Linguistic notes

Unlike most other Philippine languages, Itawit and its relatives use the consonants /z/, /f/, /v/, and /dʒ/ (spelled ⟨dy⟩). For example, fefeg ('fan'), madyan ('maid'), kazzing ('goat'), and bavi ('pig').

The Itawit language has a fast, somewhat soft tone.^{[clarification needed]} Speakers usually shorten sentences by shortening words; however, shortening every word is not possible. For a non-fluent, non-native, or a beginner learner, all words in a sentence should be said fully and completely.^{[citation needed]} In a gesture of respect, Itawits usually use the name or status of a person at the end of a sentence.

Example: 'Where is the bathroom?' (asking an elderly woman): Dyanna yo banyu ko anti/manang?

Anti 'auntie' is used in Itawit for an elderly woman or a family friend); manang 'elder sister' is used in Itawit as a sign of respect.

The Itawit sentence structure is similar to English.

Example: 'Ifan went to get some water from the fridge.' : Y Ifan e numang nga nangalak kang danum kanne ref. : [stating word] Ifan [] went to get [word that states a place] water from fridge. The format is a noun, verb, adjective/place/noun sequence.

If the speaker is referring to a person, who they are referring to is unclear unless the specification word y is used. The Tagalog equivalent would be si, both meaning 'that person'. After y, the name of the person referred to is used, but in a gesture of respect, the status and name are given.

Interrogative words

When asking a question, Itawits usually start with a person's name or status and then the question itself. If asking someone familiar, Itawits also usually end it with he, diba, or ko (state person's name or status).^{[clarification needed]}

• 'What': anna (hanna in some dialects)
• 'When': sonu inya (sometimes shortened to so-inya)
• 'Where': dyanna (jan+na)
• 'Who': inya
• 'Why': kaam
• 'How': kunnasi

Dialects

Linguists classify Malaueg and Rizal as dialects of the Itawis language.

Vowels

Consonants

Gaddang is also one of the Philippine languages which is excluded from [ɾ]-[d] allophony.