Counterhegemony: 12 Reasons to save the national language
Filipino subjects have been obliterated through Commission on Higher Education/CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20, Series of 2013. Hence, instead of celebrating this year’s National Language Month (Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa), everyone is requested to help turn the tables against the enemies of our beleaguered national language.
By DAVID MICHAEL M. SAN JUAN Associate Professor, De La Salle University-Manila Bulatlat.com
“Uno y otro os olvidais de que mientras un pueblo conserve su idioma, conserva la prenda de su libertad, como el hombre su independencia mientras conserva su manera de pensar. El idioma es el pensamiento de los pueblos .” – Simoun in Chapter VII of Jose Rizal’s “El Filibusterismo”
The Philippines holds the disreputable distinction of being the only country in the world where the national language is extoled for a month, only to be dismissed as a nuisance unworthy of recognition as the official language of communication and primary medium of instruction. Some citizens – victims of what Renato Constantino labeled as (neo)colonial “miseducation” – even have the gall to demand the use of English language or a regional language, as the country’s language of communication and medium of instruction, despite the fact that Filipino has been the national language since 1935! Worse, Filipino subjects have been obliterated through Commission on Higher Education/CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20, Series of 2013. Hence, instead of celebrating this year’s National Language Month (Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa), everyone is requested to help turn the tables against the enemies of our beleaguered national language. Allow us to enumerate a few compelling reasons why Filipino should be used as medium of instruction in college and why Filipino subjects must be included in the college curriculum
1. Filipino as medium of instruction at all levels is a mandatory provision of the Philippine Constitution (Article XIV, Section 6): “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino…the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.” It is thus abominable that most government agencies use English as their main language of official communication, and most universities are still reluctant to progressively implement the Filipinization of the curriculum.
2. Using Filipino as a medium of instruction in college will only be effective if Filipino is taught as a subject/discipline too.
3. In the era of globalization and imminent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration, Filipinos should further strengthen their own language, literature, and culture, as part of our contribution to the project of global and regional socio-cultural integration. For what can we contribute to the global and regional projects of integration if we have no language nor culture to share with the world and ASEAN?
4. Expanding and further developing what students have learned in junior and senior high school is necessary. Hence, there is a need for at least a Filipino subject in college, as a number of subjects in the senior high school curriculum have parallel or related subjects in the new General Education Curriculum.
5. Skills for Filipino language and Philippine literature are included in the College Readiness Standards (CRS) contained in CHED’s Resolution No. 298-2011, hence including Filipino language and literature subjects in college is a must, if the CRS is to be genuinely useful. Such subjects will ensure that skills learned in high school will be further developed in college.
6. The National Achievement Test (NAT) results for Filipino are still below DepEd’s own standards for mastery. Hence, retaining Filipino as a college subject will ensure that the necessary task of improving students’ facility of the Filipino language beyond the secondary level is accomplished.
7. The content of the Filipino senior high school curriculum cannot cover all content and skills currently taught in college. (see ANNEX A)
8. Filipino is the national language and language of political democratization as it is spoken by 99% of the population. It is the most effective language of national public discourse. It is the soul of our country’s identity and culture. Giving it some space in all levels of education is a must. Obliterating it is obliterating ourselves and our collective identity.
9. In K to 12 countries such as the United States of America, Malaysia, and Indonesia, national language and/or literature are part of the mandatory core courses in their college curriculum.
American Universities Where English (The American National Language) is Taught as a Required Core Course (PARTIAL LIST)
1. Princeton University 2. Illinois State University 3. California State University 4. Columbia University 5. University of Alabama 6. Duke University 7. Yale University 8. Harvard University 9. Stanford University 10. North Carolina State University 11. Washington State University 12. University of Wisconsin-Madison 13. State University of New York 14. University of Michigan 15. College of Engineering ng Ohio State University 16. University of Vermont 17. California State Polytechnic University 18. University of Kentucky 19. University of Arizona 20. College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences ng Ohio State University
American Universities Where English Literature is Taught as a Required Core Course (PARTIAL LIST) (PARTIAL LIST) 1. University of Chicago 2. Harvard University 3. Duke University 4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5. University of Alabama 6. University of Wisconsin-Madison 7. University of Michigan 8. University of Kentucky 9. University of Oregon 10. University of Texas
10. Filipino subjects designed in a multi/interdisciplinary way are feasible, as proven by the dozens of proposals submitted to CHED by various institutions and organizations.
