Filipino Language Fundamentals

Batayang Kaalaman Pangwika

• The module aims to enhance understanding of proper language use.
• It also values the national language of the Philippines and regional cultures.
• The module seeks to develop writing and speaking skills.
• Students are expected to appreciate considerations in language planning and value language as a tool for communication.
• At the end of the lesson, students should define language and its features, discuss language evolution, and explain language importance.
• Synchronous online discussions will be held, and guiding questions will be provided.
• The online discussions are scheduled for March 15-19, 2021, from 8-9 AM.

Ano ang wika? What is Language?

• The term "wika" (language) comes from the Latin word "lengua," which means tongue.
• Language expresses feelings and opinions for people to understand each other.
• In 1991, Hutch defined language as a system of sounds used for human communication.
• Bouman (1990) describes language as a means of communication between people in a specific area for a particular purpose using verbal and visual signals.
• Webster states language is a collection of words used and understood by a community, expressed through speech using the tongue and related organs.
• Gleason (1961) defines language as a systematic structure of selected and organized spoken sounds used by people belonging to a culture.
• Pidgin and Creole languages are also types of languages.

Probisyong Pangwika - Language Provisions

• The Philippines consists of approximately 7,641 islands, divided into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• These three groups comprise sixteen (16) regions.
• Grimes' list in 2000 recorded 168 living languages in the country.
• The NSO census in 2000 recorded 144 living languages.

Pangunahing Wika sa Pilipinas - Main Languages in the Philippines

• There are nine recognized main languages in the Philippines:
  • Tagalog
  • Kapampangan
  • Cebuano
  • Ilocano
  • Pangasinense
  • Maranao
  • Bicolano
  • Bisayang Waray
  • Hiligaynon
• Foreign cultures, like those of Indonesians, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Arabs, have brought different languages and influenced the Filipinos.

Katangian ng Wika - Characteristics of Language

• Wika ay Tunog (Language is Sound): Initial language learning involves sounds rather than written form, represented by letters.
• Wika ay Arbitraryo (Language is Arbitrary): Many sounds are spoken and used for a specific purpose. See below for examples:
  • Tagalog: baliktad
  • Pampanga: baligtad
  • Pangasinan: baliktar
  • Aklan: baliskar
  • Waray: balikad
• Wika ay Masistema (Language is Systematic): Combining sounds creates meaningful units, and combining words forms sentences or phrases.
• Wika ay Sinasalita (Language is Spoken): Language sounds are produced using speech organs like the lips, tongue, teeth, nose, and throat.

Patuloy na Pagbabago ng Wika - Constantly Evolving Languages

• Language continually changes over time.
  • Alibata originally had seventeen letters.
  • Abakada had twenty letters
  • Abecedario had thirty-one letters.
  • The current Filipino alphabet originally had 20+8 letters, and now has twenty-eight

Kabuhol ng Kultura at Kapangyarihan ng Wika - The Nexus of Culture and Language

• Language and culture are inseparable, with language being an aspect of culture.
• Language allows for the creation of limitless words.
• Speaking allows for self-expression in different ways.
• Language can evoke different meanings and shapes perspectives.
• The power of language corresponds to the power of the embedded culture.