What is your reaction when children of both Filipino parents.....?

Question

do know how to speak Tagalog? and uses only English language as mother tongue.
Note: Given setting is overseas and not Philippine setting

Erratum: It should be
Do Not Know How to Speak Tagalog

Answer 1

Allow me to clarify some misconceptions about learning languages at an early age. Research has shown that compared to adults, it is actually easier for children at pre-school age to pick up languages, given the same time frame. Children have "tabula rasa" (clean slate/blank minds) and are great imitators and so they are quick to adapt to the language spoken in their current environment. Adults, on the other hand, already have a fixed language set in their minds; hence it would take them conscious and deliberate efforts to learn a new one, and at a much longer time.

Now to your question. It's very true that some Filipino families living abroad are raising their children using English only as the language at home. I dare not essay into their reasons. I only hope it is not because they are ashamed of their Filipino heritage and our beautiful language.

Eventually, these children would become young adults. I just hope that if they choose to learn their native tongue then, that they will get encouragement and support from their parents. Being bi-lingual is a great, great asset in the adult world. It would take you to far, far places of opportunities and avenues of excitement and adventure. Or if nothing else, it gives you a stronger affinity with the culture which is flowing in your blood in the first place. Once a Filipino, always a Filipino.

Although I'm in the US now, I was born and raised in the Philippines. Growing up, Tagalog and Hiligaynon (and a sprinkling of English) were spoken at home. My proficiency in English and in Spanish was honed in school. I also dabble in other languages, like French and Italian, but that's only because I love to travel and I have an insatiable thirst for the exotic.

Most likely, I'd marry and raise a family here in the US (although I'm wishing it would be in the Phils.). Regardless of the nationality of my intended (hopefully, not an American!),
there are just two things that I'd insist on: that our children be raised as Catholics and that they will be taught the Pilipino language. Everything else, I'm willing to compromise.

Just an afterthought:
"Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda" He who does not love his native language is worse than a beast or a putrid fish.

Answer 2

I will have no reaction at all. Different people, different strokes. For me, there's nothing wrong both ways. Even though I admire parents that can still teach their children to speak our native language or at least know how to understand it.

I have one friend that has 2 daughters who were born in Australia but can speak tagalog fluently. Its amazing and admirable. I tink its the same like learning some languages like french, chinese or spanish. It would work to the advantage of the kids. That's why I am 'trying' my best that my kids speak tagalog if at home or speaking to Filipinos.

Cheers.

Answer 3

If they were born outside the Philippines and were raised speaking only English language, and claim the language of the place where they were born, there is nothing wrong in it.

But if what you are asking is why the parents haven't bothered teaching their children their language as Filipinos, well, that's theri choice too. If they don't want to turn back nor recognize their roots, that is their prerogatives or problems.

But they are also denying their kids the opportunity to learn about their roots, because regardless of the citizenship they have on their passport, it cannot be denied that they came from somewhere else, not originally from their adopted country, and they know nothing about it. That is just basing on their color, their looks and even the accents when speaking, which even after long years of stay in a foreign land, the parents have not remedied or changed.

Answer 4

Komosta Ka, As far as i know there is no such legal requirement, however it is an act of respect to ask for the daughter's hand in marriage. The Philippines people are very family oriented. When you visit the family it is customary to bring a gift. Courting in the Philippines goes in stages. You will always be asked,"Have you eaten"? Where in PI is she located, and have you visited her. You must establish proof of your being together physically prior to applying for a fiancee visa. The Filipinas are as a whole are the gentlest, kindest, prettiest women to grace this earth. The ones who are not are usually easy to distinguish in time. The customs there are very different that in America. There is so much to learn. I would advise you to join a Yahoo group that deals specifically with the Philippines such as Philippine Dreams 1 May your dreams come true

Answer 5

I know of some families IN THE PHILIPPINES who refuse to let their children speak Tagalog or some other native language!

I do as well. Tagalog and other native languages are very important on a cultural level. However they are pretty much useless in the business world or outside of the Philippines. My children school in the Philippines but we are having them study Mandarin and English as opposed to Filipino.

We shop at S.M. and drive so there is really not much use for Filipino. Sad but true most Filipinos we know that don't speak English ain't worth talking to in depth as they are mostly uneducated.

Culturally its sad!

