The Knee Jerk Reaction
Any discussion on Filipino vs. English as the national language has always struck a nerve, as I have been brought up using these two languages interchangeably, and have experienced being labeled “un-nationalistic” by some.
As with the other people of my generation, I, too, was brought up with the words: “Ang di marunong magmahal ng sariling wika ay higit pa sa amoy ng malansang isda.”
The education system and culture in Metro Manila reinforced this belief — that shame is the only natural reaction for not being able to speak the Filipino language as fluently as what is expected.
Flashbacks
In 1937, the Philippines declared Tagalog as the national language — this, despite the fact that there were 172 native languages and dialects in the Philippines, and the fact that more people spoke Cebuano at that time.
But the country was just enjoying the beginnings of independence, and there was a great need to rediscover the “real Filipino identity;” thus, enforcing and promoting one common language became a prime agenda. Tagalog was chosen, and it was a victory for the then Tagalog President, Manual Quezon.
And back again
The national language has undergone many transformations — from being renamed Pilipino in 1961, and later to Filipino in 1987. There were also at least two major changes in the alphabet alone.
Despite this rapid evolution, the banking, academe, and even government sectors in the Philippines still use English as the primary language, even if Filipino is the language (or lingua franca) of choice in the Metro Manila based broadcast stations. And yes, majority of the Cebuanos still consider English, over Filipino, as their 2nd language.
Strong Filipino language advocates abhor any non-use of the Filipino language, and pronounce the use of English as a primary evidence of neocolonialism and disregard for the Filipino identity.
A personal view
National language has always been closely associated with nationalism. It is, after all, one of the few things which we were taught as the unique representation of the identity nation. The valiant heroes and former Presidents of our country also have given documented importance on the use of the native tongue.
But the term national language is a misnomer. Being designated by the government, Filipino is actually more an official language than a national one. A national language cannot be forced to a nation. For a national language to be embraced, it must be the de facto, not the de jure. A national language should be what the people actually use to communicate.
Using neocolonialism as a reason not to use a language that is not considered “native” is like giving a total disregard to the history of the Philippines. Our country has been, since the beginning of time, a melting pot of diverse cultures. The Philippine tradition, language, and norms are the result of a colorful blend of the cultures of our visitors, inhabitants, and yes, even our colonizers. Embracing a culture and embedding it into an existing one is not a sign of disrespect to our country — it is a sign of sensitivity and understanding to other cultures, and the wisdom and prudence to adapt those we find suitable.
Language diversity is a key aspect of our heritage. It is one of our biggest strengths, and should not be stifled but rather developed. We are in the position to reap the economic and social benefits of who we actually are.
The sooner we accept the linguistic duality of our nation, the more we can concentrate on being real Filipinos. Because above all things — above language, physical appearances, attitude, norms, and even above citizenship — true nationalism does not lie on what our tongues speak, but what our hearts utter.
"The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages."
– The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
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