International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL)

Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016, PP 72-78

ISSN 2347-3126 (Print) & ISSN 2347-3134 (Online)
www.arcjournals.org

The Nature of Conyo in Davao City: A Language Inquiry

Albino, Yra C. Romo, Kristine B.
Bachelor of Arts in English Bachelor of Arts in English
University of Mindanao – Matina Campus University of Mindanao – Matina Campus
Davao City, Philippines Davao City, Philippines
yra279@gmail.com Kristine.romo@yahoo.com
Ana Helena R. Lovitos, Ph. D.
Adviser, University of Mindanao – Matina Campus
Davao City, Philippines
Lovitos.phd@gmail.com

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to determine the nature of the new language for the people to be
aware how it attempts to influence a man’s social and academic life. In attempt to expose the nature of this
language, the researchers used qualitative method to explicitly unfold, determine and share this topic.
Moreover, during the course of information gathering, the researchers spent time to record random people’s
conversation who talked in conyo way, in and out of the school. Results reveal that a conyo speech has its own
characteristics whenever an individual utters the words. In addition, as a speaker engages in conyo speech,
variation occurs in accordance with its different sentence pattern as translating conyo into English. Finally, a
student’s academic and social life is affected due to some environmental factors.

Keywords: nature, language inquiry, Davao Conyo, University of Mindanao, Philippine s.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Statement of the Problem
The main objective of this study is to determine the nature of the new language for the people to be
aware how this language attempts to influence a man’s social and academic life. This study seeks to
answer the following questions:
1. What are the most commonly used conyo terms in Davao?
2. What are the morphosyntactic features of the terms used by conyo in Davao?
3. How do the conyo in Davao affect the students’ academic and social activities?
1.2. Theoretical Framework
The theory that helped the researchers build the pillar of the study is the theory of Morphosyntax.
Morphosyntaxis used in referring grammatical categories in which morphology and syntax are both
useful and can be applied in elaborating the words through its characteristics (Crystal, 1980).
In addition, due to evolution, generation to generation language also changes and it affirms that
language is dynamic. Neologisms word combination and fixed phrases that appear in the language due
to the development are new word, of social life, culture, science and engineering (Sayadi, 2011).To be
more specific, neologisms as having recently come into existence lexical or subsisting units that grasp
a new wisdom. (Newmark, 2015).
Certainly, many have not noticed it as time passed by so fast and through that, language in much
variation changes. Language is vital and open for modification. It changes in some point which a part
of language’s structure no longer follows the traditional rule or in contrary, it changed at some point
whereby it adds unstructured and amorphous style conversation. To sum up, language is open for
modification and is a must to conduct an inquiry study to be informed how language affects everyone
as a part of the community.
©ARC Page | 72
Albino, Yra C. et al.

2. METHOD
2.1. Research Design
Qualitative research is a well known procedure or strategy that has a vast range of functionality.
Traditionally, it is used in the market research but mostly it is used in the social sciences discipline
and so on (QSR International, 2015). It is said to be a way of collecting issues, exploring valuable
data, considering the possible phenomena behind such, and finally unfolding the mystery through
realizing and analyzing the issue of unstructured data (Sparknotes, 2014).
2.2. Research Subjects
The subjects of the study were the people whom the researchers would hear speaking the mixed
language specifically Cebuano and Tagalog. The qualified subjects of the study were mostly teenagers
who engaged themselves in interacting through speaking conyo inside Davao City. The researchers
would record the conversation of those subjects to give out or yield essential information needed. In
order to determine the subjects some were people that we already know who really spoke the
language and some were randomly selected through speaking the language.
2.3. Research Instrument
The researchers did mostly gather information through the recordings during the application of our
research procedures. Recording different types of conversations in conyo was the only way to get
information from the subjects. The researchers only used recording apparatus to record subjects in
different locations. However before recording different conversation the researchers filled themselves
and enriched with different information and helpful websites that served as a guide and map to gather
accurate information from different subjects.
2.4. Data Gathering Procedures
The researchers were not allowed to ask for permission or even inform the targeted person or group
(speaking in conyo) to record the following conversation. It is the safest way to ensure that the raw
information were features of conyo and that it was not deemed biases or sabotaged. The study was
accorded through in-depth observation by the researchers whether it was outside or inside the school.
Through the observations, the researchers functioned as keen observers and recorded information
from random people who were speakers of conyo. Most of the recordings have taken from the public
utility jeepneys wherein speakers used it as their means of transportation. In addition, the researchers
have recorded as well conversations within the school premises and some were people that we have
already known.
2.5. Trustworthiness of the Study
In the research, trustworthiness and credibility were needed to test to show validity and reliability.
four means of trustworthiness are presented by Lincoln and Guba (1986) as follows:
Transferability exploited proper handling of records of the data obtained from the subjects. For the
benefit of the next generation, the research could be used for discussions and gathering information
about the nature of Davao conyo as a channel of communication. Confirmability measured the
validity of the inquiry’s findings were supported by the information gathered. The researchers made
sure that the results were gathered from the experiences and inputs coming from the subjects and not
from researchers’ preferences. Validity studied what was achieved and demonstrated convergence of
the information from all sources. The researchers would only acquire the information to the qualified
subjects. For validation, all the transcribed information would be checked and corrected by them.
Dependability integrated processes of data obtained and information analysis. It showed the
consistency of the results of the study. This research was supported with principle, theory and
concepts which made the study reliable.
Credibility evaluated the conceptual of interpretation of the information coming from the subjects’
main and original data given. The researchers would give an assurance that the information collected
during the course of the interview will be the same as with the information that will be transcribed in
the research proper.
2.6. Scope and Delimitation
The research was imparted with scope and limitations to elaborate a particular topic of the study. .
Through presenting clear scope people would understand more the research. The center of the study is
the features of conyo and how to speak in conyo way. In order to reach these objectives the
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 73
The Nature of Conyo in Davao City: A Language Inquiry

