Language is a segment of the blood and soul, where thoughts trickle out of where one grows Kamusta means

How are you? in the Filipino language. But how many Filipinos living in Britain would know how to respond in a conversation? Or even attempt to continue talking in Filipino? There are many Filipinos brought up here in Britain who have no idea what to say when such a conversation begins like this. Beyond the standard Im OK. Or Mabuti. What happens next? Many elders shake their heads in disappointment when the British-born Filipinos in response shake their own heads, unknowing how to respond to such a simplistic Filipino greeting. The history of the Filipino language was a battle for our ancestors. Language, to them, meant freedom. Blood and Ink was shed for our rights of liberty to be declared. The struggle of ownership of identity, citizenship for our people and a language for our country inspired our national heroes, especially our most venerated, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. He shed ink through his novels, letters and poetry in order for our people to believe in themselves but the irony is, it was only after he shed his own blood that it was ultimately realised. There was much controversy when the Spaniards wanted to declare Spanish as the National language of the Philippines, therefore a committee was formed in the Philippines that declared in 1935 to choose a National language. The Philippines has many dialects which could be compared to Nigeria or China, due to the variety of tribes, regions and ancient countries clustered together unlike France or Portugal where only one main language is dominantly spoken. Hence it was important for Philippines to find liberty in having their own National language. Through much debate Tagalog was finally chosen as it was widely spoken throughout Philippines, although it caused quite controversial issues Tagalog modified into Filipino in 1987 became the National language of the Philippines in the Philippine Constitution. Through the declaration of the Filipino language in the Philippines Constitution it reveals the importance of what surrounds the meaning of what marks us as Filipinos. Hence it was important for Philippines to find liberty in having their own National language. Through much debate Tagalog was finally chosen as it was widely spoken throughout Philippines, although it caused quite controversial issues Tagalog modified into Filipino in 1987 became the National language of the Philippines in the Philippine Constitution. Through the declaration of the Filipino language in the Philippines Constitution it reveals the importance of what surrounds the meaning of what marks us as Filipinos. Through the neglect of not knowing our own language, we hurt our ancestors who passed us the right and opportunity of having a National language. As Dr. Jose P. Rizal declared, He who does not love his own language is worse than an animal and a smelly fish. Sometimes the truth is harsh, but the truth is true, as he states, While a people preserves its language; it preserves the

mark of liberty. We have been given a gift by our ancestors, but yet we refuse to accept it. The importance of liberty in language is lost in todays world. The struggles it took for our ancestors to acquire our National language are long forgotten. Hence there is a wide margin between the Filipino heritage in contrast with the British way of life. It is a shame at this present moment that not many Filipinos know how to speak their own language of heritage when it is language that makes us who we are and where we come from. Many Filipino parents have not taught their children how to speak Filipino, instead they have adapted to the language of the country in which they have settled, in our case English. Although it is not wrong to integrate into the British way of life, Filipinos born and/or raised in the UK sometimes fully enter the British way and neglect the Filipino way. In contrast, a Filipino brought up in Britain who was taught how to speak Filipino by their parents and converses well, provides a source of pride to a Filipino, for it is often rare to converse in Filipino with a British born Filipino. It is however ironic that the Filipinos who do try to speak the Filipino language are teased because of the accent and lack of knowledge, although they want to speak it, the lack of confidence and support draws them further away from the heritage which should be rightfully theirs; a heritage which they should be proud of. Philippines should be our home; however it seems to be a foreign place to us. There are many Filipinos who go on holiday to the Philippines who cannot speak the Filipino language. It would be beneficial to be able to go on holiday to your own country without having someone to interpret the Filipino language for you. It is strange to think that most Filipinos who go to the Philippines cannot speak their country of origins language but this is not strange to us, it somehow is perceived the norm back home and this perception is unfortunately the reality. Perhaps it is time for a change of really going back to our roots and learning the Filipino language. To change something, there has to be a way of making it happen and to make it happen there has to be a source. Being Filipino is something we should be proud of, learning the language is important in promoting the Filipino identity and sense of Pinoy Pride. Due to the lack of Filipino language spoken within the second generation and British-born Filipino Community, Philippine Generations are launching classes to teach the Filipino language for over 18s and if the classes run smoothly, more classes will be introduced for all ages. It is important that the heritage of what constitutes of being a Filipino will not be forgotten regardless of living