BUT IN THE WORDS FROM TONY MCGUIRE!
SHOW ME THE MONEY!


PS. LEARNING TWO LANGUAGES DOES HINDER THE FLUENCY OF THE FIRST WHEN LEARNED AT A YOUNG AGE. ITS BETTER TAUGHT LATTER IN LIFE AFTER THE CHILD HAS A NATIVE LANGUAGE ESTABLISHED.

Answer 6

Let's not give people a hard time. They must've been thinking that it was good for their children. They probably fear that teaching a child Tagalog at home will hinder his English speaking skills. Other kids might make fun of him. Sticking with just one language would make it easier for the child. Although the doctors say it would be best to introduce more languages when they are young, it would be hard when they have to interact with English speaking kids. As Filipinos, we don't want to be ostracized or singled out. We have this desire to blend in, go with the flow, in other words, really good in assimilating.

BTW, I do plan to have my children learn our dialects. But, it would be better for them to learn it surrounded by native speakers.

Answer 7

if the kid was born and raised overseas, you cannot really blame anyone. I have a 4 year old kid, we live in Canada. I try so hard to inculcate Tagalog and the Filipino culture to her, like watching stuff about the Phils. She understands Tagalog pretty well because I talk to her in Tagalog but as far as speaking it she's having a hard time. We went back home last month and stayed there for 4 weeks and she was able to say simple words like counting 1-10 in tagalog, pan de sal and the simple stuff so I know that given ample exposure she can speak Tagalog. It doesn't really matter as long as she grows up loving the Philippines as much as I do.

P.S.
i suggest that you try things out first before making any comments or giving others the thumbs down. people are different and so you would expect that our opions differ too. it doesn't mean that if someone has a different perspective than yours, it's trash or crappy. For those who intend to teach their kids to speak Tagalog fluently while living abroad, good luck!

Answer 8

Sorry lose for them..blame their parents..I admire the parents of those Pinoy kids who were born and/or grew up abroad but know how to speak, or at least understand Tagalog or any Filipino dialect.

But you know what? many Pinoy kids here in Pinas who are enrolled in exclusive schools doesnt know how to speak Tagalog..I know a alot of them...my officemates' children are like that.i dont know whats their logic...

Answer 9

Well, you really can't blame them, especially if the country their in does not offer an extensive course on the Filipino language and if they have no Filipino friends to hang out with.

That was the situation my parents wanted to avoid when they sent me to Manila for two years to go to high school. I was 15 back then and only knew enough tagalog to get me into trouble. I grew up with my cousins and friends in London until then and all we ever spoke was english. I could understand a Sharon Cuneta movie but only because they use so many english words. Up to now, my cousins who never studied in the Philippines are almost strangers to Tagalog. As for me, I know how to write almost perfect tagalog, kaso nga lang, hindi ako magaling pag magsalita. Yung accent ko kasi, gets in the way. Filipinos tend to think I'm visayan or something. I want my kids to learn how to speak Tagalog, I just can't teach them fully myself, I have to get a tutor for that.

It's sad to see Filipino moms in the Philippines telling their kids "Don't pulot that. That's dirty na" instead of "Huwag mong pulutin yan. Madumi na yan".

Answer 10

I speak to my grandson in English. He is only 14 months old but he understands what I'm talking about. His mother speaks to him in English,too. So does his tita and tito. We are all Filipinos but we sometimes speak English at home.

No, we are not trying to "Americanize" my grandson. We are teaching him to speak the language for use at a later date like when he starts schooling. You know how our schools use English as medium of communication, of teaching. We don't want my grandson to undergo difficulty in understanding his teacher, reading books or studying his lessons.

My son, who works as a supervisor in a call center, approves this idea of ours. He said there are many job openings for e-reps in call centers. There's a shortage in manpower though because those who apply cannot speak straight English, American English. And the pay is high when compared to other jobs in the country and does not really need college degree holders just good English. Not that I'm advocating dropping out of school or not pursuing college degrees for those who are in school. It's your choice. My son is a college graduate from a medical school but he opted to work in a call center because of the pay. Anyway, that is beside the point.

What is wrong with Filipino parents teaching their child to speak only English? Nothing as far as I'm concerned. It's their choice but one that will prepare their child for the future.

Answer 11

a bit strange that the parents do not educate their children the mother tongue of the philippines