“Buwan ng Wika”

A Past Revisited, Connecting the Dots, part 19

“Buwan ng Wika”

In the Philippines, August is marked by two significant month-long commemorations: Buwan ng Wika (Language Month) and Buwan ng Kasaysayan (History Month). This period holds considerable historical importance for Filipinos.

Filipino migration to the United States can be traced to the events of August 13, 1898, when Spain surrendered Manila to the United States. Filipino forces were excluded from this symbolic victory, which resulted in the annexation of the Philippines and the transition of authority from a declining colonial power to an emerging one.

The following excerpt is the first stanza of Amado Hernandez’s poem “Kung Tuyo na ang Luha mo Aking Bayan.”

Lumuha ka, aking Bayan; buong lungkot mong iluha

Ang kawawang kapalaran ng lupain mong kawawa:

Ang bandilang sagisag mo’y lukob ng dayong bandila,

Pati wikang minana mo’y busabos ng ibang wika,

Ganito ring araw nang agawan ka ng laya,

Labintatlo ng Agosto nang saklutin ang Maynila,

During Spanish colonial rule (1565-1898), language policies served religious conversion and elite control. Friars used local languages to spread Catholicism, while Spanish remained limited to the elite and clergy. Most Filipinos continued speaking their native tongues, with Spanish literacy discouraged among the general population. This led to a fragmented linguistic landscape where native languages persisted but were subordinate; Spanish never became the lingua franca.

During the American colonial period (1898-1946), language policy aimed at cultural assimilation and the promotion of American values. English was introduced as part of a "civilizing" mission, with the United States establishing a public education system in which English served as the medium of instruction. This approach positioned English as a tool of modernity and framed it as a language associated with progress, democracy, and global relevance. Indigenous languages were marginalized; although not explicitly prohibited, they were regarded as inferior. Mastery of English became an indicator of intelligence and social success.

This is the linguistic crossroad for the Filipinos in the Philippines and in the diaspora. Spanish never became the lingua franca; Spanish colonial strategy resulted into a fragmented linguistic landscape where native languages were preserved but subordinated. While the American strategy, English became deeply embedded in Filipino identity, especially among the middle class. It created a new linguistic elite and a lasting coloniality around language.

When I immigrated to America in the mid-1980s, I brought with me a strong commitment to advancing kamalayang Pangkasaysayan (historical consciousness), kapilipininuhan, and the promotion of our language.

Over the years, I have contributed columns and essays to publications such as Manila Bulletin USA, Manila Mail, Philippine News, Filipino Insiders, and Pinoy Pa Rin Kami Entertainment Guide. My regular columns include “Bakit nga ba?”, “USApang Pinoy,” “Alammonak,” and “Cultural Lens.”

The story of how I was invited to write for a Filipino newspaper is detailed in my column, “Bakit nga ba… May hika ang ating wika.”

Originally written in Filipino/Tagalog and employing the pantayong pananaw historical perspective, this work now benefits from wider accessibility; with the assistance of Co-Pilot, my message can be read in English.

Why Does Our Language Have Asthma?

Jo, the editor of Manila Mail and a former classmate from the University of the Philippines, invited me to contribute an article. Jo expressed surprise when I indicated my intention to write in the language commonly used by Filipinos. Regardless of whether it is referred to as Tagalog, Pilipino, Filipino, or Taglish, the most important aspect is having accessible reading materials in the language we use daily.

From my perspective, our native languages and the national language of Filipinos continue to thrive, even within the United States. Nevertheless, their vitality faces challenges. It appears the language struggles to flourish—akin to someone with asthma—hampered by obstacles that restrict its full expression.

The advancement of any language is dependent upon its active utilization in speaking, writing, and reading. Languages that are not extensively used or practiced tend to be forgotten and may eventually cease to exist.

According to a 1993 study examining foreign languages commonly spoken in the United States, Tagalog ranked among the top ten, while Ilokano was positioned within the top fifty. The prevalence of Tagalog can be attributed to the rising population of Filipino immigrants since 1965.

The lingua franca in the Philippines is primarily based on Tagalog Manila. It is commonly used in media such as radio, movies, videos, comics, magazines, markets, Original Pilipino Music (OPM), as well as in everyday conversations, celebrations, and gatherings among Filipinos. Irrespective of their regional backgrounds or native languages, Filipinos often communicate and interact using the Filipino language.

However, the national language of Filipinos has not fully progressed and breathed freely, especially here in America. Some of our fellow Filipinos deny or hide that they know how to speak Filipino. I can't understand if they are ashamed of their language and being Filipino or if their tongues are twisted and they have become entirely English-speaking.

A considerable number of Filipinos born and raised locally do not have proficiency in Filipino. Their parents often express concerns that inadequate English skills could negatively affect academic performance and future career prospects. Despite this, the school district advocates for bilingual education, stating that a child's fluency and literacy in their native language can facilitate the acquisition of fluency and literacy in English.

Many Fil-Ams, US-born Filipinos, and Filipinos raised in America note that their parents' decision regarding language use has influenced their connection to identity. They state, "Our parents did not encourage us enough to speak and understand their language. This has impacted on our ability to learn about our roots and culture.

Filipinos demonstrate a range of proficiency and engagement with the Filipino language. While some individuals possess comprehension skills without speaking fluently, others may only use basic expressions such as "Salamat po" and "Kumusta ka." There are those who can speak but have limited reading and writing abilities, as well as those who are fluent in all aspects of the language. Many Filipinos express a fervent desire to attain greater language proficiency. Nonetheless, opportunities for use remain limited due to the scarcity of Filipino-language reading materials; even newspapers and magazines targeting Filipino readers are published in English.

Some Filipinos say that since we are already used to speaking, reading, and writing in English, there is no need to spend money, sweat, and time developing the Filipino language in America. This attitude is close to those advocating "English Only"; you are in America, so you should only speak English. In fact, the "English Only Advocates" are mostly white Americans who oppose "affirmative action" and blame immigrants.

It is evident that our language faces significant challenges. We should strive to preserve and strengthen it rather than allow its decline. As a fundamental aspect of our cultural identity, our language contributes to a meaningful existence within America's diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural society. By embracing and sharing our heritage and achievements, we can foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Facebook Series part 19, 8/16/2025