An alternative listing for the Northern Philippine tribes is: Apayao/Isnag, Abra/Tinguian, Kalinga, Gaddang, Applai, Bontoc, Bago, I-lagod, Kankana-ey, Kangkanai, Balangao, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Ikalahan, Kalanguya, Karao and Ilongot.
Not withstanding their resistance to invasion from the lowlands, the lingua franca used throughout the Cordilleras is Ilocano, adopted from the lowlander traders of Ilocos Region in the west.