Baybayin Keyboard using GBOARD
Brief background about Baybayin
Baybayin is one of the ancient scriptures and forms of writing in the Philippines. It came from the southern tagalog and is also primarily used in writing Tagalog. It consists of 14 consonants and it uses kudlit to denotes its syllable. It also consists of 3 vowels that may be used to denote a vowel syllable.
Note: Writing babayin is based from the pronunciation of the syllable and not directly based on the spelling of the word.
PTT!
When I was learning baybayin, I used charts and memorized the symbols first. Then,I familiarized myself on how to write it through writing tagalog words and phrases. Later on, I practiced through writing tagalog song lyrics and poems in order to further familiarize it and make second nature to me!
I suggest that you should be comfortable with using the Tagalog language before learning baybayin. Then, you can start to familiarize yourself with the symbols and the system first before using the keyboard.
HOW TO USE BABAYIN KEYBOARD THROUGH GBOARD
1. Install GBOARD app
2. Click and open the app and make GBOARD your default keyboard
3. Click LANGUAGES, which can be found in the uppermost part
4. Click ADD KEYBOARD,which can be found in the lowermost part
5. Scroll down and find Filipino(Baybayin). You can also search for Filipino(Baybayin). [Search button can be found in the uppermost right part]
6. Click on Filipino(Baybayin). Then select DONE.
7. Long press on the spacebar of your keyboard to change your keyboard. Then, click on Filipino(Baybayin).
8. Practice and Familiarize yourself with the symbols involved.
Remember: There are 14 consonants and 3 vowels. The vowels will only be utilized if requires a separate syllable for that vowel.
In order to denote the sounds of the vowel, use a kudlit.
Short Kudlit Guide
Without a kudlit: a
Kudlit (top):e/i
Kudlit (bottom):o/u
Note: These are pronounced in the short way, not the long way.
9. Practice typing the exact words on the keyboard. Click on the consonant first then choose the kudlit placement(found in the middle of the keyboard)
10. Voila! You're done! Hope you enjoy!