BIBLIOGRAPHY AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012....
BIBLIOGRAPHY

AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012. Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use
of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay,
Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet.

Adviser: Anna Liza B. Wakat, MDC

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the socio- demographic profiles of the
respondents; determine the attitudes of the listeners towards the use of mixed languages in
developmental radio plugs; determine the perceptions of the listeners on the use of mixed
languages in developmental radio plugs; determine the problems encountered by the
listeners in developmental radio plug with mixed languages; determine the listeners
comment and suggestions for the improvement of the developmental radio plug.
Based on the results of the study, majority of the respondents belonged to aged
bracket 40-59, more than half of them were male and farmers. Most of the respondents
were married and Kankane-ey. Moreover, all of the respondents attended formal education.
Majority of the respondents were in favor of the use of mixed languages in
developmental radio plugs. Most of them recommended the use of mixed languages in
radio plugs since according to them, the message communicated of plugs with mixed
languages was easily understood. The respondents added that the Ilocano part of the plug
has a great help since it will lead them on what the topic was all about.
The leading advantage identified was that listeners can easily understand the
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

message communicated if it was aired using the mixed languages. On the other hand, the
identified disadvantages on the use of mixed languages in development radio plug was that
the listeners who cannot understand one of the language used will not continue listening
because listeners will lost their interest. Also, some of the respondents believed that it only
add confusion and misleads children in proper sentence construction.
As to the results, there were no major problems encountered with the use of mixed
languages in developmental radio plug.
















Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012




INTRODUCTION

Rationale

In our modern world there are a lot of ways in disseminating information in a short
snap; one of this is through developmental radio spot.
According to Tabing and Osalla (2001) developmental plugs are also known as
radio spots or developmental spots which are simplified information for target listeners. It
is made up of short catchy messages usually from 30 seconds to 1 minute. It is designed to
deliver information, inspiration or instruction to the listeners in a short period of time. He
also added that developmental plugs are effective conveyors of quick messages.
Migloiretto (2006) added that radio plugs have necessary information that intends
to attract listeners’ attention. It should be short, clear, catchy and speedy.
In the Philippines information, is disseminated in many languages and dialects,
with English and Filipino as the main vehicles of communication (Maslog, 1988).
A mixed language plug is one that uses combination of Iloco, Filipino and English.
Some of these were on topics such as healthy lifestyle, family planning, green revolution,
peace and order and energy conservation and many more.
Bartolo (2011), one of the senior announcers of DZWT said that language
preference of the audience is important. They use mixed languages in their plugs because
not everybody can understand Ilocano or Filipino or English. He also explained that in our
locality pure Ilocano plugs don’t sell so they produce plugs with several languages used
since it is what the listeners want. He further explained that plug is a sort of advertising,
which aims to produce quality products, educate people, provide relevant information and
should be accurate at the same time.
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

He also emphasized that the station do not have standards on the language to be
used in their plugs because this depends on the listeners.

According to Lisnang (2011), since 1970, the station has been using mixed
languages in their developmental radio plugs in collaboration with Department of Health,
Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Information Agency,
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines,
National Nutrition Council, Department of Agriculture and Department of Labor and
Employment.

There are no studies on the perceptions of listeners on the use of mixed languages
in developmental radio plugs thus, this study. The respondents’ perceptions will be of great
help to bridge the gap between the listeners and the radio station officers.


Statement of the Problem


The study dealt with the perception of the readers on the use of mixed languages as
a medium in developmental radio plugs.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the socio- demographic profile of the respondents?
2. What are the attitudes of the listeners towards the use of mixed languages in
developmental radio plugs?
3. What are the perceptions of the listeners on the use of mixed languages in
developmental radio plugs?
4. What are the problems encountered by the listeners in developmental radio
plugs with mixed languages in?
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

5. What are the listeners’ comments and suggestions for the improvement of the
developmental radio plug?


Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. To determine the socio- demographic profiles of the respondents;
2. To determine the attitudes of the listeners towards the use of mixed languages
in developmental radio plugs;
3. To determine the perceptions of the listeners on the use of mixed languages
in developmental radio plugs.
4. To determine the problems encountered by the listeners in developmental
radio plug with mixed languages.
5. To determine the listeners' comment and suggestions for the improvement of
the developmental radio plug.


