Sinama Dictionary

The Sinama Dictionary is an extensive digital resource supporting users in their quest to master the Central Sinama language, which boasts a rich heritage in both the Philippines and Malaysia. Crafted with meticulous care, it serves as an invaluable tool for hundreds of thousands of speakers, including those hailing from diverse dialects such as Sama Dilaut and Badjao, known as Sama Dilaut in various regional communities.

Central Sinama, part of the Sama-Badjaw language family, showcases 23 phonemes. The Sinama Dictionary effectively presents these sounds using 22 letter symbols, aligning with the language's 17 consonants and 6 vowels. Users will appreciate the orthography's attention to detail, as the central vowel and glottal stop are both denoted by a single symbol, eliminating any potential confusion.

A distinctive aspect is the language's consistent penultimate stress pattern, removing the necessity for stress markers in the dictionary. Additionally, this comprehensive tool concisely illustrates the pronunciation of lengthened vowels, helping users seamlessly navigate linguistic nuances.

Leveraging this resource grants access to a wealth of cultural insights and linguistic knowledge, collected and refined over five decades. It's designed to foster an intimate understanding of Central Sinama, particularly beneficial for Sama-Badjaw speakers distributed across various regions.

Whether you are a learner seeking to enhance your language skills, a linguist conducting research, or simply delving into the cultural fabric of Sulu and Zamboanga provinces, the Sinama Dictionary is engineered to elevate your language proficiency. Embrace the opportunity to connect with one of the vibrant languages of Southeast Asia through this comprehensive digital dictionary.