BSEE 25

ADVANCE READING
Multilingualism
- Multilingualism is the ability of an individual speaker or a
community of speakers to communicate effectively in three
or more languages. Contrast with monolingualism, the
ability to use only one language.
- Bilingual is the ability to use two languages fluently
- Multilingual is the ability to use several languages with the
same amount of fluency
- Multilingualism refers to the ability of an individual or a
community to use and understand multiple languages.
Multilingualism can occur at various levels, ranging from
individuals who are fluent in two or more languages to
communities or nations where multiple languages are used
and valued.
- Multilingualism is an important aspect of global
communication, commerce, and cultural exchange. It can
provide opportunities for individuals to connect with others
from different linguistic backgrounds, and it can enhance
cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
- Moreover, multilingualism can also have cognitive and
academic benefits, such as increased cognitive flexibility
and problem-solving skills, improved memory, and better
academic performance. Multilingualism is also beneficial for
the preservation and promotion of linguistic and cultural
diversity
Respect for linguistic diversity: Multilingualism involves
recognizing and valuing the diversity of languages and
cultures. It is important to show respect for all languages
and to avoid discrimination or negative attitudes towards
any particular language or linguistic group.

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Language learning: Multilingualism requires active
language learning and maintenance. This can include
formal language education, exposure to language through
media and other sources, and opportunities to practice
speaking and using different languages.

Language use: Successful multilingualism involves the

ability to use languages appropriately and effectively in
different contexts. This includes being able to switch
between languages depending on the situation, and
understanding the cultural and linguistic nuances of
different languages.

Cultural awareness: Multilingualism is closely linked to

cultural awareness and sensitivity. This includes
understanding the cultural norms and values associated
with different languages, and being able to interact
effectively with people from different cultural and linguistic
backgrounds.

Positive attitudes: A positive attitude towards multilingualism

can be important for its success. This includes seeing
multilingualism as a valuable resource and recognizing its
potential benefits for individuals and communities.

Overall, successful multilingualism involves a combination

of language learning, language use, cultural awareness,
and positive attitudes towards linguistic diversity.
Multilingualism in Education
Multilingualism in education refers to the use of two or more
languages in teaching and learning. It can have several
benefits, including:

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1. Improved cognitive abilities: Studies have shown that
multilingualism can enhance cognitive functions, such
as problem-solving and memory retention.

2. Enhanced communication skills: Multilingual students

can communicate more effectively with people from
different linguistic backgrounds, which can be an
important skill in an increasingly globalized world.

3. Increased cultural awareness: Learning multiple

languages can expose students to different cultures
and ways of thinking, which can promote greater
understanding and appreciation of diversity.

4. Better academic performance: Research has shown

that multilingual students often perform better on
standardized tests and have higher academic
achievement than monolingual students.

5. Improved job prospects: In today's global economy,

multilingualism is a valuable skill that can enhance
employability and open up job opportunities in fields
such as international business, diplomacy, and
translation.

Overall, incorporating multilingualism into education can

have many benefits for both individual students and society
as a whole.
What is Multilingual
Multilingual refers to the ability to speak or use several
languages fluently. A multilingual person is someone who is
able to communicate effectively in more than one language.
Multilingualism can be a result of various factors, such as
growing up in a multilingual environment, learning additional
languages in school or through language classes, or

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 acquiring proficiency in different languages through travel or
work experience. Being multilingual can provide a person
with many advantages, such as the ability to communicate
with people from different linguistic backgrounds, better
understanding of different cultures, improved cognitive
abilities, and enhanced job prospects.

ISSUES/ CONCERN

1. Dominance of English and Filipino: English and Filipino are

the two official languages of the Philippines, and they are
the languages of instruction in most schools. As a result,
many Filipinos are more proficient in these two languages
than in their local languages. This has led to a decline in the
use and knowledge of local languages, which are important
cultural and linguistic resources.
2. Loss of local languages: There are over 170 languages
spoken in the Philippines, many of which are endangered.
The lack of institutional support for these languages, as well
as the fact that they are not used in education and media,
has contributed to their decline. This loss of linguistic
diversity is a concern for both cultural and linguistic
reasons.
3. Inadequate language policy: The Philippine government has
been criticized for not having a comprehensive language
policy that supports the use and preservation of local
languages. The lack of policies and programs to promote
multilingualism and language diversity has contributed to
the marginalization of local languages.
4. Low literacy rates: The Philippines has a relatively low
literacy rate compared to other countries in the region. This
is partly due to the use of English and Filipino as the
languages of instruction, which may not be the most
effective for all learners. Additionally, the lack of resources

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 and support for local languages may make it more difficult
for some learners to develop literacy skills.
5. Language attitudes: There are negative attitudes towards
local languages in some parts of the Philippines. Some
people view local languages as inferior or less valuable
than English and Filipino, which can contribute to their
decline. This attitude can also have negative effects on the
speakers of these languages, who may feel ashamed or
embarrassed to use them.
Overall, the linguistic situation in the Philippines is complex,
with many challenges and concerns. However, there are
also efforts underway to promote multilingualism and
language diversity, and to support the use and preservation
of local languages.