Importance of the Study

The study would be significant both to DZWT AM staff and to the plug contributors
for them to know their proper approach in conveying the messages of radio plugs. It also
aimed to serve as a basis for other radio stations as well.
The study also served as a basis regarding the use of mixed languages in radio plugs.




Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Scope and Limitation

The study was conducted at Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet. The data gathered was
limited to the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents, their attitudes and perception
on the use of mixed languages in developmental radio plugs, problems encountered by the
listeners in developmental plugs with mixed languages and their comments and suggestions
for the improvement of the radio plug. It was limited to the listeners of DZWT AM.

The perceptions and attitudes of listeners on the plugs music, sound effects and
voice over were not included.












Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012



REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Developmental Radio Spot
A good spot should offer extra entertainment value to existing programs as it
conveys the intended message in a snap. In commercial competitive situations, the traffic
officer normally rejects dull material. Non-stimulating programs are spurned by the
audience, who typically seek excitement, entertainment and most important is the
knowledge gained. It is therefore important that radio spots be changed with an interesting
message and strong audience appeal (Tabing and Osalla, 2001).
According to the manual produced by the Community Broadcasting Staff of UPLB
(1979), developmental spot are used to give simple information. It may be able to “sell”
things however; it cannot really change the lives of people. To reach deep down into the
life of the listener, you must touch his imagination, his emotion and his intelligence. This
can hardly be done in one spot announcement. Furthermore, spot should be easy to
understand, specific, interesting and useful.
Migloiretto (2006) Spots could be presented in various forms such as mini drama,
straight announcements, testimonials, jingles, question and answer, dialogue and many
more. Most contents of radio spot could either be about agriculture, health and sanitation,
reminders or any topics that caters to contribute to the development of the society.


Basis of Language

The language first learned is called one’s native language or the mother tongue;
both of these terms are figurative in that the knowledge or particular language is not
inherited but learned behavior. Nonetheless, since the mid-20th century linguists have
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

shown increasing interest in the theory that, while no one is born with predisposition toward
any particular language, all human beings are genetically endowed with the ability to learn
and use language in general (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2000).

Language is, above all, meaning. Meanings are attached to pieces of words.
Meanings are attached to the spoken signals of language. Meanings are attached to the
skills and changes of grammar (Compton’s Britannica, 2008).


Language Awareness

Knowledge of the languages is valuable. It not only helps the traveller in other
countries, but gives understanding of other people (Junior World Encyclopedia, 1995).

Every person has to learn his language. A human baby raised by apes would learn
only the language of apes and other animals. To learn human language, a human baby
would have to hear it from humans (Compton’s Britannica, 2008).

According to Ruanni and Topas (2002) learners will learn faster if they are taught
words that occur frequently in texts or materials that they use. In other words listeners will
easily grasp the message conveyed if they know and understand the words used.

Most of us accept language as we accept the air we breathe: we cannot get along
without it, and we take it for granted merely all the time. Few of us are conscious of the
extent to which language is used to mislead and manipulate us or of the ways in which our
own use of language, however well intentioned, affects others. Still fewer of us recognize
that our very perceptions of the world are influenced, and our thoughts at least partially
shaped, by language (Eschholz et al.,1982).


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Profile of the Listeners

The profile of the respondents is very important in this study. According to
Rothfuss (1988) as cited by Kudan (2006), the communication process is complex because
each communicator creates meaning based on personal experiences. No two persons
interpret the event in exactly the same way, because no two persons have the same past
experiences, motivations, and personal reality.