researchers used the recordings as a tool to know how the speakers exploit the language. This study
only delimits to the speakers of conyo in Davao. Though the recordings was randomly taken but as
long as that certain person was speaking the language then the person can be the subject of acquiring
such information. However, aside from the recordings the researchers gathered information through
in-depth observation from the environment as relying to conyo notion.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Findings
Common Conyo Terms
Looking for the most commonly used Davao Conyo is something that should be given enough time to
grasp accurate information. The researchers found out during the course analyzing the data that the
most common terms used out of 15 recordings, the same words that were uttered by different people
were namely “uy, man, mag, nag, ba, ay, gud and lang”. Those words were added in every sentence as
they converse.
For instance:
“Asan man tayo mag baba uy?”
“Where are we going to stop?” [PG1 - L1]
“Magkano man pamasahedidto?”
“How much is the fare going there?” [PG1 – L3]
“Nagtanaw kami ng movie ba, horror tapos nag tanongsiyakay papa ba.”
“We watched a horror movie then he asked my father.” [PG1 - L19]
The above sample presents and proves how the Davao conyo has been uttered and used by diverse
people, saying the same common words that are added in every word. Through the help of these
words, it would merely emphasize and show the structure and formation being used by the speakers.
There is an idea that is vital in explaining the concept “there are things and ideas as words and some
of them are formed”. Word formation may consider as the construction of words. There are a lot of
ways and techniques to form a new word, it may be word combining or blending to a new name or
even shortening the word (Bauer, 1983).
Neologism further explains that there is development that takes place not only through spoken
language but also in written words that presents the daily usage of words. That’s the reason why few
neologisms have occurred yet have not been stored or saved in a lexicon or a dictionary.
Pertaining to the words used by the speakers of Davaoconyo it definitely presents that in order to be
considered as conyo it must have its own structure like combining , shortening and even blending
words. As stated in one of the commandments in conyo which is “Thou shall make
gamitmag+pandiwa” (Anonymous, 2012). For an instance,
“Dapatdiliikaw mag ingana.”
“Do not be like that.” [PG 4- L13]
Moreover, another conyomandment is “Thou shall make kalat “oy”, “ba” ,”gud” and “man” in your
pangungusap”(Anonymous, 2012). For example,
“Ginastalkkogud din sya before beshpero di konaman din sya crush oypara man syangbayotoy.”
“I’m stalking him as well yet he is not my crush anymore.” [PG 2-L7-L8]
This would mean that through following this particular commandments Davao conyo will be formed
and would likely introduce new words in the community. Even if somehow it distorts the existing
words usually used by people, the rules given are to retain the conyo notion. Due to the massive
existence of technology language has been expanded and has lead to procreation (Tuclaud,2014).
Morpho Syntactic Features of Conyo
Structures and features of every sentence are important as ordinary people and students would tend to
communicate with each other. Inside the classroom, in order for the teacher and students to
communicate well, they have to use correct structures of English language to understand each other.
Outside the school, though students and other ordinary people do not speak in foreign language but
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 74
Albino, Yra C. et al.

