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?
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What was the term used for the national language of the Philippines before it became known as Filipino?
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What was the major difference in English language spread between American and Spanish colonial periods?
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In what ways did the Filipino diaspora influence the use of English?
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What role did English play in post-independence Philippine society?
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What factors contributed to the development of Philippine English as a distinct variety?
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How did public perceptions of English proficiency in the Philippines change from 1993 to 2006?
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What role did local linguists play in the recognition of Philippine English?
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What is the significance of the call center industry in the context of English language usage in the Philippines?
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Why may some educators and policymakers have had anxieties regarding Philippine English?
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In what ways did the statistics from Social Weather Stations in 2006 reflect a paradox in the Philippines regarding English?
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What impact has the Filipino diaspora had on the evolution of English in the Philippines?
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How has the perception of English in the Philippines been linked to national identity?
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What was the primary language used for international communication among Filipinos in the late nineteenth century?
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How did the social perception of the term 'Filipino' evolve during Rizal's time?
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What languages were preferred by speakers of rival local languages such as Cebuano and Ilocano, and why?
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What role did English play in the lives of Filipinos following the American colonial period?
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What does Anderson mean by the term 'ugly and commercially debased language' in the context of English in the Philippines?
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In what ways did language act as a marker of social status among Filipinos during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
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What significance does the prevalence of English among the Filipino diaspora have for current understandings of Filipino identity?
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How did the multilingual environment of the Philippines influence political communication among leaders in the late 1800s?
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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.