Panares (1988), as cited by Palayen (2007), reported that at least out of five
Filipinos (84%) aged 15 and above listen to the radio for about 3 hours a day, five to six
days a week. This would mean that about 24 million Filipinos comprise the use of radio
audience. Radio listening is more of a daytime activity rather than an evening past time.
Listeners listen for at least two hours in the daytime and only an hour and a half in the
evening. The possible explanation for this could be the shift from radio to television at
night in the urban areas and the fact that many folks go to bed earlier than the urban
dwellers.


Advantage of Radio

The same with other communication media, radio has its own advantages which
according to (Molinao, 1997) are: it is the fastest means of transmitting news and other
information materials; it can be used even in areas without electricity or those not reached
by newspapers ; the production of radio is cheap. The presence of radio stations makes
radio even more effective in disseminating news and information in the rural areas and
illiteracy is not a barricade.


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Perceptions of Respondents

According to Wood (2007), perception is the active process of creating meanings
by selecting, organizing and interpreting phenomena. Active process in a way that we don’t
just receive what is “out there” in the external world but we actively work to make sense
of ourselves, others and interactions. To do so, select only certain things to notice, and then
organize and interpret it.

Also, perception involves all the ways of becoming aware of things, people,
happenings or ideas. Judgment involves all the ways of coming to conclusions about what
has been perceived. If people differ systematically in what they perceive and how they
reach conclusions, then it is only reasonable for them to differ correspondingly in their
interests, reactions, values, motivations, and skills (Mayers, 2004) as cited by Dinggo
(2005).
Perception is our sensory experience of the world around us and involves both the
recognition of environmental stimuli and actions in response to these stimuli. Through the
perceptual process, we gain information about properties and elements of the environment
that are critical to our survival. Perception not only creates our experience of the world
around us; it allows us to act within our environment (Cherry, n. d.)


Attitudes of Respondents

According to Barker and Gaut (2002), attitude is a learned tendency to react
positively or negatively to an object or situation. It implies a positive or negative evaluation
of someone or something. Attitude is also a predisposition to respond in a certain way to a
person, object, situation, event or idea. The response may come without conscious
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

reflection. A person who shows a certain attitude is more enduring than a mood or whim;
it produces a consistent response (Encyclopedia Americana, 2000).

Attitudes drive behavior. Your body language is a result of your mental attitude.
By choosing your attitude you get in that mood and send out a message that everyone
understands, consciously or unconsciously. It is not what happens to you that count. It is
how you react to what happens to you, especially when you have unexpected problems of
any kind (Kotelnikov, n. d.)


Definition of Terms
Mixed languages- it is use of three languages (Ilocano, Filipino and English) in a
developmental radio plug wherein in a sentence one language was used.









Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012





METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of the Study

The study was conducted at Tublay, Benguet (Figure 1) specifically in barangay
Ambassador.
Tublay municipality is one of the thirteen municipalities of Benguet Province. It is
a landlocked Municipality located seven kilometers from the Provincial Capitol of La
Trinidad, Benguet, thirteen kilometers north of Baguio City and has a land area of more or
less 5,730 hectares.
The municipality has eight barangays of varying sizes. Ambassador is the largest
followed by Ambongdolan; Caponga, which is the midpoint of the municipality; Ba-ayan;
Daclan, Tublay Central; Basil and the smallest is Tuel.
Ambassador, Tublay is located along the Halsema Highway thus it is easily
accessed. Also it has 848 hectares and has the highest registered establishments.
Also, as observed radio is their main source of information since there is a clear
signal in Ambasssador, Tublay.
This was chosen as the study area because DZWT has a clear signal in Ambassador,
Tublay, Benguet so listeners tune in while doing their work either in field or at home.

The study was conducted on December 2011 to February 2012.



Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Figure 1. Map of Benguet showing Tublay, Benguet the locale of the study




Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012






















Figure 2. Map of Tublay, Benguet showing the locale of the study.



Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were composed of 30 people from Ambassador,
Tublay, Benguet who were selected through purposive sampling. The criteria in choosing
them were: they should be 18 years old and above and should be a resident of Ambassador,
Tublay.


