philippines.

References:

Diliman Information Office. (2017). Cruz, 74. https://upd.edu.ph/cruz-74/

Dr. Irma U. Peneyra

Dr. Irma U. Peneyra has made significant contributions to the field through her research and publications in Philippine linguistics. Specializing in historical linguistics, dialectology, and lexicography, Dr. Peneyra’s works, such as the groundbreaking dissertation titled, “Isang Rekonstrasyong Internal ng Tagalog batay sa mga Piling Dayalek,” and a pioneering master’s thesis titled, “A Grammatical Sketch of the Tausug Language” have deepened our understanding of Philippine languages and their cultural significance. Her research and publications are some of the most often cited and built upon reference by modern linguists seeking to better understand the linguistic landscape in the Philippines. Her meticulous research and dedication to preserving linguistic heritage have earned her recognition as a leading authority in the field of Philippine linguistics. 

Dr. Viveca V. Hernandez

Dr. Viveca V. Hernandez’s expertise in synchronic linguistics, lexicography, and ethnolinguistics has positioned her as a respected figure in the field of linguistics. With a diverse range of research interests, Dr. Hernandez has contributed extensively to the study of languages such as Japanese, Spanish, and Ilokano (particularly morphology & syntax). Her research endeavors, including “Overcoming Disasters: Lessons from Post-Disaster Interventions in Japan, and Southeast Asia,” and “Ang Diksyunaryo at Gramatika ni Pedro Serrano Laktaw : Isang Pagsusuring Panlingwistika,” exemplify her commitment to using linguistics as a tool for positive change and community resilience. Her presence in the Department of Linguistics as both a lecturer and adviser for graduate students also paved the way for a greater increase in the theoretical viewpoints of various research produced by the Department, expanding the willingness to investigate the previously unexplored avenues in the field of linguistics. 

Dr. Anicia H. Del Corro 

Dr. Anicia H. Del Corro is a leading linguist and translation consultant, best known for her work in the translation of the Pinoy Version New Testament. She was one of the first graduates of the Department of Linguistics’ Bachelor’s Degree program to join the faculty, where she served for more than a decade as a lecturer and was also appointed as the Director of the Translation Department of the Philippine Bible Society. Dr. Del Corro’s research work ranges from Kapampangan lexicography and morphophonemics, Philippine linguistics, language endangerment, and Bible translation. She contributed greatly to the translation and publication of the Bible in various languages including Tagalog, Kapampangan, Cebuano, and many more. Dr. Del Corro’s efforts have helped bridge linguistic and cultural divides, making religious texts more accessible to Filipino communities. 

Illustrations by Patricia Anne Ocampo

Write-ups by Lilie Marie Delos Santos

Published by Patricia anne Ocampo & Lilie Marie Delos Santos