11. The inclusion of the national language in the college curriculum is a relatively new thing, compared with the inclusion of the English language and literature in the college curriculum. It is about time this historical injustice is remedied. (see ANNEX B)
12. Filipino is a global language taught in more than 80 schools, institutions, and universities abroad (in some cases, full bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree are also offered). Obliterating the space for Filipino and Philippine Studies at the tertiary level in Philippine colleges and universities will certainly negatively affect the status of Filipino as a global language.
40 Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) with 27,500 students in 10 countries Where Filipino is Taught 1. Bahrain 2. China 3. East Timor 4. Greece 5. Kuwait 6. Libya 7. Oman 8. Qatar 9. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 10. United Arab Emirates
Universities Abroad Teaching Filipino Language and/or Philippine Studies 1. University of Hawaii-Manoa 2. University of Michigan 3. Osaka University 4. Kyoto University 5. Sorbonne University (France) 6. University of Melbourne 7. University of Pennsylvania 8. University of Washington 9. Beijing University 10. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 11. University of California, Berkeley 12. University of Queensland (Australia) 13. Universiti Brunei Darussalam 14. University of Malaya (Malaysia) 15. University of Wisconsin-Madison 16. Loyola Marymount University (USA) 17. Columbia University (USA) 18. Tokyo University of Foreign Studies 19. Moscow State University 20. St. Petersburg State University 21. Northern Illinois University 22. Yale University 23. University of San Francisco (USA) 24. University of Chicago 25. University of Winnipeg (Canada) 26. Universit?t Luzern (Switzerland) 27. University of Pittsburgh (USA) 28. Simon Fraser University (Canada) 29. University of California, San Diego 30. Stanford University 31. University of Arizona 32. Cornell University 33. Brigham Young University (USA) 34. California State University-East Bay 35. University of Wollongong in Dubai (mother unit in Australia) 36. North West Community College (Sydney) 37. Michigan State University 38. University of Utah 39. California State University Long Beach 40. University of Iowa 41. Loyola University (USA) 42. East Tennessee State University 43. SWCollege (USA) 44. Cuyamaca College (USA) 45. Alliant International University (USA) 46. San Diego State University (USA)
Other Overseas Institutions That Teach Filipino Language 1. Filipino Language and Culture School of Calgary (FLCSC) 2. 70 high schools in San Diego, California 3. Converse International School of Languages (USA) 4. Philippine Language School of Victoria (Australia) 5. Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture (USA)
Share this:
You might also like:.
Youth, labor groups demand release of 6 activists arrested on Labor Day
In Asia Pacific, rise in public debt is hurting women’s access to social services
Jeepney drivers, workers ‘more miserable under Marcos Jr’
6 arrested at the labor day protest
- Language Basics
- Advanced Grammar Topics
- Conversational Use
- Language & Culture
- Learning Resources
- Privacy Policy
Language Preservation Efforts in the Philippines
- by Amiel Pineda
- January 15, 2024 February 9, 2024
Language preservation is crucial for safeguarding the cultural heritage and traditions of indigenous communities in the Philippines.
Factors such as globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of other languages contribute to the endangerment of indigenous languages.
Documentation and archiving initiatives, collaboration with linguists, and the digitization of materials are important for preserving endangered languages. Community engagement, education, and language immersion programs play a vital role in revitalizing and preserving indigenous languages.
Historical Context of Filipino Language Diversity
The historical context of language diversity in the Philippines reveals a rich tapestry of indigenous languages shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and historical influences .
The Philippines is a melting pot of linguistic diversity, with 183 living languages, 96% of which are indigenous.
These languages aren’t merely a means of communication; they’re repositories of cultural heritage and traditions, reflecting the identity of indigenous communities.
Preserving these languages is vital to safeguarding the legacy of our ancestors and maintaining the cultural fabric of the nation.