Data Collection

With the permission from DZWT and DOH, the researcher recorded three of the
plugs with mixed languages aired in the station to for the respondents to listen to after
which, an interview schedule was conducted to gather information needed in the study.
Guide questions were used to acquire the necessary information.
The three plugs evaluated were “Iwas sakit” which was the August and November
issue, and “Iwas Paputok” which was the December issue.


Data Gathered

The data gathered focused on the socio- demographic profiles of the respondents,
the attitudes of the listeners towards the use of mixed languages in developmental plugs,
the perceptions of the listeners on the use of mixed languages in developmental plugs, the
problems encountered by the listeners in developmental radio plugs with mixed languages;
and the comments and suggestions of the listeners for the improvement of the radio plug.
Data Analysis

The data were tabulated and were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages
and descriptive analysis.
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012





RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Socio-demographic Profile of Respondents

Table 1 shows the general characteristics of respondents in terms of age, sex, civil
status, occupation, educational attainment, and tribal affiliation.

Age. Thirty percent (30%) of the respondents belonged to the age bracket 18-29,
followed by age bracket 30-39 with 13.33%. Many of the respondents belonged to the
bracket 40-59 with 40% and 17.67% were respondents of age bracket 60-69.
Sex. Out of 30 respondents that were interviewed, most or 53.33% of them were
male and 47.67% were female.
Civil status. Majority (73.33%) of the respondents were married and the remaining
26.67% of the respondents were single.
Occupation. Each of the 30 respondents had different professions. Majority or
53.33% were farmers, followed by housewives and students with 10% each, 6.67% were
teachers and one store keeper. The rest of the respondents were a business owner, a
researcher, a councilor, a welder and a retired teacher.
Educational attainment. From the 30 respondents, 40% reached college level, 37%
attained high school level and 23% of them reached elementary level. This implies that all
the respondents attended formal education.
Tribal affiliation. Majority (66.67%) of the respondents were Kankana-ey, 20%
were mix Ibaloi-Kankana-ey. Moreover, 7.67% of the respondents were Ilocano and 3.33%
were Filipino.


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
CHARACTERISTICS
FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
Age

18-29


9



30.00

30-39


4



13.33

40-59


12



40.00

60-69


5



17.67
TOTAL



30



100
Sex

Male


16



53.33

Female


14



47.67
TOTAL



30



100
Civil status

Single


8



26.67

Married


22



73.33
TOTAL



30



100
Occupation

Farmer


16



53.33

Student


3



10.00

House wife

3



10.00

Teacher


2



6.67

Store keeper

1



3.33

Business woman

1



3.33

Researcher


1



3.33

Councilor


1


3.33

Welder


1


3.33

Retired Teacher

1


3.33
TOTAL



30



100
Educational attainment

Elementary


7



23

High school

11



37

College


12



40
TOTAL



30



100
Tribal affiliation

Kankana-ey

20



66.67

Ibaloi-Kankana-ey

6



20.00

Ilocano


2



7.67

Ibaloi


1



3.33

Filipino


1



3.33
TOTAL



30



100


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Attitudes of Respondents on the Use of Mixed
Languages in Developmental Plugs

Table 2 shows the attitudes of the respondents on the use of mixed languages in
developmental plugs. Majority or 73.33% of the respondents were in favor of the use of
mixed languages in developmental plugs. The common reason of the respondents were
because it can easily be understood by the listeners not only those people who did not finish
elementary level but it also appeals to the elders and it also gave them sense of
belongingness. They added that even though they cannot understand English, the use of
Ilocano and Filipino language will give them clue on the topic being discussed or aired.

Likewise, 70% of the respondents to recommended the continuity of the use of
mixed languages in developmental plugs since it has a great impact in rural areas reached
by the radio signal. According to one respondent it had a great impact because it reached a
wide range of coverage. Also, the respondents recommended the plugs to other listeners
for them to learn languages other than what they already know.

