I was told that its essential to know Tagalog to survive in the Philippines. Is this true?
2007-01-12 18:08:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
Whoever told you that has probably never been to the Philippines.
Tagalog isn't even the mother-tongue of majority of the Filipino people. It's just widely spoken in the northern parts of the country. In fact, I know Filipino people who suck at Tagalog.
You'll have no problems with just English. I have loads of foreign friends studying here who can attest to that.
2007-01-12 21:59:48 · answer #1 · answered by mfgabenz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure!! After 5 years, I'm up to about 100 words of Tagalog. :-) In Manila and all the tourist areas, most people speak passable English.
2007-01-12 19:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by luosechi 駱士基 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ii'm an Asian who moved to the Philippines about six years ago from Australia
I found that some Filipinos would not even bother speak English to me, even though I made it clear (I think my accent said it all) that I didn't speak a word of Tagalog.
When they did speak in Filipino, their english was very heavily accented and I couldn't understand it every well.
However, they may be more accomodating if you look foreign.
2007-01-12 19:55:04 · answer #3 · answered by wildchild188 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of Filipinos speak English, as many of them leave the country to work abroad and then return. And English is taught in many schools. You will probably find that a lot of people want to practice their language skills with you.
Of course, it's always good to know the native language, but with many Filipinos knowing some (if not good) English and the magic of pointing and gesturing - you should be fine.
2007-01-12 18:13:52 · answer #4 · answered by tureeza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, just as long as you dont venture too deep into the provinces. English is the 2nd Official Language of the Philippines.
2007-01-12 18:12:55 · answer #5 · answered by BongH2oBoy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philippines is the 3rd largest english-speaking nation. even in the very rural areas, farmers know basic english.
2007-01-12 18:26:23 · answer #6 · answered by hhhhhh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, everybody can understand you even though you speak crooked english. And filipinos are well hospitable most specially to tourist.
2007-01-13 01:32:15 · answer #7 · answered by manuelito b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO problem at all> i manage in english
2007-01-12 19:42:21 · answer #8 · answered by jean marc l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!You can survive.We can understand Engish.
2007-01-12 18:36:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