T. H. (Trinidad Hermenegildo) Pardo de Tavera
Contribucion Para El Estudio de los Antiguos Alfabetos Filipinos
"Contribucion Para El Estudio de los Antiguos Alfabetos Filipinos" by T.H. Pardo de Tavera is a scholarly work written in the late 19th century. This book serves as a scientific publication that delves into the historical study of the ancient alphabets used by the Filipino inhabitants prior to Spanish colonization. The author explores the writing systems developed by the Malay race, referred to as the "Indios," and examines their significance in the broader context of Philippine history and culture. In this work, Pardo de Tavera discusses various ancient Filipino alphabets, outlining their characteristics and the complexities involved in understanding them. He critiques previous studies and provides a detailed comparison of the different scripts, particularly focusing on Tagalog and Ilocano alphabets. The book illustrates how these writing systems were used and their similarities to other writing systems in Asia and Oceania. Furthermore, Pardo de Tavera argues for the importance of preserving knowledge about these scripts, arguing that despite their decline in use, they hold significant historical value that deserves deeper investigation and appreciation.