International Forum - Vol. 16 - No. 2 - The Impact of English as a Global Language on Filipino Language Practices - October 2013

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

A study examines how the emergence of English as a global language affects Filipino language practices in multilingual Philippines. It addresses Filipino perceptions of language modification driven by English and analyzes outcomes through a qualitative critical research paradigm. Using semi-structured interviews, spot observations, and observation of Filipino media, it identifies Taglish as a result of code-switching, notes possible loss of Filipino proficiency, and highlights reduced “purity” in both Filipino and English usage.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Review of the Literature

Language and Globalization

Linguistic Dominance

English and Globish

English Language Development in the Philippines

International Forum Vol. 16, No. 2 October 2013 pp. 22-36 FEATURE The Impact of English as a Global Language on Filipino Language Practices Orathai Chureson Abstract. A country’s national language is a national treasure that should be preserved and passed on from generation to generation. In some multilingual contexts, as in the Philippines, the national language is evolving, being mixed with English (Francisco, 2012) possibly as a consequence of globalization. In an effort to create an awareness of this trend and foster the preservation of a country’s national language, this research explores the impact of the emergence of English as a global language on the Filipino language. It further examines the perceptions of Filipinos towards the language modification as impacted by English. It operates under a qualitative critical research paradigm that utilizes semi-structured interviews, spot observations, and observations of Filipino media, especially those manned by the educated populace who are proficient in both Filipino and English. Findings indicate language modifications resulting in Taglish, some loss of proficiency in Filipino, and a lack of purity in the Filipino and English languages. Keywords: Code-switching, Filipino language, Globish, multilingual setting, mutual code, Tagalog, Taglish Introduction In this beautiful seven thousand-island country, it is never surprising to hearthe locals speak Tagalog; however, my first impression when I initially came to the Philippines was that I was hearing an English conversation mixed with some other language. Though English words were articulated, comprehension was not possible due to the code-switching between Tagalog and English. I often felt frustrated when I landed at the shopping mall asking for some help in the shops. As soon as the locals spoke to me in the Filipino language with some English October 2013, Vol. 16, No. 2 words, I immediately identified myself as a foreigner, hoping for a common communication. This revelation, however, did not make much difference as the locals barely switched their language codes entirely right away. They, once again, began speaking English with some Tagalog words. This phenomenon led to this study with the plan to try to understand how English, as an international language, influences and is influenced by local languages, especially in the Philippines. Review of the Literature Language and Globalization Language is our means of communicating and learning. In the past few decades, English has taken up a very significant role by enabling effective communication among different races, and dialects. This phenomenon of “the coming together of the world’s cultures and economies is commonly known as globalization”(“English Language as a Global Force,” n.d., para. 2) . Although the benefits of using English as dominant language in the global scale are considerable, there are also concerns raised against English as the dominant language. Some of them are the suppression, degradation, and even extinction of other languages. Linguistic dominance. English and Chinese are two of the most powerful and widely spoken languages in the world today. It is, however, quite evident that English has been used as a dominant language on a global scale (“English Language as a Global Force,” n.d.; Wierzvicka, 2010) . Due to globalization, societal expectations for English competency for receiving higher status and better recognition have driven non-English speaking people to strive harder in learning English (Kumaravadivelu, 2008) . One of the reasons is that English is basically the language most employed for Internet use (Gupta, 1997); and with this favor alone, it creates an immense effect on globalization due to its capability for reaching out to the entire globe. As a result of the extensive use of English, the world has become smaller, and more negotiable, understandable, and profitable in spite of diversity in tongues, dialec

FAQs

What research question does the study focus on regarding English and Filipino?

The study explores the impact of English as a global language on Filipino language, including how English-influenced changes are perceived by Filipinos.

What research methods does the study use?

It uses a qualitative critical research paradigm with semi-structured interviews, spot observations, and observations of Filipino media.

What findings does the study report about Filipino-English language use?

Findings indicate language modification resulting in Taglish, some loss of proficiency in Filipino, and a lack of purity in both Filipino and English.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Liam