Katamad na mag hanap beh

The Philippines is one of the most linguistically diverse

countries in the world. With 175 native languages (wrongly
called “dialects”), it has about 3% of the world’s languages,
yet only 0.2% of Earth’s land area. In other words, the
Philippines is about 15 times more diverse than average.
Ethnologue, a compendium of world languages, states that
28 Philippine languages are in trouble, up from 13 in 2016.
Eleven languages are dying, and several are already
extinct. The Living Tongues Institute for Endangered
Languages has identified the Philippines as being one of
the top 10 “language hotspots” of the world, which means
that the Philippines has a wealth of languages but they are
being lost at a rate faster than we can adequately document
them.
This is very worrying, because language diversity is a
fundamental part of Filipino heritage, and humanity as a
whole. Language diversity benefits both individuals and
society, as discussed in our previous two articles.

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(READ: The benefits of knowing many
languages and How our native languages benefit
society)
Ethnologue’s estimates are conservative. In reality, more of
our languages are in trouble. All 32 Negrito languages are
endangered (Headland, 2003), and the Komisyon sa
Wikang Filipino has identified approximately 50 endangered
languages.
How do you know if a language is endangered or not?
Unesco notes that any language where there is a break in
intergenerational transfer is endangered. That means if
parents are not passing their mother tongue to their child,
then the language is endangered. Other signs of
endangerment are when people develop a negative attitude
toward their language, use their language in fewer and
fewer aspects of their lives, or the proportion of speakers
declines. Considering these signs, there are actually many
more vulnerable Philippine languages than the officially
published numbers.
When we take a look at the evidence from news reports,
online forums, language studies, and personal
observations, it is clear that even large Philippine
languages – like Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Bikol, and
Ilokano – are dying, some faster than others. The same is
happening with medium-sized languages, like Ibanag,
Itawis, and Sambal. These languages are decreasing in
terms of number of speakers and in terms of the frequency
and contexts in which they are use.
For example, while local languages are still used in family
gatherings, sari-sari stores, and barangay halls, they are
not widely used in certain public places, like parks, banks,
food chains, and schools. There are anecdotes that
passengers would speak in their local languages, but once
the bus enters the big city, they would shift to Tagalog.

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Why is this happening? There are a number of factors, such
as migration and media. It can also be a residual effect of
our colonial experience when Americans branded English
as the language of civilization, while they dismissed native
tongues as mere dialects. This hierarchical view of
languages has stayed on. For example, Filipinos would
describe people speaking their mother tongue as “parang
ibon magsalita” (speak like bird) and having “matigas ang
dila” (stiff tongue).
Instead of affecting social change to address inequity and
poor sense of identity, the education system is sustaining
such conditions. It has reinforced the narrow definition of
success in terms of proficiency in two dominant languages:
English and Tagalog-based Filipino. While mother tongues
have been included in the early grades, this move was
expediently rationalized to improve acquisition of the
dominant languages.
Evaluation studies on basic education tend to measure only
what was learned in the two dominant languages, as if
developing one’s mother tongue is not a legitimate goal in
its own right. They do not highlight the knowledge that
children have gained on various subjects using their mother
tongue, nor do they holistically address benefits to
participation, culture, community, and identity. As a result of
such a deficient and materialist view of education, teachers
are inclined to quickly shift to using dominant languages
even if the children have not developed foundational skills
in their mother tongue.
Meanwhile, parents are pressured to speak to their children
in these dominant languages, knowing that the mother
tongue will be discarded after Grade 3. In a more equitable
system which supports diversity at all levels and does not
perpetuate rigid language hierarchies, parents would not
have to give up their heritage for the sake of their children’s
academic success.

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While supporters of Tagalog and English battle each other
for relative influence, let us not exclude the other 174
Filipino languages from the conversation. For many of our
endangered languages, it’s not just about influence – it’s
about survival. Their decline is a threat to our cultural
democracy. (READ: Buwan ng Wika 2019 itatampok ang
mga katutubong lengguwahe)
We must reevaluate our policies and come up with
sustainable solutions now. We owe this commitment to
every Filipino. To apologize after it’s too late will not bring
back our languages.

References:
Multilingual Philippines. (2019, September 3). [OPINION]
Our languages are in trouble, so what? RAPPLER.
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/239109-
philippine-languages-in-trouble-so-what/

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