On the other hand, 26.67% of the respondents rejected the use of mixed languages
in developmental plugs because they did not understand English. Also, according to them,
it only added confusion not only to the elders but also to the children. They added that it
disrupted or confused the children on proper sentence construction.
According to the teacher interviewed, they were having a hard time teaching pupils
on how to construct sentences and then here comes a plug with mixed languages that will
only mislead pupils on what to follow. “It only adds to our agony as teachers, instead they
(station and contributing agencies) must think of other ways to help us,” the teacher added.
Also, 30% of the respondents did not support the use of mixed languages

Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Table 2. Attitudes of the respondents on the use of mixed languages on plugs
ATTITUDES


FREQUENCY (N=30) PERCENTAGE (%)
Attitude on mixed languages
In favor



22


73.33

Not in favor


8


26.67
TOTAL




30

100
Willingness to recommend the
continuity of mixed language
radio plug
Willing to recommend


21

70

Not willing to recommend

9


30
TOTAL




30

100


in developmental plugs because it only added confusion so they preferred one language in
a single message per plug.
However, in the Order No.74 of the Department of Education (DepEd), it mandates
that the medium of instruction from Preschool to Grade 3 should be the mother
language of the child while English and Filipino will be studied as a subject in class. At
Grade 4, the medium of instruction will be mixed depending upon the subject fitted for the
mother language, English, or Filipino.
Moreover, the respondents wanted Ilocano, Filipino or Kankana-ey instead of
English. The respondents added that it only made the plug unpleasing and unorganized.
They described it as “chopsuey” because of the mixed languages used. Two respondents
said that the plugs would be better if pure English were used and it will be followed by a
simple and concise translation, either in Filipino or Ilocano. According to them, this
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

technique will help pupils, students and the elders widen their English vocabulary because
of the translation given and it will be of a great help for teachers and parents in educating
their children.


Perceptions of Respondents on the Use of Multiple
Languages in Developmental Plugs
Table 3 shows the languages used in developmental plug that the listeners
understood most. It came out that most (90%) of the respondents understood Ilocano;
73.33% of the listeners understood radio plugs with Filipino dialect, while 40% of the
respondents understood the plugs in English language. Their main reason was because
Filipino and Ilocano are familiar to them and these two languages were easily understood
and recognized because it is commonly used not only in rural areas but in the urban areas.

Table 4 shows the readers perceptions regarding the advantages of using mixed
languages. All the respondents said that the listeners can easily understand the message
communicated if it was aired using the mixed languages. Also, 36.67% of the respondents
understood the Filipino and Ilocano but not the English part. The respondents further
explained that Filipino and Ilocano will lead them in understanding the message of the
plug. They added that unlike if a plug was aired using pure English, they would not have
any clue on what was discussed. Moreover, 3% of the respondents believed that plugs with
mixed languages do not have any advantage at all since according to them it only added
confusion.

According to some respondents, they supported the use of mix language in
radio for some of the listener’s attention was captured; it also gave the uneducated people
belongingness in a way that the station and the contributing agencies did a good job for
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Table 3. Languages used in the mixed languages that listeners understood most
LANGUAGES

FREQUENCY (N=30)

PERCENTAGE (%)

Ilocano



27




90.00
Filipino



22




73.33
English



12




40.00
*multiple response

Table 4. Advantages of using mixed languages in radio plugs
ADVANTAGES


FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
Message is easily understood

30


100
They understand Filipino and
Ilocano but not the English part
11


36.67
*multiple response

letting their listeners feel that they were also given importance because of the use of local
languages since the plug was not concentrated in pure English.


Table 5 shows the disadvantages of using mixed languages in radio plugs as
perceived by the respondents. Among the 30 respondents, more than half said that plugs
with mixed languages lost the listeners attention since they did not understand either one
of the languages used. However, only five respondents believed that a plug with mixed
languages only added confusion and it only misled children on the proper sentence
construction. The rest said that there were no disadvantages on the use of mixed languages
in developmental plugs since according to them, those kinds of plug helped a lot in
explaining things regarding health since issues like those were hard up to understand if it
were aired in pure English.