Collaboration with local communities, especially educators and leaders, is essential for garnering support and permission for language preservation initiatives.
Additionally, engaging the public through literature, cinema, and oral traditions is crucial for ensuring the ongoing relevance and vibrancy of indigenous languages.
Nurturing language diversity necessitates intergenerational efforts, emphasizing the active involvement of younger generations in preserving and promoting linguistic richness in the Philippines.
Factors Contributing to Filipino Language Endangerment
Economic and societal pressures often drive the decline of indigenous languages, compelling speakers to shift to dominant languages for better economic and social opportunities. This shift can be attributed to several factors:
- Globalization and Urbanization : These trends often lead to the adoption of dominant languages for economic advancement and social mobility.
- Lack of Institutional Support : Indigenous languages often suffer due to insufficient educational resources and institutional backing.
- Disruption in Intergenerational Transmission : Societal changes and the dominance of other languages disrupt the passing down of indigenous languages to younger generations.
- Government Policies and Attitudes : The stance of authorities towards minority languages significantly impacts their preservation and use.
Understanding these factors is crucial in developing effective language preservation strategies for indigenous communities, especially in the context of the Philippines.
Initiatives for Documentation and Archiving in the Philippines
Initiating the preservation and documentation of endangered languages involves establishing digital archives and conducting fieldwork to capture the linguistic richness of indigenous communities.
These efforts are crucial for preserving and promoting the linguistic diversity of the Philippines.
By collaborating with linguists, anthropologists, and local communities, comprehensive databases of indigenous languages are being created.
Additionally, advanced technology is being utilized to digitize historical documents and written materials in endangered languages. Educational materials are also being developed to raise awareness about the importance of language preservation and archiving.
Through these initiatives, the oral traditions, stories, and linguistic nuances of indigenous languages are being documented, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.
Revitalization Efforts and Community Engagement
You can engage in community workshops and language immersion programs to actively participate in the revitalization of indigenous languages.
Celebrating cultural traditions through events and activities also plays a crucial role in preserving linguistic diversity.
Community Workshops
Community workshops play a crucial role in revitalizing endangered languages in the Philippines, engaging local communities in language preservation efforts. These workshops are pivotal for preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Community Engagement : Workshops foster a sense of pride and belonging within the local community, encouraging active participation in language preservation initiatives.
- Permission and Involvement : Securing the support and involvement of community leaders is vital for the success of these workshops, ensuring cultural sensitivity and authenticity.
- Alternative Livelihood Sources : The workshops can lead to the development of alternative livelihood sources for indigenous groups, contributing to sustainable community development.
- Cultural Importance : They aim to impart the cultural significance of languages, reinforcing the value of linguistic diversity and heritage within the community.
These workshops not only preserve languages but also strengthen the bond within the community, fostering a shared sense of identity and belonging.
Language Immersion Programs
Revitalizing and preserving indigenous languages in the Philippines necessitates the implementation of language immersion programs that foster fluency and cultural understanding within the community. These programs are essential for deep, intensive language learning experiences rooted in the cultural context.
By engaging with local communities, language immersion programs empower and involve them in the preservation efforts, ensuring a sense of belonging and ownership. Moreover, these programs incorporate traditional cultural activities and practices, providing a holistic approach to language revitalization.
Cultural Celebrations
Cultural celebrations serve as vibrant avenues for engaging local communities and educators in the active preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages in the Philippines. These celebrations play a vital role in language preservation efforts by:
- Involving local communities, teachers, and educators, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in preserving indigenous languages.
- Gauging public interest through various art forms, cinema, and oral traditions, promoting cultural celebrations and language preservation.
- Hosting Baybayin workshops, aiming to incorporate the ancient script into everyday lives, fostering cultural understanding and communal experiences.
- Nurturing language diversity, intergenerational work, and institutional support, essential in preserving regional and indigenous languages through cultural celebrations.
Role of Education in Language Preservation
Education plays a pivotal role in the preservation of indigenous languages, serving as a crucial platform for imparting knowledge and fostering pride in linguistic heritage. In the Philippines, efforts to preserve indigenous languages through education are gaining momentum.
