Department of Languages

27/11/2025

Department of Languages visits Barangay Pahut to discuss community extension services

The Department of Languages visited Barangay Pahut on November 24, 2025, to discuss its community extension services. The visit was led by Department Chair Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey A. Rajik, accompanied by Assistant Professor Nelson S. Dino, Ms. Jonalyn S. Larida-Antham, Associate Professor Clarisse Joy D. Bakun, Ms. Myrnahil H. Jumsali, and Ms. Roddalyn A. Lee.

The team received a warm welcome from barangay officials, spearheaded by Punong Barangay Mr. Al-Kenny P. Salapuddin, who expressed gratitude for the department's commitment to supporting the local community.

During the meeting, the faculty conducted a thorough needs assessment aimed at identifying specific needs within the barangay. They engaged in constructive discussions to determine how the department can leverage its expertise to empower barangay personnel. The results highlighted key areas such as enhancing language skills and providing training workshops that address community-specific challenges, particularly in drafting office documents and correspondence, digital communication for community engagement, and developing and presenting effective community project proposals.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward promoting stronger ties between the Department of Languages and the BLGU of Pahut, aiming to support community development initiatives in the area.

26/10/2025

Department of Languages Faculty Presents Research Paper in Thailand

Dr. Anabel A. Wellms, a professor in the Department of Languages, alongside the Director of Gender and Development, Assoc. Prof. Almira A. Hadji, represented MSU-TCTO at the 8th International Conference on Gender and Sexuality 2025, held at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 21 and 22, 2025.

They presented their paper titled “Veiled Strength: Gender, Faith, and Leadership among Muslim Women in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines,” which received positive feedback for its insightful discussion on women’s leadership in Muslim communities. They were also commended for wearing traditional Tawi-Tawi Muslim attire, proudly showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the province on the international stage.

From your Department of Languages family, congratulations, Dr. Wellms for representing MSU-TCTO and the Philippines in this prestigious global forum!

15/10/2025

The Department of Languages congratulates its outstanding academic excellence awardees — the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Listers for the Second Semester of Academic Year 2024-2025.

We wish you continued success and growth as you pursue your goals with dedication and purpose.

15/10/2025

Department of Languages Welcomes 2025 OJT Students

On September 15, 2025, the fourth-year BAELS students officially began their On-the-Job Training (OJT) as part of the requirements for their English 197 course. The day started with an orientation led by their instructor, Prof. Dr. Anabel A. Wellms, who outlined essential protocols, responsibilities, and objectives to prepare students for their professional roles.

After the orientation, students participated in group photographs to commemorate this milestone in their academic journey. They then proceeded to their respective OJT sites, where they will apply their classroom knowledge to real-world linguistic and educational challenges.

The Department of Languages extends its heartfelt encouragement to the group. We wish you all a successful and enriching training experience.

✍️ & 📸 Fatima Aisa D. Arik

01/09/2025

Department of Languages hosts a lecture on Filipino language

In line with the celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the Department of Languages held a lecture titled “Kasaysayan at Pag-unlad ng Wikang Filipino: Isang Pagsilip sa Pamanang Lingguwistiko at Kultural” on August 29, 2025. The event took place at the Audio-Visual Room of the Integrated Science Laboratory Building and drew 164 students from various colleges within the university.

The lecture proper started with Ms. Nurhaida S. Sali, an administrative staff at the Office of International Linkages, who discussed “Muling Pagsaliksik sa Kasaysayan ng Wikang Filipino.” She outlined the origins of the Filipino language, stressing how historical invasions influenced its vocabulary and evolution. Ms. Sali pointed out the importance of understanding Filipino as a national language that reflects the country’s diverse heritage.

Afterwards, Associate Professor Aly L. Mama from the Department of Literary and Cultural Studies (DELCS) presented “Pag-aaral sa Pag-unlad ng Wikang Filipino.” His talk explored the various stages of the language's development, the impact of laws and policies, and the contributions of Filipino poets, writers, and leaders in enriching the language.

The last lecture topic, “Kultural na Aspeto ng Wikang Filipino,” was given by Ms. Myrnahil H. Jumsali of DELCS. She examined the deep relationship between language and culture, emphasizing influential literary works and films that helped revitalize Filipino. Ms. Jumsali also shared how the language contributes to shaping national identity and cultural pride.

The lecture aimed to deepen students’ appreciation of the Filipino language’s rich history, ongoing development, and cultural importance. Through this event, participants gained a better understanding of how language shapes Filipino identity and its role in nation-building.

17/07/2025

Equip yourself with the skills for tomorrow's classroom! 🚀 The Regional English Language Office (RELO) – U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is offering a FREE professional development program: "The Educator's Edge: Mastering Literacy, AI, and Critical Thought." This program, which includes travel, lodging, meals, and transportation expenses, is an invaluable chance for Filipino educators in the Philippines to master crucial skills in literacy, responsible AI integration, and fostering critical thinking. Spaces are limited, so apply today! https://forms.gle/dggHdaks9PM2VDxP9 DEADLINE: Monday, 21 July 2025

16/07/2025

Congratulations, BAELS babies!

