Navigating the meaning of the oral literature in Alimodian: A thematic analysis

Abstract

This ethnoliterary qualitative research aimed to collect, document, and analyze select oral literature from the upland areas of Alimodian, specifically in Barangay Umingan and Sitio Balogo, Barangay Pajo. The focus was on folktales and the folk song "banggianay." Six informants were purposefully chosen based on recommendations from elders and community leaders. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews and focused- group discussions, using audio recordings. Four stories and two songs were collected, documented, and subjected to thematic analysis. Social constructionism guided data interpretation, while themes were extracted using thematic analysis. Triangulation was applied to validate the interpretation and results. Findings revealed several recurring themes: life is difficult, nature is important, magic or supernatural powers exist, the good or innocent always prevail, greed or selfishness brings loss/shame, man is the master of his own fate, adversities bring out the best in a person, true love must be willing to sacrifice, women are highly regarded, and parents are honored. Based on these themes, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) Ancient people lived a difficult life, heavily dependent on farming, fishing, and hunting due to limited resources and technology. 2) They believed in magic, spirits, and supernatural beings, attributing luck or fortune to them. 3) Ancient people valued hard work, perseverance, resilience, kindness, respect for women, and honoring parents, while discouraging selfishness, greed, and irresponsibility. 4) Ancient people were romantic lovers, with men demonstrating gentlemanly behavior, honesty, self-sacrifice, and determination. The preservation of oral traditions like folktales and Banggianay songs is vital for understanding the cultural heritage of Alimodian, as these traditions offer insights into moral lessons, social norms, historical context, and the enduring values that have shaped ancient Filipino society.