Educational institutions act as key platforms for promoting these languages and instilling a sense of pride and understanding among the youth.
Involving educators and integrating indigenous languages into formal education systems is essential for successful language preservation. To convey a deeper understanding, consider the following table:
Empowering younger generations through education is vital for the continuity and revitalization of indigenous languages, ensuring their survival for years to come. By incorporating language preservation efforts into education, the rich linguistic heritage of the Philippines can be safeguarded for future generations.
Digital Tools and Technology for Language Preservation
With digital dictionaries and online language courses, you can now easily access resources to learn and preserve indigenous languages in the Philippines.
These digital tools provide a convenient way to explore vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, helping to maintain and revitalize traditional languages.
Digital Dictionaries
Utilize digital dictionaries as essential tools for preserving indigenous languages in electronic format, facilitating comprehensive documentation and accessibility for future generations.
- Easy Access : Digital Dictionaries aid in the study and revitalization of endangered languages by providing easier access to language resources.
- Multimedia Elements : These digital tools incorporate audio and video, offering a comprehensive understanding of pronunciation and language usage.
- Comprehensive Resources : They facilitate the creation of extensive lexicons, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of indigenous languages.
- Collaborative Approach : Digital Dictionaries enable collaborations with linguists, researchers, and native speakers, fostering a community-driven approach to language preservation efforts.
Digital dictionaries play a pivotal role in preserving and revitalizing endangered languages. They offer accessibility, comprehensive resources, and a collaborative platform for language preservation efforts. By incorporating multimedia elements, they provide a holistic understanding of indigenous languages, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Online Language Courses
Harnessing digital tools and technology, online language courses provide accessible and interactive language learning experiences for a diverse range of learners. These courses play a vital role in language preservation efforts by offering flexibility in scheduling and pacing, catering to busy lifestyles.
Interactive multimedia resources such as videos, audio recordings, and virtual classrooms enrich the learning experience, making it more engaging and effective. Moreover, digital platforms for language preservation allow for global participation and collaboration, safeguarding indigenous languages on a larger scale.
Collaborative Projects and Partnerships
Collaborative projects and partnerships play a crucial role in preserving endangered indigenous languages in the Philippines by engaging local communities, educators, and leaders. To further engage you in the language preservation efforts in the Philippines, it’s important to understand the significance of collaborative projects and partnerships.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Engaging local communities, educators, and leaders is essential for successful language preservation initiatives.
- Gauging public interest through various forms of art and media, such as literature, cinema, and oral tradition, is important for language preservation.
- Collaborative Baybayin workshops, like the Ginhawas Baybayin workshops, aim to promote the cultural importance of Baybayin and provide a communal experience rooted in pre-colonial shorthand.
- Nurturing language diversity requires intergenerational work, encouragement of younger generations, and institutional support for preserving regional and indigenous languages.
These collaborative efforts are vital in preserving the rich linguistic heritage of the Philippines.
Policy and Advocacy for Language Preservation
To ensure the continued preservation of endangered indigenous languages in the Philippines, it is imperative to advocate for policies that prioritize and support language preservation efforts within local communities, educators, and leaders.
This advocacy should be aimed at safeguarding the 183 living languages, with a focus on the 96 percent that are indigenous, and addressing the 11 languages facing extinction and 28 in danger.
Collaboration with local educators and leaders is crucial, requiring deep respect for cultural heritage and community involvement.
Public interest in language preservation is also vital, extending efforts beyond literature to include art, cinema, and oral tradition to engage the wider community.
The intergenerational effort necessary for language diversity preservation encompasses nurturing indigenous languages, teacher training, and institutional support for structural fixes.
Economic and Social Impact of Language Preservation
Preserving indigenous languages can have a significant economic impact by creating alternative livelihood sources for indigenous communities, leading to increased social cohesion and empowerment.
By maintaining language diversity, you can contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural practices, fostering a sense of pride and identity among indigenous groups.
Additionally, the economic and social benefits of language preservation extend to promoting tourism and cultural exchange, ultimately contributing to the overall development and well-being of the society.
