Linguistic Sustainability and Cultural Convergence: The Phonological Adaptation of English Loanwords in the Maguindanaon Language [SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Objective: This study investigates the integration of English loanwords into Maguindanaon, focusing on phonological and morphological adaptations that align borrowings with the native linguistic framework while reflecting sociocultural dynamics in a globalized context. Theoretical Framework: Grounded in Optimality Theory and sociolinguistic perspectives on language contact, this research examines the systematic constraints shaping phonological modifications and the role of globalization in linguistic adaptation. Method: Data were collected through structured interviews with 30 native Maguindanaon speakers proficient in English. Phonological and morphological analyses identified key modifications, including vowel substitution, consonantal shifts, syllable restructuring, affixation, and semantic shifts. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal systematic phonological adaptations ensuring coherence with Maguindanaon phonotactics, such as vowel epenthesis and consonantal adjustments. Morphological integration involves affixation and shifts in meaning. Sociolinguistic factors, including generational differences and exposure to English, significantly influence these adaptations. The study highlights the resilience of Maguindanaon in maintaining linguistic identity while adapting to external influences. Research Implications: This research provides insights for bilingual education, linguistic preservation, and language policy, supporting the development of educational materials and documentation efforts to sustain Maguindanaon in contemporary contexts. Originality/Value: By documenting phonological and morphological processes in English loanword adaptation, this study contributes to the understanding of Austronesian language contact and preservation, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between linguistic structure and cultural identity.