|
Mostly, the Tagalog speaking population resides in Luzon.
It is the
"Pilipino" language that has become the national language today.
This is based on Tagalog and is highly structured grammatically and has a rich vocabulary, with words invented or borrowed from Spanish, English, and other native dialects.
( That's why I have Spanish translations in triviaaa... lol! )
Throughout the 7,100 island archipelagos, Filipino's speak nearly 90 languages and dialects.
With so many dialects, English has been and continues to be the unifying language.
English is the language of both public and private schools and colleges and
the national language of business, commerce, law, government, and often the mass media and popular entertainment.
It is the language of the elite with status, wealth, and authority. The power of English and its selective usage is exemplified in the home environment.
Members of a family will typically speak to one another in their particular regional dialect, with an added sprinkling of English words. Similarly, educated people may typically converse in their local dialect but gradually shift into English if the subject becomes technical or especially serious.
I
remember when I was in College, there was an issue to use Pilino in all
Accounting procedures and terms. God, I can't imagine translating
"Accounts Receivables" in my own language. It may turn out
just like Spanish but to use the real Tagalog word for it, it will look
and sound funny. I myself voted a "NO" for that.
You don't need to learn a local language if you travel or live here, but if you do master even a few words, Filipinos will love you for it and welcome you even
more.
|
