Wikang Kayumanggi

REGISTER at tinyurl.com/FPPTagalog2023

There is a saying, “You can never understand one language until you understand at least two…” This journey in learning Tagalog starts with the very basics: the Filipino alphabet. We literally begin flexing dormant “Tagalog muscles”, as you transition from English to Tagalog. The course continues with accents, where words spelled the same can have different meanings when accented another way.

The lesson then goes to conjugating tenses; then, to basic sentence structures. We establish patterns in declarative, interrogative, and imperative expressions. We also delve into proper responses when someone asks a question. Students will also appreciate the nuances of the language especially in some simple word expressions. Examples of these are the words: NA or NAMAN... expressions completely shift context when adding just one of these words!

The structures of the courses are built upon the recognition of patterns. This is a different approach to simply just learning “how to say things." Once you are familiar with the patterns, it’s just then a matter of filling in the right words and tenses in them.

At this stage of the learning process, because you are “receiving” information and acquainting yourself with structures and patterns, the acquisition of knowledge is still in its passive stage. The active part of the learning process is when you begin using the expressions in your daily interactions with whoever! Until you begin practicing and expressing these patterns in your everyday interactions, the knowledge remains dormant. But, once you intentionally attempt to speak out these learned language patterns, it is only then that you begin to internalize the language. You become the driver of your learning!

And finally, learning a language gets one deeper into a people’s culture. For most of you, it will be a reunion to your roots. This is where you appreciate recognizing the difference between English and Tagalog languages, and the two cultures that drive it. This is perhaps one of the very few language courses that takes in to account the historical perspective of expressions and words. We do this by visiting every now and then the integration of Spanish and English into the language… and therefore, into the Filipino culture and tradition. Maligayang bati! Again, welcome... and it is our hope that this journey will be a lasting one for you, your family, and your community.

For questions or comments, please send us an email at ask@philippineprogress.org.

REGISTER at tinyurl.com/FPPTagalog2023