Baybayin is an ancient script used by Filipinos during the 16th century to the 19th century. It was based on the Brahmic Indian script, and was used even during the Spanish Occupation. It’s not clear why we stopped using this ancient text, but at some point, we started using the alphabet we use to this day.
If you’re thinking of learning Baybayin, there’s an app for that! The Baybayin Keyboard lets you type in the indigenous script, which you can use on Messages, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The developer, Christopher Castillo, describes the app on the App Store as:
Baybayin is the indigenous script of the Philippines that has made a resurgence as a way to express Filipino cultural identity. The Baybayin Keyboard lets you type baybayin characters on your iPhone or iPa. It functions seamlessly as an alternate system keyboard that can be used within apps such as Messages, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Baybayin Keyboard includes two keyboard layouts: Baguhan (beginner) and Dalubhasa (expert). Use the Baguhan layout if you are still learning how to write in baybayin. Once you are proficient, switch to the Dalubhasa layout, which lets you type faster and provides more flexibility.
The app is available for $1.99.
Do you want to learn baybayin? Share your thoughts below!
