Examining the Genetic Relationship of Binukid Language Varieties

This study attempted to examine the genetic relationship of the three Binukid language varieties namely Higaonon Binukid, Talaandig Binukid, and Bukidnon Binukid. These three Binukid varieties are particularly spoken by the Higaonon, Talaandig, and Bukidnon tribal groups in the province of Bukidnon. Knowing the genetic relationship of these three Binukid varieties will shed light to the present inconsistencies about the Binukid language. By examining the phonological variations and sound correspondences of the three Binukid varieties and with the use of the Automated Similarity Judgment Program (ASJP), the study revealed that Higaonon and Bukidnon Binukid varieties are more similar gaining 98.61 percent similarity in Swadesh 100 Wordlist and 97.56 percent similarity in Swadesh 40 Wordlist. Meanwhile, Talaandig Binukid variety gradually diverged from the other two varieties 48 years ago. This divergence was illustrated in a language tree at the end of the study.