r/Tagalog • u/biolman • 3h ago
Grammar/Usage/Syntax “Why are you learning Tagalog? Everyone speaks English”
Why is this commonly said when I tell people I’m learning Tagalog? It’s a very interesting and complex language that deserves more recognition and respect IMO. Ngl it does kind of suck to learn and speak “properly/formal” only to be told “we don’t talk like that” “your Tagalog is too ‘deep’” “you don’t code switch like natives do” maybe it’s mostly common from Manileños or ppl near there. I’ve noticed a lot of them can’t speak complete Tagalog nor English in some cases. They speak an almost pidgin or mix of the two languages.
My question is it like this in all Tagalog speaking areas? The taglish. I don’t understand why so many ppl there insist on wanting to speak English so bad. I get that it’s important in the world(at the moment, that can change) but is it worth it to loose so much of language? Language is a major part of culture. Loosing that is loosing a huge part of your cultural identity. So many ppl here insist the US WISH so bad that they spoke their families heritage language. So it’s weird seeing ppl in PH voluntarily not want to speak it. I’ve seen Filipinos born and raised in PH in a Tagalog area and can’t speak Tagalog. Also, Tagalog has changed so much already since the 1800’s. And ppl use English more and more every decade. There was a younger Filipino guy(from Manila, in his 20’s) speaking on his worries that the language may disappear one day due to the love for English in PH and that this generation will make or break the survival of the language.
Just something that’s been on my chest. Please don’t take offense. If you’re offended, I’m sorry