Kuwhy

Kuwhy is a lesser-known but distinctive regional dialect primarily spoken in parts of the southern Philippines, particularly in the provinces of Cotabato, Davao del Sur, and parts of North Cotabato. It belongs to the broader family of Austronesian languages and is closely related to the Maguindanao and Tausug languages, with some influence from the more widely spoken Cebuano and Waray-Waray dialects. The term "kuwhy" itself is not a standardized name for the language; it is often referred to by speakers as *Kuyonon* or *Kuyonon Tagalog*, though this can be misleading as it is not a direct variant of Tagalog. The name "kuwhy" may derive from the word "kuy" (meaning "friend" or "brother" in some local dialects) combined with "why" (a colloquialism for "why not?"), though this etymology is not widely documented.

Kuwhy is characterized by its unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, blending elements of Visayan languages with indigenous Filipino influences. It is primarily spoken by the Kuyonon people, who are often associated with the Moro ethnic groups of Mindanao. The language features a mix of short and long vowels, as well as consonant clusters that differ from standard Filipino or Tagalog. For example, words like "baliw" (mad) or "sugod" (to go) reflect its distinct phonetic structure.

Due to limited documentation and the influence of more dominant languages like Cebuano and Filipino, Kuwhy is considered endangered, with many younger generations shifting to more widely spoken dialects. Efforts to preserve and study the language remain minimal, though local communities and cultural advocates continue to promote its use in oral traditions, music, and informal settings. Research on Kuwhy is scarce, and much of its grammar and lexicon is still being explored by linguists and anthropologists.