in Britain. Our Filipino way of life such as speaking the Filipino language should be a simple task; however it is often diminished by the British way of life which should not be so. Filipino culture should be embraced and kept within tradition regardless of the environment. By starting the provision of Filipino language classes now, it will be beneficial for the second generation and the next generations to come so that the Filipino language would be passed down, preserved and not be lost. The Filipino language has been neglected for far too long. Through neglecting the language, it is as if one is neglecting oneself of being a Filipino. Language is the connection within our blood and soul which ties our heritage together. The time is now to meet the need for the Filipino language to be spoken, to fill the gap and create a bigger bond between the Filipino community and the next generation. Perhaps one day, all Filipinos would unite to speak their own language once more. We live in Britain but through speaking the Filipino language it should keep us home. In the future, the opening of a simple Kamusta would hopefully turn into a real Filipino conversation, the Filipino way!

The benefits of knowing Tagalog by Rachelle L. Antonio* | SAN DIEGO, 09/21/07 -- Tagalog, renamed Filipino, is a part of me that connects me to so much more. Because of it, I know more about who I am and where I came from. Its taught me respect for and prides in my heritage - things, in my opinion, are irreplaceable. ... I find it sad that many American-born Filipinos only know the bastos phrases we teach non-Filipinos in the hopes of getting a cheap laugh. The Philippine national language, Filipino/Tagalog, is a beautiful thing. Sure, there are some words that dont do justice to their meanings (e.g., bulaklak hardly sounds like a beautiful, delicate flower). However, all in all, there is unbelievable depth and color to the Filipino language. Why then, are so many young Filipino Americans clueless about the beauty and importance of Filipino? Anyone thats ever heard a Filipino love song would know just how gorgeous the language could sound. The lyrics of many songs simply cannot translate into English without losing some of their edge. This loss of meaning and impact is true of common phrases as well. Often times, I find myself letting certain Tagalog interjections and words slip (into everyday conversation) that simply do not have English equivalents. Admittedly, I am rather biased on this topic, as I was born here in the United States, but grew up knowing Tagalog and speaking it fluently. What can I say; I guess I was lucky to have two Lolas (grandmothers) and both parents around to teach me the language. However, I find it a damn shame that so many of my friends and cousins some American-born, some who immigrated at a young age who not only cannot speak Filipino, but who cannot even understand more than the taboo and profane phrases we all giggle about. Personally, I find it a great advantage to know a second language, and the language of my heritage at that. It has helped me in so many ways as a person and more specifically, as a Filipino American. This knowledge has benefited me at home, in the community, on visits to the Philippines, within society and most importantly, within my own cultural identity. My knowledge of Tagalog has helped me first and foremost, within my own home with my family. Because of it, I have rarely had trouble communicating with my grandmothers and others members of the family who do not speak English. My parents were always proud to tell other relatives that my sister and I could speak Tagalog, and that they didnt have to feel awkward with their English around us. Because they were so proud. I too felt pride in this skill. Within the community, Tagalog has also helped me quite a bit. I grew up in Daly City, California, otherwise known as little Manila in the San Francisco Bay Area. The predominance of Filipinos in the community was felt in schools and everywhere else. My knowledge came in handy, as I had to communicate with non-English Filipinos while working at the mall or even randomly in a supermarket. Although it seems like a trivial advantage, it was an advantage nonetheless. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits I have experienced with my knowledge of Tagalog has been during my visits to the Philippines. Although my relatives there can speak English, as they study it in school, they understandably cannot help but feel awkward when using it in their normal conversations. Thus, each time my sister and I visit the Philippines, we have little trouble communicating with our cousins and other relatives in

