Philippine English History

Questions and Answers

What year did the Thomasites arrive in the Philippines and what was their main goal?

The Thomasites arrived in 1901 with the main goal of teaching English.

By 1921, what percentage of teachers in the Philippines were native-born Filipinos?

By 1921, 91 percent of teachers were native-born Filipinos.

What does the significant spread of English in the Philippines between 1898 and 1939 signify in a colonial context?

It signifies the unprecedented adoption of a colonial language by a colonized society.

How did the ability to speak English in the Philippines change from 1918 to 1941?

It decreased from about 47 percent in 1918 to 27 percent by 1941. Signup and view all the answers

What was the term used for the national language of the Philippines before it became known as Filipino?

The term used was Wikang Pambansa. Signup and view all the answers

What was the major difference in English language spread between American and Spanish colonial periods?

The American regime spread English more rapidly, with 41 years achieving what the Spanish regime did in 333 years. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the Filipino diaspora influence the use of English?

The Filipino diaspora has contributed to a global presence of Philippine English and enriched its variety. Signup and view all the answers

What role did English play in post-independence Philippine society?

English was retained as an official language and used alongside the national language. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the development of Philippine English as a distinct variety?

Philippine English developed due to its unique accent, localized vocabulary, and creative writing by local authors. Signup and view all the answers

How did public perceptions of English proficiency in the Philippines change from 1993 to 2006?

There was a marked decline in reported English proficiency, with significant drops in both speaking and writing abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What role did local linguists play in the recognition of Philippine English?

Local linguists described and documented Philippine English, helping to legitimize it as a valid form of the language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the call center industry in the context of English language usage in the Philippines?

The call center industry has created a high demand for English, leading to increased job opportunities and a new affluent class of Filipinos. Signup and view all the answers

Why may some educators and policymakers have had anxieties regarding Philippine English?

They feared that acknowledging Philippine English would mean accepting a less-proficient version of English. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the statistics from Social Weather Stations in 2006 reflect a paradox in the Philippines regarding English?

The statistics indicated high utility and demand for English alongside decreasing proficiency levels among the population. Signup and view all the answers

What impact has the Filipino diaspora had on the evolution of English in the Philippines?

The Filipino diaspora has influenced the evolution of English through cultural exchange and the demand for English-speaking workers abroad. Signup and view all the answers

How has the perception of English in the Philippines been linked to national identity?

English proficiency is often seen as a marker of modernity and economic opportunity, influencing national pride and identity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary language used for international communication among Filipinos in the late nineteenth century?

There was no primary language; Filipinos communicated in various languages including German, English, French, Spanish, and Tagalog depending on the context. Signup and view all the answers

How did the social perception of the term 'Filipino' evolve during Rizal's time?

Initially, 'Filipino' referred only to the locally-born 'pure Spanish' population, while Rizal identified as an Indio and ilustrado, before the term came to encompass all inhabitants of the islands. Signup and view all the answers

What languages were preferred by speakers of rival local languages such as Cebuano and Ilocano, and why?

Speakers of rival local languages preferred Spanish, as it was associated with elite status and collaboration with colonial power. Signup and view all the answers

What role did English play in the lives of Filipinos following the American colonial period?

English became a significant language for many Filipinos, especially among the diaspora in the United States, providing job opportunities and serving as a common language abroad. Signup and view all the answers

What does Anderson mean by the term 'ugly and commercially debased language' in the context of English in the Philippines?

Anderson's term reflects the commodification and widespread use of English, particularly within contexts that prioritize economic gain over cultural significance. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did language act as a marker of social status among Filipinos during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?

Language served as a marker of social status, with Spanish indicating elite or collaborationist status and Tagalog being less understood or favored in broader contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the prevalence of English among the Filipino diaspora have for current understandings of Filipino identity?

The prevalence of English among the diaspora suggests a complex negotiation of identity, blending cultural heritage with aspects of global integration and opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

How did the multilingual environment of the Philippines influence political communication among leaders in the late 1800s?

The multilingual environment required Filipino leaders to navigate various languages, enabling them to communicate with different colonial powers and their populations, despite limited understanding among the masses. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Origins

Philippine English roots trace back to the US intervention in 1898 and subsequent arrival of American teachers, known as the Thomasites, around 1901.
By 1921, 91% of teachers in the Philippines were native-born Filipinos, marking the beginning of Filipino-led English instruction, fostering the development of Philippine English.
Census data from 1918 indicated that approximately 47% of Filipinos spoke English, and 55.6% could read and write it.

American Influence and Language Spread

Official American involvement in English education lasted until World War II, with a population estimate of 27% speaking English by December 1941.
Remarkably, English spread faster in the Philippines under American rule than Spanish did during 333 years of colonization; only 2% spoke Spanish at the end of that period.

Post-Independence Era

After gaining independence in 1946, English remained an official language alongside the national language, which evolved from "Wikang Pambansa" to "Pilipino," and finally "Filipino."
Philippine English emerged as a distinct variety, characterized by its unique accent, localized vocabulary, and creative writing by Filipino authors.

Linguistic Evolution and Proficiency

From the 1960s, local linguists began to analyze and describe Philippine English, amid concerns from educators about potential perceptions of diminished proficiency.
A 2006 survey indicated that 65% of the population understood English, 48% could write in English, but only 32% felt confident speaking the language, reflecting a decline in proficiency since earlier assessments.

Economic Impact and Current Trends

The demand for English has surged due to the growth of the call center industry and BPO operations since 2000, with employment jumping from 2,000 in 2001 to approximately 200,000 by 2006.
The call center sector is now the fastest-growing industry in the Philippines, contributing to a class of affluent, independent young Filipinos.

Cultural and Linguistic Dynamics

Historically, various languages, including Spanish, French, and Tagalog, coexisted, reflecting a diverse linguistic landscape in the late nineteenth century.
The definition of "Filipino" has evolved; originally referring only to locally-born Spaniards, it now encompasses all inhabitants of the Philippines.

Modern Diaspora and English's Role

The Filipino diaspora, particularly in the US, includes over two million Filipinos, many of whom carry English language skills abroad.
The narrative of English in the Philippines is less than a century old but continues to reshape cultural and economic landscapes, highlighting its complex history and ongoing evolution.

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Description

Explore the historical origins of Philippine English, tracing its development from the US intervention in 1898 and the significant role of the Thomasites. This quiz delves into how American teachers influenced language and education in the Philippines during the early 20th century.