Foreword

This online dictionary is the result of the efforts of many people. We would like to honor, first of all, the Tagakaulo Kalagan people who welcomed linguists and others into their unique culture to work together on language development.

Since 1953, dictionary work has been a part of the overall language development. Formally called the Lumabat, the Barangays of Lower Mainit, Ampon, Tamban, and Lutay was a principal area of data gathering. SIL linguists Francis B. Dawson, Don and Mary Murray, Jim Cooper and Harlan Kerr gathered phrases in those communities through various methods.

In January 1983, Don and Mary Murray published a Tagakaulo Kalagan Dictionary that was root-based and transferred it into digital format. This was a gift to the community. Then, in subsequent years, the writing system was changed.

In 1991, Scott and Becky Burton began their work among the Kalagan. They first moved to Upper Lumabat-Panamin (which is now Barangay Panamin) and some of their early data was collected from sitios within this barangay. The Burtons continued to build on the original published dictionary, creating an expanded dictionary corpus.

In 1993, the Burtons moved to Sitio Selep, Barangay San Juan. Much of their material are from Tagakaulo Kalagan dwelling in that area. The data is from recorded texts, elicitation from many Kalagan speakers, and from translation. In the 2000s, the Burtons expanded their elicitation areas to cover much of the Kalagan areas including those in the Municipalities of Malita and Santa Maria as well as the Municipality of Malungon.

This online dictionary is a compilation of input from many Kalagan over a 60-year period. It is to them that we dedicate this dictionary. May it serve as an essential tool in helping to preserve their language.

At the time of publication of this dictionary, there are more words still to be added. We welcome your input in this work. Please send us your comments and additions by writing a message on the Contact Us page.