Economic Benefits
Indigenous language preservation in the Philippines offers significant economic benefits, creating opportunities for sustainable development and cultural tourism.
Preserving indigenous languages can lead to economic advantages in the following ways:
- Cultural Tourism : Attracting tourists interested in experiencing traditional cultures and languages.
- Economic Opportunities : Creating sustainable economic opportunities for indigenous communities through language-based tourism, traditional arts, and cultural experiences.
- Educational Development : Developing language-based educational materials and programs, creating economic opportunities for language teachers and educators.
- Sustainable Development : Promoting linguistic diversity, which can have economic benefits in various sectors such as tourism, education, and cultural industries.
Preserving indigenous languages isn’t only a matter of cultural heritage but also a crucial step towards economic growth and sustainability. The economic benefits highlight the need to preserve and promote indigenous languages in the Philippines.
Social Cohesion
Fostering social cohesion through language preservation can yield significant economic and social benefits, strengthening community ties and promoting cultural tourism. In the context of language preservation efforts in the Philippines, this social cohesion plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and understanding among diverse linguistic and cultural groups.
By preserving indigenous languages, communities can participate more actively in local and global markets, contributing to inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the preservation of languages fosters a sense of unity and belonging, reducing social disparities and promoting harmony within communities. This, in turn, leads to greater economic stability and development.
Moreover, language preservation enables the development of language-based products and services, catering to diverse linguistic communities and further enhancing social cohesion. Ultimately, these efforts not only preserve cultural heritage but also contribute to the overall social and economic well-being of the Philippines.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Amidst the diverse linguistic tapestry of the Philippines, the future prospects and challenges for language preservation are intricately woven into the cultural fabric of the nation.
- Crucial Heritage : The preservation of 183 living languages, 96% of which are indigenous, is crucial for maintaining the rich heritage of the Philippines.
- Dominance of English : The dwindling number of native language speakers and the dominance of English pose significant challenges to language preservation efforts.
- Technology and Innovation : Harnessing technology and innovative methods is essential to engage younger generations in preserving and revitalizing endangered languages.
- Global Collaboration : A global collaborative effort is necessary to prevent the extinction of languages not just in the Philippines but around the world.
The future of local languages in the Philippines hinges on collective action to protect and revitalize these crucial aspects of the nation’s cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the language policy implemented in the philippines.
The language policy in the Philippines is dynamic, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity. Filipino and English are official languages, but there are 183 living languages. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote indigenous languages.
What Is the Language Planning in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, language planning involves efforts to preserve the country’s diverse linguistic heritage, with initiatives focusing on collaboration with educators and community leaders, as well as engaging with various forms of expression and local communities.
What Is Being Done to Preserve Languages?
To preserve languages, communities engage in various initiatives like workshops, teacher training, and institutional support. They integrate languages into daily life, promoting intergenerational work and nurturing indigenous languages through art forms and literature, ensuring cultural preservation.
What Were the Language Policies in the Philippines During American Colonization?
During American colonization, language policies in the Philippines promoted English as the primary language for education and governance, leading to the marginalization of native languages. This resulted in a decline in their usage and preservation.
So, as you can see, language preservation efforts in the Philippines are vital for maintaining the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the diverse indigenous communities.
Through documentation, revitalization, and community engagement, the preservation of indigenous languages can be achieved.
Education, collaborative projects, and advocacy also play a crucial role in nurturing language diversity.
With continued efforts and support, the future prospects for language preservation in the Philippines look promising, despite the challenges that may arise.
Home / Essay Samples / Science / Language Diversity / Tracing the Evolution of the Filipino Language
Tracing the Evolution of the Filipino Language
- Category: Information Science and Technology , Life , Science
- Topic: Knowledge , Language Diversity , Slang
Pages: 11 (1938 words)
Views: 5409
- Downloads: -->
History of Filipino Slang
Linguistics, anthropology.
--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.
Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?
are ready to help you with your essay
You won’t be charged yet!
Mobile Phone Essays
Internet Essays
Open Source Software Essays
Graphic Design Essays
Computer Essays
Related Essays
We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Your essay sample has been sent.
In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.
samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->