What Language Do They Speak in the Philippines?
The Philippines is known for its rich linguistic heritage, with over 170 native languages spoken throughout the nation. While its official language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, other languages offer insight into its history and cultural diversity. Here, we take a look at some of the languages spoken in the Philippines and how they differ from one another.
The Official Language: Filipino
The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is based on the Tagalog language. Tagalog evolved from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language and developed in the area around the capital, Manila. Today, Filipino is used in the national government and educational institutions. It’s also the primary language of around 18% of the population, mostly in the greater Manila area.
Filipino mainly contains Tagalog vocabulary but is distinguished by its adoption of Spanish words. For example, Filipinos were the first people to use “barangay”, meaning “village” or “neighborhood”. Filipino also borrows extensively from the English language, particularly in areas such as law, technology, and media.
Other Languages in the Philippines
In addition to Filipino, there are over 170 languages spoken in the Philippines. Many of these languages have descended from Proto-Austronesian, the same language family as Indonesian and Malay. Philippine languages are commonly divided into four major groups:
• Northern Philippine languages include Pangasinan and Ilocano, which are spoken in northern Luzon.
• Central Philippine languages include Tagalog, Bikol, and Kapampangan, which are spoken in the central part of the country.
• Southern Philippine languages include Hiligaynon and Cebuano, which are spoken in the Visayas region and the southern island of Mindanao.
• Bontoc, spoken in the Cordillera region of Luzon, is a distinct language group of its own.
English Language in the Philippines
While the official language in the Philippines is Filipino, English remains the lingua franca and is widely spoken. English is the language of instruction in all levels of school, and is used in the workplace and the media. Thus, English is the preferred language for many Filipinos, especially in urban areas.
In addition, the Philippines is home to a unique creole language known as Chavacano. It consists of Spanish vocabulary with a distinct Philippine syntax, and is spoken in Zamboanga City. Other creole languages include Cebuano, Kapampangan, Waray-Waray, and Kinaray-a.
Conclusion
The Philippines is a linguistically diverse nation, with over 170 native languages spoken across its regions and islands. Filipino, which is based on the Tagalog language, is the official language and the primary language for around 18% of the population. English is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas, and is the language of instruction in all levels of school. Various creole languages, such as Chavacano, also exist alongside the native languages in certain areas of the country.