¿Vivo Pa Ba Negotiating the Future of Chavacano in the Digital Age
Arjayne Bacus and Khrystal Venus Munar
Abstract
This study investigates the digital vitality of Chavacano among Zamboangueño youth. Through a language ethnography, the research assessed self-rated proficiency, usage frequency, and linguistic attitudes.
The findings identify a distinct “Digital Lag,” where oral fluency significantly outpaces digital writing competence. Usage patterns reveal a domain shift: adolescents primarily use Chavacano for vertical family communication, while young adults transition the language into horizontal peer groups. However, public digital spaces remain overwhelmingly English-dominant, with ~70% of adolescents opting for English in writing simulations. A central confidence paradox emerged, characterized by high linguistic pride and cultural identity offset by low linguistic confidence, largely owing to orthographic anxiety.
The results suggest that while Chavacano thrives orally, technical and social fears hinder its digital sustainability. Recommendations include normalizing digital orthography, integrating digital literacy into formal programs, and developing high-prestige digital content in order to secure the future of the language in the virtual sphere, and beyond.
Keywords: Chavacano, digital vitality, language attitudes, Zamboanga City, orthographic anxiety, social media, heritage language