Orality and literary translation of the Battle of Balisong

Abstract

This study attempted to unveil the orality and literary translation of The Battle of Balisong. Descriptive-qualitative research design employing an iterative interview and 3- generation test by E. Arsenio Manuel to gather versions of the folk narrative was used. The unified script in Hiligaynon was developed. The colored comic strip was developed based on the unified script. Ten informants comprising the three generations were interviewed. Focus group discussion was made among the members of Tagbu-an Pilar, Inc. Versions of The Battle of Balisong were elicited from three generations. Changes in the story wereobserved. The elders gave a detailed and authentic narrative highlighting the historical appeal of the story. The middle-aged had a more mythical version with the inclusion of the Golden Ship. The young generation manifested a limited knowledge of the story. Participation of women was emphasized. There were insertions and omissions of the characters across generations. The unified script was based on the triangulated storyline from the informants. The translated literary text in a form of colored comic strip presents the vibrant illustrations of the folk narrative. The story elements in The Battle of Balisong reflect the rich cultural heritage encompassing the sense of pride and patriotism of the people in the municipality of Pilar. The narrations of the participants reflects how the Pilareños interpret the external and internal factors governing their way of thinking. Other supplementary multimedia material may be developed to provide people with choices while learning the literary and historical accounts in the municipality.