still when using their native language such as Cebuano, they have to abide the rules and structure of
every sentence structure to transfer the information and message said by the speaker itself. Hence,
language structure is vital in every man’s means of communication.
A new trend of language is now sprouting all over the city, not only inside the school but it dominates
and encourages some to speak its way. In connection with this, the researchers have come up with an
idea that the language being studied has also features and structures as closely related to the correct
sentence pattern. Though different speakers engage themselves in conyo speaking in a different way,
still its characteristics abide grammar structure.
Morphology
Affixations: Terms Used in Davao Conyo
Magbaba (to stop), magkano (how much), malinaw(clear) , nagbasa (read), nagtan-aw (watch),
kahugaw (dirty), ginastalk (stalk), patingin (look) nihubag (swollen), masunog (burn), mupalit (buy),
nagtsinelas (wearing slipper), paglinis (to clean), maging’ana (be like that), Makaano (having), nag
panic (panic), Gisagot (answer), ngtanong (asking), nagatuo (believe)
Syntax
Word formation is usually formed as followed:
S-V
Tapossabingmanghudko.
“After that, my sibling said.” [PG 2-LN5-6]
(Taken from the jeepney)
S-V-O
Butakalangjud .
“You are just blind.” [PG 1-LN15]
(Recorded within a particular mall)
Imagine, nakagatakongiro.
“Imagine, I was bit by a dog” [PG 5-LN3]
(Recorded within the classroom)
Hindi akonagatuong HIV.
“I don’t believe in HIV.” [PG 5-LN2](Recorded within the classroom)
S+ V+ IO+ DO
Ginastalkkogudyung crush mosa FB.
“I’m stalking your crush in the facebook.”
[PG 12-LN12]
(Recorded inside the jeepney)
The occurence of the word formation of conyo is somehow due to the commandment in which it is
called conyommandments. “Thou shall make gamitmag+pandiwa” this particular rule is the key why
the set of words mentioned above are formed. For an example, the word “maging’ana” yet to be more
specific it can be shown like this, mag + ing’ana. It can be seen that ing’ana is the pandiwa and it is
just connected to mag that can be considered as the affix.
However, some of the words are formed through combining Cebuano and Tagalog just to bare with
the conyo notion. Particularly, Gisagot (answered), this word is derived from gi which is a Cebuano
and sagot which is a Tagalog. Though it quite distorts the real word formation of both languages
people cannot deny the fact that conyo is a phenomena that is inevitable to speak with.
In pertaining to its structure, conyo has this kind of confusing the mind of the people. It is because if
conyo would not only be translated into English it tends to present the sentence wrongly. For an
instance, the sentence “Imagine, nakagatakongiro“ (Imagine, I was bit by a dog), this sentence shows
with the neglection of the word imagine this would mean that the verb becomes the subject. Cebuano
is predicated (Tariman, 2009). Cebuano sometimes begins with a verb not with a subject. Through
looking to the example given, V-S-O pattern is formed instead of S-V-O in accordance to English
structure.
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 75
The Nature of Conyo in Davao City: A Language Inquiry

Combining of words is definitely referring to morphology. Morphology is an important subset of

