The researchers collected the linguistic data and organized them for analysis
using a descriptive approach within the framework of Basic Linguistic Theory. This
approach allowed the researchers to describe and explain the morphological structures
present in the Kagan Language. The analysis focused on identifying the aspectual
affixes that mark contemplative, imperative, and perfective aspects in Kagan verbs. The
linguistic data were obtained from native speakers of the Kagan language through
interviews, elicitation sessions, and follow-up consultations.
The data used in this study consisted of elicited verb forms, example sentences,
and conversational utterances provided by the language consultant. These data were
prepared in advance by the researchers in the form of guide questions, sentence
prompts, and verb lists to facilitate the elicitation process. During the data gathering
phase, the consultants were asked to provide equivalent Kagan expressions and
explain the meanings and functions of the affixes used in the verbs. All responses were
carefully documented and audio-recorded with the consent of the participants. The
gathered data were then transcribed and organized for future linguistic analysis.
For morphological analysis, the collected verb forms were segmented into their
basic components, particularly the root words and their corresponding affixes. Each affix
was examined in terms of grammatical function and how it contributes to the marking of
aspect in the Kagan language through interviews. The researchers also analyzed the
morphological variation that occur when aspectual affixes were combined with different
voice markers such as agent voice, patient voice, instrumental voice, and locative voice.
Descriptive explanations and tabulated examples were used to clearly illustrate the
patterns observed in the language.
The analysis of the linguistic data was guided by the principles of Basic Linguistic
Theory as discussed in the works of Dixon (2010), which emphasizes the careful
description of grammatical structure based on naturally occurring language data. In
cases where certain linguistic for s appeared ambiguous or unclear, the researchers
conducted follow-up consultations with the language consultants to clarify meanings
and verify the accuracy of the interpretations.
To further strengthen the reliability of the findings, the researchers also
conducted additional consultation with the informants to validate the collected data and
confirm the interpretations of the morphological structures. This process helped ensure
that the descriptions of the aspectual affixes accurately reflect the linguistic practices of
Kagan speakers.
In qualitative research, the concept of trustworthiness is very important.
According to Lincoln and Guba (1985), trustworthiness in qualitative research can be
established through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. In this
study, these components were addressed through careful data collection, repeated
consultations with the language consultant, and systematic organization of the linguistic
data based on the research questions. The use of authentic language data from fluent
speakers also contributed to the credibility of the analysis.
Ethical considerations in this study strictly followed the ethical guidelines of the
University of the Immaculate Conception Graduate School. Prior to the data collection,
the researchers secured informed consent from the participants and clearly explained
the purpose of the study and the procedures involved. Participation in the research is
voluntary, and the participants are free to withdraw at any point in the process of this
study. The privacy and confidentiality of the language consultant is also protected by
ensuring that personal information is not disclosed without their permission. All audio
recordings and collected linguistic data were used solely for academic purposes. The
researchers also ensured the authenticity and integrity of the study by properly citing all
referenced sources and by avoiding issues such as plagiarism, fabrication, falsification
of data, and other unethical research practices.