16/07/2025

Faculty Member from the Department of Languages Participates in U.S. Exchange Program

Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey A. Rajik, a faculty member and chair of the Department of Languages at the College of Arts and Sciences, MSU-TCTO, participated in the Virtual Educator Program Impact: Sharing Best Practices for Online Learning and Cultural Exchange from June 22 to July 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This initiative aimed to facilitate collaboration between U.S. and international educators, focusing on building community, enhancing engagement, utilizing technology tools, and fostering mutual understanding in online education. The program was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs.

As part of the exchange, Dr. Rajik participated in a week-long academic and cultural events organized alongside the 2025 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

11/05/2025

A faculty member of the Department of Languages successfully defends dissertation proposal

The Department of Languages is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Asst. Prof. Jo-an Salaveria Olaer, faculty member of the Department of Languages, who has successfully defended her dissertation proposal as a PhD candidate at UP Diliman! Her approved dissertation, titled “A Grammar of Pallun Mapun,” marks a significant milestone in her academic journey in the field of linguistics.

The Department is proud to have Asst. Prof. Olaer as a member of the Department of Languages and to see her efforts supported by the full MSU TCTO APDP Grant.

Here’s to creating opportunities and transforming lives through language and education! Congratulations once again, Ma’am Jo-an!

Alhamdulillah! Another soon-to-be PhD Dolphin. 🎓

I wish to congratulate Asst. Prof. Jo-an Salaveria Olaer (PhD candidate, UP Diliman) for the successful defense of her dissertation proposal. Her approved dissertation title is “A Grammar of Pallun Mapun.”

As a student linguist, Ma’am Jo-an is excited to dive into the world of Sinama languages, specifically Pallun Mapun, spoken in Tawi-Tawi province of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These languages are classified as geographically displaced languages (GDLs) due to their exclusion from the Philippine language family, and their classification within the Austronesian family is still being studied.

Her research aims to create a grammar of Pallun Mapun using Dixon’s Basic Linguistic Theory. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for language learners and enthusiasts, linguists and researchers, Pallun Mapun speakers and community, local governments and policymakers, and cultural institutions.

By documenting Pallun Mapun, we can preserve intangible cultural heritage, supports community identity and self-expression, and contribute to the scarcity of linguistic resources on Sinama languages.

Asst. Prof. Olaer is a faculty member of the Department of Languages who is pursuing PhD in Linguistics at the University of the Philippines in Diliman under a full MSU TCTO APDP Grant.

08/05/2025

Three faculty members of the Department of Languages and the Department of Literary and Cultural Studies publish short stories in notable anthology

Faculty members of the Department of Languages and the Department of Literary and Cultural Studies (DELCS) have made contributions to the literary world with their short stories featured in PANUMTUMAN: Anthology of 21st Century Bangsamoro Literature, a book published by the University of Southeastern Philippines' Institute of Languages and Creative Arts. This collection highlights the diverse voices of various authors from BARMM.

Asst. Prof. Nelson S. Dino, chairperson of DELCS, captures the emotional journey of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in his poignant story, "She's Silent Now," which explores the bittersweet bond between an OFW and her elderly mother in Sulu. Along this, his essay, titled "My Father Didn't Tell Me My Roots," also enriches the collection. Likewise, Asst. Prof. Nurbarain S. Laja emblazes the anthology with her "The Other House," a profound examination of womanhood and the intricacies of human relationships. Additionally, Mrs. Mirra-Edora A. Esmael’s compelling story, "Rumi and Her Silences," vividly depicts life in Tawi-Tawi through the innocent eyes of a young girl.

This anthology not only showcases the talent of the writers but also enhances the literary landscape of the Bangsamoro region, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions.

06/05/2025

MAELT 220 Students Host Seminar-Workshop on Strategic ELT Methods

The Master of Arts in English Language Teaching (MAELT) 220 students under Prof. Dr. Anabel A. Wellms successfully organized a seminar-workshop on Strategic Methodologies in ELT: Enhancing the Four Macro-Skills through Targeted Instruction on May 5, 2025, at the Manuel S. Lam Hall, MSU-TCTO, Sanga-Sanga Campus. The event aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in teaching the macro-skills of language, namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing, thereby equipping future educators with effective classroom strategies.

The seminar was attended by 31 Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS), Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies (BALCS), and Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English (BSEd-English) students.

Participants engaged with a diverse range of topics: Mr. Resam A. Jain discussed "Four Types of Listening in ESL Teaching," while Fharniza J. Hadjirul covered "Enhancing Comprehension: Communicative Approach for Reading Skills." Mr. Arbasa N. Abdulkarim focused on "Enhancing Oral Communication through Task-Based Learning," and Ms. Armelina M. Rizal addressed "Writing in Stages: Crafting Skills through the Process."

Attendees explored targeted instructional methods, gaining valuable insights into assessing and enhancing language learning in real-world contexts.

The event was graced by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey A. Rajik, Chairperson of the Language Department. In his message, he emphasized the importance of language, “Language is more than just grammar, structure, and sentence development. Rather, it is a dynamic tool for communication, connection, and expression.”