linguistics. It would likely to illustrate the structures of words and patterns of the formation of the
words in a specific language. it explains the relationship of the form and the meaning of
morphological expressions. Moreover, it expounds the integration of the units in morphology
(Hamawand, 2011 as cited by Nordquist, 2015)
Morphology is dealing with morphemes. A morpheme is the smallest unit of function of a language.
However, bound morphemes are oftenly used by the means of affixation. Affixation is adding
prefixes, suffixes and infixes to a root word to form a word (McCarthy, 2011).
In addition, syntax is an important aspect of the formation of words in conyo. It merely emphasize the
chronology of the words in giving credits to grammar. There are certain patterns that can be used in
forming words. Basically, S+V+O or (Subject + Verb + Object), S+V+IO+DO or (Subject + Verb +
Indirect Object + Direct object) are usually used. The rules are said to be the guide inorder to become
efficient in communicating. Syntax gives power to the words in which it connects each other in an
order to hold a meaning (Burgess,1968 as cited by Nordquist, 2015).
Through dissecting morphology and syntax first, it somehow enlightens the connectivity of
Morphosynatctic theory to them. Morphosyntax is a category that refers to grammar wherein
morphology and syntax are being used to expound the characteristics of a sentence. The main concern
of morphology is the formation of words but also through it the meaning of the sentence may vary or
may be changed (Crystal, 1980).
How Conyo Affects Social and Academic Life of Conyo Speaker
In today’s generation there are various aspects to influence each other. The domination may come
through interacting diverse people or it has always been practiced by the community you used to grow
up with. However, this research will present the elements how the social and academic life of the
conyo speakers been affected by the said language.
The researchers found out that through using the language it may give the speakers such prestige and
power in which these things plays an important into the speakers’ lives. Moreover, the said language
was considered as their key of having high status in their life. As for this, the social life of the
speakers have been widely affected by conyo due to the fact that the speakers used it as a
measurement of what status and class where a person was in.
Conyo has been exploited for many years as a common language used by the middle and upper
classes, the well educated people and urbanized Filipinos to deviate themselves from other people
(Bautista,2004 as cited by Garvida, 2013).
In addition, the researchers have come up to an idea that a speaker may have the capacity to speak the
language due to the environment the speaker has been into.
For instance:
“Girl, hindi man akomakasabaysaiyo girl, maggawa man akong resume.”
“Girl, I can’t be with you, I will make a resume.” [PG -5, L-8]
The behaviorist theory gives credence that a child may learn an oral language through the influence of
another human being by a process of imitation, giving rewards and practice. People around the child
may be great models that provide the urge to speak the language (Cooter&Reutzel, 2004 as cited by
Waris, 2015).
Another factor that influences a speaker to adopt such notion is code switching. It explained as the
execution of choosing or adapting elements in linguistics to conceptualize interaction in conversing.
As for this, it may connect to the practices of local discourse, such as turn selection or diverse
structure of bracketing, or it may gather important data beyond the present exchange that involves the
knowledge of the community and the identities of distinct people (Nilep, 2006).
The researchers have observed that people used to code switch through using conyo in expressing
their ideas. In relation with the academic life of the speakers they tend to speak the said language as a
means of explaining their thoughts. The speakers motivate themselves to express what they have in
mind inorder to fulfill their goals and get high grades that they wanted. Motivation is one of the key to
attain success in life and participation is essential to every learner (San Jose,2012). The researchers
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 76
Albino, Yra C. et al.

found out as attending a class in Filipino subject that some students really employ the language for
them to expound further what they have in their minds. It is easier for them to converse with conyo as
it both use Tagalog and Cebuano unlike speaking in straight Filipino. For instance:
“Marami sa mga tao ngayon katulad na lang ng mga nasa pulitika yang dahil sa ano, mga tao
ngayon sa pulitika kanya kanya man talaga sila ng idea.”
“A lot of people who are affiliated to politics have their own kinds of ideas.”[PG -5, L-7] (Recorded
inside the classroom)
“Ang wastong salita ay kailangan gamitin upang magbuo ng salita habang nagstudy.”
“The correct choice of words is needed to construct a word while studying.” [PG 5-L13-14]
(Recorded inside the classroom)
The term code-switching is as well utilized in the field of linguistics as an external factor. The term is
used to describe styles in literature that involves the components from greater than one language. In
the usual usage of code-switching it is merely sometimes used to affirm the relativity of the stable
mixtures of two languages informally. In pertaining to its function in sociolinguistic study, the term
code-switching is sometimes used to refer to switching among dialects, styles or registers as moving
from less formal to more formal situation.
The assumption of the teachers, linguistics and researchers in code switching can be refer-red that in
language learning it may not be considered as a blockage nor a defiance. It was significantly found
that students have the tendency to switch from particular language to another as engaging themselves
the medium of instruction generally (Bista, 2010).
4. CONCLUSION
4.1. Concluding Remarks
The research has been conducted well within the random speakers of conyo. Through the recordings
gathered, it helps the researchers to be aware of what really the conyo speakers are into. The people
are exploiting diverse languages and dialects yet conyo had caught the eye of the people due to its
span-new features. This is one of the reasons why conyo notion has already been spread out
throughout the city.
There are factors that have been considered within the research. These factors are the tools of conyo
speakers in having the urge to speak the language. Conyo speakers have this so-called
conyommandments that serve as the guide of the speakers to retain the notion. The said set of
conyommandment is an instrument to converse in conyo way and the passage to transfer messages.
Moreover, the environment they are involved with has a great influenced in speaking the conyo
language. The people around them who have a big impact into their lives are one of the aspects why
they have the drive to use the language. Another factor is unconsciously uttering the language due to
the need of expressing what they want to convey.
These factors have help the researches to build such knowledge in knowing the pillars of conyo
language and its speakers. The fact that people are always hearing this phenomenon without knowing
the real essence of it. Through the factors that have been known people would not tend to be ignorant
and discriminate the speakers of conyo.
4.2. Implications for Practice
It was found out that Davao conyo has its own structure and pattern of saying each word uttered, this
study being conducted by the researchers is an aid to inform the readers and other researchers about
the uniqueness of Davao conyo. Through this research conducted, it aims to help, guide and provide
additional information and input to the next batch or generations of AB English students who will be
interested to further study topics related to Davao Conyo.
This study is beneficial specially to English major students due to the fact that the study itself
concentrates on language. Though the main purpose of the study is to study Davao conyo yet aims to
discuss and share information about the language itself here inside the city - Davao.
As future linguists this study conducted by the researchers envisions to share knowledge and
learnings. It is basically a study that provides information, results and discussions helpful.
In general, the researchers found this study to be helpful and informative in a way that it solved some
questions, confusions and problems related to Davao conyo. It also help the researchers understand
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 77
The Nature of Conyo in Davao City: A Language Inquiry