Filipino This makes us all more comfortable and keeps them from feeling inferior because of their unfamiliar English skills. Again this seems like only a slightly significant advantage. However, because everyone is more comfortable, we are able to build closer relationships despite the scarcity of visits and personal contact. These relationships are priceless to me, and thus my knowledge of Tagalog helps to create even stronger bonds within my family, something I would never trade. A fourth area in which Tagalog has helped me is in general society. Most students must learn a second language in 1 middle school, high school and/ or college. Although I did not study Filipino as my foreign language (as it was not offered as a course in my schools), I did study Spanish, which is in many ways quite similar to Tagalog. My knowledge helped me to do well in my Spanish courses, as I already had background with the sounds and cognate words in both languages. Also, as a societal advantage, listing bilingual abilities on a resume is often seen as an edge when applying for jobs or elsewhere. Thus, my language skills are enhanced and I have become more marketable in the workplace. Although I cannot quantify the edge it gives me, it certainly may be able to help me to get ahead in the future. Finally, my knowledge of Filipino has helped me immensely in connecting with my cultural roots. Because of it, I can understand the stories my lolas tell about noong unang panahon or in the old days. I can understand the lyrics and poems; the plaques engraved at monuments, as well as the letters my cousins send me. The language is a part of me that connects me to so much more. Because of it, I know more about who I am and where I came from. Its taught me respect for, and pride in my heritage. Those things, in my opinion, are irreplaceable. The many benefits that knowing how to speak and understand Filipino are perhaps the reasons why I believe it is a shame so many young Filipino Americans do not have this skill. Maybe I am tooting my own horn too much, but I really do view the skill as an asset. Young people are missing out on so much in society and within themselves when they do not know even the basics of their mother language. I find it sad that many Filipino Americans only know the bastos phrases we teach non-Filipinos in the hopes of getting a cheap laugh. So I suppose my point in all of this is actually a pitch to Filipino Americans. A pitch for them to learn Filipino, or whatever dialect their parents or grandparents speak be it Ilocano, Bisaya, Kapampangan, whatever. The point is that we as responsible Filipino Americans must know our roots, and what better way than to know the language. Filipino can help in so many ways, in so many areas. Most of all, it helps give you a sense of your roots. I personally hope to one day teach my kids Tagalog, regardless of whether I marry a Filipino man. I feel that it is that important. One of the saddest things is when you are in a room with people, and something is said in Tagalog (or any other foreign dialect/language). Everyone laughs but you, because you didnt understand. Even if someone explains it to you afterward, something is always lost in translation. I dont know about most people, but I never like the feeling of being lost.

The Filipino boy who doesnt want to speak Filipino is what, exactly?
New YorkAs this city closed (who would have thought?) and braced itself for the fierce hurricane called Irene, a close encounter of a different kind took us by surprise. It came from the Philippines and it was called James Soriano, who caused an online storm with his Manila Bulletin essay Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege, in which he makes the claim that Filipino is not the language of the learned. He adds, We are forced to relate to the tinderas (store clerks), manongs (usually the driver) and katulongs (the help) of this world. Soriano claims his mother made home conducive to learning English since he was a toddler to the point that she even hired English tutors. So we know whos to blame now? Well, not so fast. After all, our educational system and form of business communication is still English. Which brings us to the question: Why do we imbibe the language of the empires when they come and go, anyway? Soriano proceeds to say he learned Filipino because it was practical. (It) was the language outside of the classroom; it was how you spoke to the tindera when you went the tindahan (convenience store). He says he needed to speak the language to survive the outside world. Its unfortunate how the boy chooses to live in a bubble, but he is just a symptom of a larger problem. The glaring social stratification in the Philippines is connected to ones chosen language, too. The use of English among the rich sets them apart from the rest who speak Tagalog. The Tagalogs may feel superior toward other Filipinos who speak a different dialect. At a disadvantage So when Soriano says Filipino is not the language of the learned, is he suggesting Filipino speakers are at a disadvantage compared to him? Did he mean his relatives, too, since they speak Filipino like everyone else? Who feels insulted in all these? The interruptions of foreign colonizers on our shores have, of course, hindered the full flowering of our language but it doesnt mean Filipino language development should stop.

