Tboli

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A language of Philippines

ISO 639-3
tbl
Alternate Names
T’boli, Tiboli, “Tagabili” (pej.)
Autonym
Tboli
User Population

87,200 (2005 UNSD). 10,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 145,000 (2010 census).

Location

Soccsksargen region: Sarangani province, Katabau west to provincial border on Celebes seacoast; South Cotabato province, Mount Busa area and west; Sultan Kudarat province, Bagumbayan municipality and Kraun area.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Bilic, Tboli
Dialects

Central Tboli, Western Tboli, Southern Tboli.

Typology

VSO; articles, adjectives, numerals all before and after noun heads; question word in sentence-initial position; dual number; maximum number of affixes: 1 prefix, 2 infixes, no suffixes; word order distinguishes subject, object and direct objects, given and new information, topic and comment; affixes indicate case of noun phrase; passives; causatives; comparatives; 15 consonants and 7 vowels; non-tonal; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Speak Tboli to each other freely in buses, surrounding towns, etc. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Filipino [fil]. Also use Hiligaynon [hil]. Used as L2 by Koronadal Blaan [bpr], Sarangani Blaan [bps].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Perhaps 50%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: Perhaps 50%–60%. Literacy program in previously unreached coastal mountain range. Taught in primary schools in grades 1–3. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2007.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tboli
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.