300-year-old Kapampangan dictionary digitized in race to preserve language history

Rare 17th-century manuscript scanned by the Center for Kapampangan Studies as experts push for restoration, translation, and long-term preservation of one of the earliest records of the language

Fragments of a centuries-old language are being preserved as researchers work to safeguard what remains of the country’s early written records.

The Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) has successfully scanned the original Kapampangan dictionary compiled by Fray Alvaro de Benavente. Dated between 1699 and 1700, it is now considered one of the oldest known dictionaries of the language.

Preservation without contact

Using a specialized scanner, the team digitized the fragile manuscript, preserving it without causing damage to the original document. The digital copy allows closer study of the text while reducing the need to physically handle the deteriorating pages.

The manuscript will be submitted to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for restoration before being returned to the Augustinian archives in Valladolid, Spain, likely via San Agustin Church in Intramuros.

CKS Director Robby Tantingco said in a social media post that the team plans to transcribe, translate, and publish the material to better understand how Kapampangan was spoken and written more than 300 years ago, offering insight into how the language has evolved over time.

The effort highlights ongoing challenges in preserving regional languages, many of which continue to shift with modernization, migration, and changing everyday use.