If the use of one language can be ultimately unifying and there are more Filipinos speaking Filipino, some sort of compromise could be reached. Already, Filipinos combine both Filipino (and a dialect) with English and the combination of the two is already acknowledged. While some purists may frown on Finglish, this writer thinks language has to catch up with the times. Having one language certainly can help break down social divisions. America has only one language that allows both rich and poor to communicate with each other on an equal footing. If we use Filipino only, imagine poor Filipinos having access to knowledge. Isnt that going to make them more functional members of a nation, able to compete against our most educated? For Filipino-Americans reading this piece, the struggle over the Filipino language is an issue that does not concern them directly, but it may just give them further insights as to why Filipinos who move to America never teach Filipino to their children. Its not for any deliberate hatred for the language but for knowing that it is a language they can simply give up without consequences. Dispassionate teaching This is because most Philippine schools treat Filipino language dispassionatelyand an impressionable student may think about its limitations when it is how we have mishandled the language that is the issue. As Soriano says, Filipino is treated as the other subject (in school), tedious and difficult, which is why Filipino did not come naturally to him. Teaching Filipino certainly has to evolve. One can mine our popular entertainments use of the language from an etymological, unbiased stance. From the sublime (Eraserheads music) to the world of TV soap operas, there is a wealth (or heap of trash for some) of pop culture to dissect. The process can actually be fun if analyzed in any number of waysas a cultural medium, the effective facilitation of relationships and even as emotive expression. It would be great to teach students of this common declaration, mahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country), as a purely emotive expression, devoid of meaning until converted to action. While were at it, itd be great to get rid of derisive reactions such as ang lalim naman ng Tagalog mo (your Filipino is so profound); saan bang probinsiya galing yan? (From what province did he come from? or Ay, hindi marunong mag-English! (He or she doesnt know how to speak English!)

The latter was a comment directed at Venus Raj in the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. But if you recall, the more disturbing thing for Americans back then was not her grammar but her non-answer to the question, What is the one big mistake in your life and what did you do to make it right? World is much bigger These common put-downs may also account for the disinterest toward learning the Filipino language, as Soriano could be accountable for when he didnt bother to look for translations for bayanihan, tagay, kilig and diskarte. But the world is much bigger. In a multicultural America where they must convey messages to non-English speakers, those words Soriano cannot translate will need to be translated or transcreated (a term used in the ad agency world). Depending on context, variations to these Filipino words are community spirit, cheers, titillated and technique, respectively. Those words can translate to $600 millionthe advertising budget spent by American companies in Asian American advertising. Unfortunately, the Filipino American market gets only a meager sum, because we are less language-dependent than other Asians and is therefore almost absconded as a viable market. The Internet has, of course, blurred the line between journalism and bloggingor writing in general. What passes for journalism these days is ones solipsistic opinion devoid of any solid research or verifiable truths. This can be in the form of a blog, which has diminished the value of journalism to a certain extent, because a blogger who gives writing a bad name at least, can easily get published online without culpability whereas a journalist is liable to an organizational structure with strict editorial policies. Count the fact that some journalists blog, too, and the result is utter confusion. Summing up, Soriano says, I have my education to thank for making English my mother language, discounting Filipino altogether. For a very young person to put himself in a mental box seems too final and unduly conclusive. Doesnt that rob you of the enjoyment of seeing the multidimensionality of the world? Besides, we know where boxes goin corners.