Kinamigin: The Language of Camiguinons
Kinamigin or Kinamiguin is the local language of Camiguin. Amongst the municipalities, only Sagay and Guinsiliban are still using it. The other three municipalities (Catarman, Mahinog and Mambajao) have shifted to the Bisaya.
When visiting Camiguin Island, it's essential to understand some of the basic words and phrases in Kinamiguin. While the majority of the population uses Bisaya, majority understands Kinamiguin.
Here are some of the basic words in Kinamiguin:
- Oo - Yes
- Bari - No
- Dakol - Many
- Utaw - People
- Langoy - Swim
- Maupay - Good
- Maupay na buntag na injo aan. - Good morning to you all.
- Maupay na duman na injo aan. - Good evening to you all.
- Ino imo ngaran? - What is your name?
- Handi ka ay pailing? - Where are you going?
- Salamat. - Thank you.
So next time you visit Camiguin, be sure to use these phrases.
Neil Yamit
Born and raised in Sagay, Camiguin and currently working as a product manager in Cebu. You will find me lurking in Reddit, Twitter and Google+. He shares his passion for technology, music, design & development in his blog and his travel stories in Island Trotters.