Pagsasalin ng mga Kuwentong Bayan Bilang Ambag sa Preserbasyon ng Kultura (Translation of Folktales as a Contribution to Cultural Preservation)

Regional literature such as folktales serves to educate readers about cultures that differ from theirs to broaden their perspectives and understanding to avoid ethnocentrism, judgment, and criticism of cultures they are unaware of. However, language often becomes a barrier to understanding regional literature. Thus, it is necessary to translate it into a language that is widely understood by many. The researcher identified the characteristics of a folktale to be translated into Filipino, collected folktales, and evaluated the level of validation and acceptance of the translation. Mixed methods research was utilized, wherein the researcher conducted interviews, contextual analysis, and statistical analysis. Based on the study's findings, folktales should reflect Filipino cultures, values, and current social issues for them to be translated into Filipino. From these characteristics, five folktales from Tadian, Mountain Province were selected and translated – Senga, Gipi, Estoryan Bedodoy, Baddangaw at Nan Babae ed Buwan. The level of validation was carefully reviewed and based on statistical results, the translations are fully agreed upon. The level of acceptance of the translation was analyzed and found to be very acceptable. These findings are relevant in identifying the characteristics that should be reflected when translating native folktales to Filipino. Recommendations suggest using this study as a basis for translating folktales of another town; translating other folk tales of our country to cultivate our literature; and these folktales can also be used to teach regional literature and culture.