The University of Santo Tomas Miguel de Benavides Library and Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Antonio Nebrija Foundation (Madrid), Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the National Library of Spain, has unveiled a significant exhibition titled “Nebrija en Filipinas. La Importancia de ser gramático.” This notable event marks the celebration of Antonio de Nebrija’s quincentennial death anniversary, a important figure in the history of grammar and linguistics.
The exhibit is an adaptation of the “Nebrija (c.1444-1522). El orgullo de ser gramático (grammaticus nomen est professionis)” exhibition organized by the National Library of Spain in 2022. Originally curated by Dr. Teresa Jiménez Calvente, with scholarly additions from Assoc. Prof. Marlon James Sales of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the exhibition here in the Philippines offers a comprehensive exploration of Nebrija’s profound impact on Philippine grammar and linguistic studies. It also underscores his influence on the preservation and development of language in the Philippines, weaving his work into the broader narrative of the nation’s linguistic heritage.
The exhibition features a rich collection of literary works and historical documents, including the works of Nebrija and some of the rare grammars and dictionaries housed in the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario UST Heritage Library. These books, instrumental for missionaries working in various Philippine provinces, illustrate not only the diverse array of languages in the archipelago but also the influence of Spanish during the colonial period.
The exhibition has two phases: ensuring maximum public engagement and educational reach. The first phase ran from March 12 to June 12, 2024, at the Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros. The second phase, now showcased at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library from August 22 to November 22, 2024, is of particular importance as it reflects the exhibition’s relevance in historical and contemporary contexts. It underscores the pivotal role of grammar in shaping cultural identity and fostering community connections, offering a valuable opportunity for reflection on the intersection of language, history, and heritage.
The inauguration was attended by Sr. D. Pedro Llinás Almadana, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines; Sr. D. Javier Galván Guijo, Director of Instituto Cervantes de Manila; Hon. Arthur P. Casanova, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino; Minister Leandro Waisman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Argentine Embassy; and many other library benefactors.
As part of the exhibition, a learning session was also held on August 30, 2024, featuring Assoc. Prof. Sales and Assoc. Prof. Jorge Mojarro. This session delved into the significant contributions of the Dominican Order to missionary linguistics in the Philippines, highlighting the enduring influence of Antonio de Nebrija, Blancas de San José, and many other missionaries.
