Alternate Names: “Tagabili” (pej.), T’boli, Tiboli
Dialects: Central Tboli, Southern Tboli, Western Tboli.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 95,300 (2000). 10,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 100,000.
Language Use: Speak Tboli to each other freely in buses, surrounding towns, etc. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Ilongot [ilk]. Used as L2 by Koronadal Blaan [bpr], Sarangani Blaan [bps].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Perhaps 50%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: Perhaps 50%–60%. Literacy program in previously unreached coastal mountain range. They operate their own government school. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2007.
Typology: VSO; articles, adjectives, numerals all before and after noun heads; question word in sentence-initial position; maximum number of affixes: 1 prefix, 1 suffix; word order distinguishes subject, object and direct objects, given and new information, topic and comment; affixes indicate case of noun phrase; passives; causatives; comparatives; CV, CVC, CCV, CCVC; nontonal.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Philippines
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.