Table 6 presents the perceived effects of using mixed languages in developmental
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Table 5. Disadvantages of using mixed languages in radio plug
DISADVANTAGES

FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
Some parts of the plug was not
understood/ grasped by the
listeners


18


60.00

Adds confusion and misleads
children on proper sentence
construction



5


16.67
*multiple response


Table 6. Perceived effects of using mixed languages in radio plugs
EFFECTS



FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
It encourages listeners to listen
more/ catches attention

18


60
Better way of communication

17



57
Promotes the use of local
languages



15



50
It only adds confusion /mislead

9



30

It makes listeners to appreciate
the use of local languages

7



23
*multiple response


plugs. More than half (60%) of the respondents believed that radio plugs with mixed
languages encouraged listeners to listen more. Their attention was caught because they
were amused with it. Also, some of the respondents said that they were entertained with
the plugs with mixed languages since according to them these kinds of plugs were amusing.
Seven of the respondents said that a plug with mixed languages promoted the use of local
languages.
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Also, 17 of the respondents said that plugs with mixed languages served a better
way of communication. They further explained that it helped them learn from other
languages; thus, they will not be limited with the things they already knew.

Moreover, half of the respondents claimed that a plug with mix languages promotes
the use of local languages. According to some of the respondents, it gave them sense of
belongingness especially those developmental plugs aired in their own language,
particularly health issues.

On the other hand, 30% of the respondents said that the use of mixed languages
only added confusion (this in the case of pupils). According to one of the teachers, the
pupils may be entertained with those techniques of the station but would also add confusion
on proper grammar and sentence construction. Though most of the farmer respondents
believed that it does not add confusion instead it helps listeners to learn more
things with the aid of mixed languages. Agreeing with the farmers’ view, the student
respondents said that based on their experience in practice teaching, most of the children
learn faster if lessons were taught using the language the students knew. This supports what
Tirol (2004) wrote “Numerous experiments and researches in the Philippines and
throughout the world reveal overwhelmingly that mastering first the mother language or
L1 is very advantageous for learning a second language (L2) or a third language (L3).”

The rest of the respondents believed that the use of mixed languages made the
listeners appreciate the use of local languages. A student respondent said that the use of
mixed languages in radio plugs is one way of preserving our culture most especially the
local languages.


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Problems Encountered by the Respondents
In Radio Plug with Mixed Languages






Table 7 shows that there were no major problems encountered by the respondents
in radio plugs with mixed languages. Only one respondent who listened to the plug with
the length of one minute and 30 seconds said that plugs should be shortened, since not all
people have a long span of listening attention. Also, the common problem that the
respondents noticed in plug with mixed languages was that it could mislead and confuse
the pupils not only in proper sentence construction but also on the way they talk.
According to one of the teachers, the pupils may adopt it so it can affect the way
they talk. Tirol (2004) said that ordinary logic would tell us that using the mother language
in basic education would facilitate the education and learning of a child. He further said
that the present situation in the Philippines was starting to use English and Filipino from
Preschool or Grade 1. This is very disadvantageous to a child who is not an English or
Tagalog speaker at home. The non-English and non-Tagalog speakers will have difficulty.
He does not know the ltessons and he does not know the language used by the teacher. This
will discourage the child to stay in school and tends to dropout.

