English or Tagalog: Is there a solution?
Dear Nanay,
In response to the claim by “A Child of the ‘80s” that more kids are speaking in English instead of Tagalog nowadays, this is not exactly accurate. Rather, the habit depends on one’s environment.
If her children studied in exclusive and private schools, the trend is for them to speak in English, as most of her children’s schoolmate would be English speaking at home. I wouldn’t blame media for her claim as I hear more Tagalog on TV nowadays than even during my time (I am in my mid-50s). Today, some cartoons and movies on TV are dubbed in Tagalog and I really find it absurd (imagine Bruce Willis speaking in Tagalog). Back then, the pocketbooks we read in high school were in English (Mills & Boon, Nancy Drew, etc.) but now they have the Precious Hearts Romance in Tagalog.
I would suggest that for her children to improve their Tagalog, she should encourage its use at home. Likewise, require the children to answer in the vernacular as well. Simultaneously, she could correct them when they start using incorrect grammar or Taglish. Unless used profusely, I don’t see any problem with using Taglish. If she can spend more time communicating with them, then the habit to be Tagalog-speaking would grow on them.
Thank you
Lorie Sevilla-Manalansan
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Dear Nanay,
We should remember that in 1935 English was made the official language of the Philippines. A few years later (to the horror of all Visayans) the decision to do the same with Tagalog was made.
Today, English is the national language of Filipinos. A visit to your local National Book Store will confirm this if anyone has any doubt.
As for Tagalog, despite years of effort, even shooting ourselves in the foot by repressing English, only 30 percent of Filipinos speak Tagalog. This is very much related to the fact that Tagalog, for most, does not provide means to meet one’s family needs. If everyone spoke only Tagalog with no English, we would be economically sunk.
Sally T. in last week’s letter was most accurate, especially regarding use of English for work here and for OFWs. However, there is a big need in schools, especially public, for English conversation to be made separate and given greater importance.
We must offer work in schools to those Filipinos who are fluent in conversational English — especially those returning to live in the Philippines.
Also we should request help from our English-speaking neighbors such as Australia and New Zealand for help in this area. Perhaps two set-ups with kids from there using modern forms of communication?
Yours sincerely,
Nelly Dayon Duckett
Negros Occidental
(P.S.: Here, you will encounter Ilonggo, Cebuano and English. Sorry, outside school classrooms, wala Tagalog.)
Dear Lorie And Nelly,
You both make very good points.
Lorie, I think it is correct when you say that one of the best ways to learn Tagalog — or any other language for that matter — is to encourage its use at home. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Nelly, I agree with the last point you make, that there are many parts of the Philippines that do not speak Tagalog. As you said, there in Negros Occidental, Tagalog is only spoken inside the classroom.
I have actually received a lot of e-mail regarding this topic of English versus Filipino. And, as I think I mentioned when we first received a letter on this topic, there may not be one perfect answer. Everyone will have his or her own opinion. And unfortunately, you will probably find as many answers as the number of people you ask.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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