SPEAKING IN LAYERS: SOCIOLECTAL MORPHOLOGY OF HILIGAYNON VISAYAN LANGUAGE

Abstract: This study analyzed how gay teachers in the target area creatively form the Hiligaynon Visayan language using their unique style of speaking. It utilized the framework of Parker and Riley, which views language variation and morphology as organized deviation that shows social meaning, the research explored how Hiligaynon words, specifically nouns, verbs, and adjectives, change in word form and usage within the gay community. Through descriptive qualitative approach, thirty commonly utilized words were analyzed to discover patterns of morphological modification. The findings showed that most variations included complete word substitutions instead of affixation, although some featured prefix or suffix changes by adding -la, changing -om to -ma, or replacing ta- with shu-. These creative linguistic innovations reveal how language becomes a way for identity, creativity, and belonging among a specific sociolect such as the gay community. Further, they highlight that speech is dynamic and is continuously formed by social and cultural interaction. Finally, the study showed that these variations improve and help shape the Hiligaynon language. Respect and greater understanding for the gay sociolect is called upon in this study for inclusivity and better appreciation of variations in language. Further research on the some aspects of Hiligaynon-Visayan language that involves other social groups may be advanced.