other people’s way of communication through accepting diversity in differences. The research guided
the researchers to be open minded on how to avoid discrimination amongst speakers of Davao conyo.
Finally, it opened the eyes of the researchers and learned to appreciate the uniqueness of Davao conyo
REFERENCES
Bauer, L. (1983). English Word-formation. Cambridge: University of Cambridge Press.
Bista, K. (2010). Factors of code switching among bilingual English students in the university
classroom: a survey. Retrieved July 10, 2015 from http://www.espworld.com/Articles_29/
Factors.pdf
Crystal, D. (1980). A First Dictionary of linguistics and Phonetics. Colorado: Westview
Press Boulder.
Fenton, B., & Mazulewicz, J. (2008). Trustworthiness. Retrieved June 25, 2015 from http://www.
omnivise.com/research/trustworthiness.htm.
Garvida, M. M. (2013). Conyo talk: the affirmation of hybrid indentity and power in contemporary
philippine discourse. Lingue e Linguaggi, 8 (24) Retrieved November 12, 2014 from http://
sibaese.unisalento.it/index.php/linguelinguaggi/article/viewFile/12641/11252
Guba, E. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Rerieved June 20,
2015 from http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR13-4/baxter.
Krefting, L. (1991). Rigor in qualitative research: the assessment of trustworthiness. March 1991,
Volume 45, Number 3.
Leininger, M.M. (1985). Nature, rationale and importance of qualitative research methods in nursing
(Ed.), Qualitative research methods. New York. Retrieved June 24, 2015 from
http://www.portal. limkokwing.net/.../rigor/.net.
Lincoln, Y.S., &Guba, E.G. (1986). But is it rigorous? trustworthiness and authenticity in naturalistic
evaluation. New directions for program evalution, 1986(30), 73-84.
McCarthy, C. (2011). Morphology: how words are form?. Retrieved June 20, 2015 from
http://popularlinguisticsonline.org/2011/01/morphology-how-words-are-formed/
Newmark, P. (2015). Neologism Retrieved June 22, 2015 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/
24781934/Neologism#scribd
Nilep, C. (2006). Code switching in sociocultural linguistics.Colorado Research in Linguistics. Vol.
19. Boulder: University of Colorado. Retrieved July 12, 2015 from http://www.colorado.edu/l
ing/CRIL/Volume19_Issue1/paper_NILEP.pdf?q=sociocultural
San Jose, A. E. (2012). Linguistics Experiences of Adult Dyslexic Learners.UIC Research Journals,
18(1)
Sparknotes. (2014). Language and cognition. Retrieved December 17, 2014 from http://www.
sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/languageandcognition/section2.rhtml
Tuclaud, Joemar Ray V. (2014). Sunday essays: melting dialects of davao.
Retrieved November 10, 2014 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/weekend-davao/2014/02/08/sunday-
essays-melting-dialects-davao-327358
QSR International. (2014). What is qualitative research. Retrieved December 17, 2014 from
http://www.qsrinternational.com/what-is-qualitative-research.aspx
Waris, M. (2015).Behaviorist theory. Retrieved June 12, 2015 from http://www.academia.edu/
4456398/Behaviorist_theory_on_language_acquisition.

International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) Page | 78