Table 7. Problems encountered by the respondents in radio plugs with mixed languages
PROBLEMS


FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
Misleads and confuses pupils in
proper sentence construction

9


30.00
Plug is too long



1



3.33
None



20


66.67
*multiple response


Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Respondents’ Suggestions for the Improvement
of Radio Plug

Table 8 shows the respondents’ suggestion for the improvement of the
developmental radio plug such as: localizing the terms being used, using one voice over
in every language, shortening the plugs but putting more information, conducting research
in the place before deciding on what language will be used and making the voice of the
announcer livelier and clearer. According to the respondents, they can easily


Table 8. Respondents’ suggestion for the improvement of the plug
SUGGESTIONS


FREQUENCY (N=30)
PERCENTAGE (%)
One language per radio plug

7


23.33
Continue using mixed language
in plug




4


13.33
Livelier voice and one voice
over per language


3


10.00
Usage of simple terms not
jargons




3


10.00
Use pure Ilocano



2


6.67
Use English then translate it with
either Filipino or Ilocano


2


6.67
Longer plugs with more information
1


3.33
Shorten the radio plug


1


3.33
Conduct research in the place before
deciding on the languages to be use
1


3.33
*multiple response



Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

understand it if the terms used were simple as to the terms used in everyday life. With that,
they did not need to listen once again to the plug for them to grasp the message.
Also some of the respondents suggested the use of pure Ilocano and translate the
plug instead of using mix languages. There were 20% of the respondents who did not give
suggestions since according to them, the plug was already catchy and informative enough.
They believed that the radio station and the staff know better since it was their field.






























Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012


SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
This study was conducted to determine the socio- demographic profiles of the
respondents; determine the attitudes of the listeners towards the use of mixed languages in
developmental radio plugs; determine the perceptions of the listeners on the use of mixed
languages in developmental radio plugs; determine the problems encountered by the
listeners in developmental radio plug with mixed languages; determine the listeners
comment and suggestions for the improvement of the developmental radio plug.
The study was conducted at Tublay, Benguet specifically in barangay Ambassador
since DZWT has a clear signal in the said barangay so target listeners can tune in while
doing their work. The study was conducted on December 2011 to February 2012.
First hand interview was done to verify data from the station and at the same time
to record some of the radio plugs with mixed languages. And an interview schedule was
conducted to gather information needed in the study. The data gathered was tabulated and
analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and descriptive analysis.
There were 30 respondents interviewed, less than half of them belong to age
bracket 40-59. Founded on the results, most of them were male. Majority of the respondents
were married. Moreover, more than half of the respondents’ occupation was farming.
Regarding the respondents’ educational attainment, all of them attended formal education.
Among the 30 respondents, Majority of the respondents were Kankana-ey. Majority of the
respondents were in favor on the use of mixed languages in developmental plugs. The
common reason of the respondents was because it can be easily understood by the listeners
not only those people who did not finished elementary level but it also appeals to the elders
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

and it also gives them sense of belongingness. Most of them recommend the use of mixed
languages in radio plugs for them to be guided on the topic being discussed by
understanding only one language used.
Most of the respondents claimed that they understood Ilocano language used in
developmental radio plug. Meanwhile, the identified advantages on the use of mixed
languages in radio plugs were that respondents could understand the Filipino and Ilocano
but not the English part.
On the other hand, the identified disadvantages on the use of mixed languages in
radio plugs were that the listeners cannot understand the message of the radio plug. Some
of the respondents believed that it only adds confusion and misleads children on proper
sentence construction.


Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The use of mixed language is not a problem; in general however it may pose
problems as to who the listeners are;
2. The listeners’ attitude on the use of mixed language is affected by their ease of
understanding towards the message; and
3. The usage of mixed language is a factor in the comprehensibility of the
listeners but it does not guarantee the complete understanding of the plug.




Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations
were made.
1. The radio station and plug contributing agencies may continue the use of
mixed languages in their radio plugs because listeners were in favor of this practice.
2. The radio station and plug contributing agencies may add more developmental
radio plugs in Ilocano and Filipino.
3. The radio station and contributing agencies may consider conducting an
evaluation of the plug in a larger area if they have not conducted an evaluation.
4. A similar study should be conducted in other areas to compare the results or
another study should be conducted regarding the acceptance of mixed languages in the
education sector.









Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012





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Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Use of Mixed Languages in DZWT Radio Spots
Among Residents of Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet | AMELIA SAGUID C. MARCH 2012