From Chance to Meaning: Lived Experiences and Sociolinguistic Lexicons of Mothers in Small Town Lottery as Basis for Community-Based Advocacy

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences and sociolinguistic lexicons of mothers participating in Small Town Lottery (STL) within a local Philippine community. Grounded in phenomenology and sociolinguistics, it examines how participants make sense of their engagement and how language shapes these interpretations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve (12) purposively selected mothers and analyzed using thematic and lexical approaches.
Findings reveal that participation in STL is shaped by an interplay of hope, financial need, perceived risk, and maternal responsibility. Six themes emerged: betting with hope, interpreting signs and numbers, community interaction, emotional experiences of winning and losing, and self-regulation. In addition, STL-specific lexicons such as kalag, pake, and swerte function as operational, social, and interpretive tools that reflect shared meanings and guide participation.
The study suggests that STL is not merely a gambling activity but a socially embedded and language-mediated practice. The findings informed the development of an advocacy material aimed at promoting financial awareness and responsible decision-making. These insights contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).