Klata language


Klata is an Austronesian language of the southern Philippines. It is spoken on the eastern slopes of Mount Apo in Davao del Sur Province, as well as in Davao City in an area stretching from Catalunan to Calinan.
The nearby Tagabawa language is also known as Bagobo, and is not to be confused with Giangan.

Classification

Klata is usually classified as one of the South Mindanao languages. Zorc proposes that it is not included among the South Mindanao languages, but only more distantly related to them within a wider subgroup of the Philippine languages which he calls "Southern Philippine".

Distribution

Traditional Klata population centers included the following barangays.
  • Biao, Tugbok District, Davao City
  • Tagakpan, Tugbok District, Davao City
  • Dulian
  • Sirib, Calinan District, Davao City
  • Gumalang, Baguio District, Davao City
  • Tamugan, Marilog District, Davao City
It is also spoken in Biao Joaquin, Calinan District and in various parts of Baguio District.
The Lipadas River separated the traditional Tagabawa and Clata territories, while the Talomo River was the boundary separating the Tagabawas, Clatas, and Obos. The Davao River separated the traditional Bagobo and Clata territories.

Phonology

Klata has a five-vowel system consisting of the vowels. It also has consonantal geminates. Consonantal phonemes are. sometimes occurs as phonemic, but is mostly heard as an allophone of.