Advantages and Disadvantages of English as a Second Language in the Philippines

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVATAGES OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES 1

Advantages and Disadvantages of English as a Second Language in the Philippines Abrigo, Maria Katrina Cañamaque, Reena Mae University of Santo Tomas

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVATAGES OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES 2

I.

Introduction Background English has always been regarded as the international or the universal language. It has been

used by many people and races all over the world. Nowadays, English is mainly considered as the second language of the Filipinos, and for most Filipinos, English is not seen as a foreign language; rather as a second language, being able to use it in their everyday communication. For some, it is their first language. Filipino children from the middle and upper class, English language begins in their home with adults who use snatches of English words and phrases heard from other people and or over the radio, television or videos in social media. Getting from the fact that the Americans were once our colonizers and continue to influence our everyday lives in many ways, the department of education decreed the utilization and implementation of English as a medium of instruction in teaching mathematics, science, and other subjects in the curriculum (De Viana, 2001). Through this, the popularity of English language amplified as it uses English as a medium of instruction from elementary to collegiate level for decades. It is a tool for learning and a medium of communication (Candlin, 2001). It is highly as functional and practical, but the use of English language gives too much influence to Filipinos that it washes over our culture continually; nonetheless, it is a skill that can be used to increase one's position, respectability and marketability. For instance, English is important for Filipinos seeking employment here and abroad. The more knowledge and skills you have with respect to the language itself, the greater chances for you to have a job and level up with your current position. On the other hand, great love for our own language will or can be diminished by the fact that we may prefer using English in every means there is, and it is really noticeable with the prominence of our society today; as to how the English

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language dominates the general public, even the youths at the present time. Certainly, English language poses threat to the country’s native languages. We have chosen this topic to determine the factors that may affect our society – good or bad. Considering the abovementioned principles and ideals, we can regard that seeing English as the second language in the Philippines, there would always be benefits and gains but of course, we cannot forgo the fact that there would also be disadvantages affecting people and as an individual to him or herself as well.

Research Aims The Proponent aims to: 1. determine the external factors that concern the Filipino students considering English as their second language in the Philippines; 2. enumerate the positive and negative effects of implementing English as a second language in the academe; and 3. Identify some of the implications of enforcing English as a second language to the Filipinos

Research Questions This paper attempts to answer the following questions. 1. Does the use of English language in the Philippines slacken the Filipino students’ patriotism? 2. How come there is really a need for Filipinos to adopt English as a second language? 3. In what way does English language affect the lives of Filipinos?

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II.

Review of Related Literature English has become one of the principal languages of the Philippines. The country in fact

became the third largest English speaking country in the world (De Viana, 2001). English language was acknowledged to be the medium of instruction in the educational ladder of the country’s system of education then and as well as at present. For that reason, English language continues to develop along with the development of Filipino people and of the Philippines. Filipinos acquired and adopt the language as their own language (Gonzales, 1988).

Development of English language in the Philippines The development of the English language in the Philippines happens gradually. In the worst case scenario, English will become a foreign language in the Philippines, considering that the choice will be in the proper milieu and about possessing the resources to be able to learn it. Whereas the best case scenario, is that it will continue as a second language in the Philippines (Gonzales, 1988).

Effects of English as a second language in the Philippines The development and popularity of English language has given a good rise for the country, but it also imply to posts some effects in the lives of people. English language greatly affects our government, educational system, our languages, and the Filipino people as a whole. English language posts a threat to the native languages of the country and most especially to our national language. With the strict implementation of using English as a medium of instruction, native languages become threaten to extinction. The use of native languages becomes lesser (Gonzales, 1980).

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Educational system English has set an objective to train students to acquire knowledge and information that will give insights, for developing faculties toward individual fulfillment and fuller participation in the society, for building a broad base of experiences from different cultures, for understanding relationships with other people, and for gaining experiences in establishing a set of values, ideals, and standards in the midst of a changing environment (Pascasio, 1977). The medium of instruction in the educational system of the country must be given careful analysis especially in the implementation of policies as well as for the process of educating the youths as well. Educational programs in the Communication Arts both in English and Filipino aim to develop among Filipino learners the ability to think critically, and communicate and interact with other human beings competently (Bago, 2008). This will also give a meaningful grasp to the learners to become effective learners and enable them to lifelong learning.

Society Equality between English language and Filipino language must be given importance. Even though Filipinos have a national language, as time passes by and as neighboring countries develop, Filipinos could not avoid neglecting the importance of national language especially nowadays that American and other imperialist is facing the country (Bautista & Bolton, 2009). The maintenance of English is not incompatible with a genuinely nationalistic bilingual education in the Philippines (Espinosa, 1997). There is a need, therefore, to frame an appropriate language policy which can materially assist in social and national integration and economic up liftmen of Filipinos as members of Philippine society and maintaining a balance between internal needs and external necessities in the modern world (Pascasio, 1977).

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III.

Discussion

English language plays an important role in the lives of every Filipino people. At present, Philippines have developed through the use of the language of English as it is taught in schools as one of the two official languages of the country, the other being Filipino. Filipino people cannot avoid the fact that English language is now part of their daily lives. They are exposed to the language in every aspect of their life, everywhere they go English is there. English language is part of our educational system in which we are equipped with the knowledge that we can use to become a productive member of the society as a product of being a lifelong learner (Andres & Francisco, 1989). English is also used in religious affairs, print and broadcast media, and business, though the people who use it as a second language far outnumber those who speak it as a first language. Still, for highly technical subjects such as nursing, medicine, computing, and calculus, English is the preferred medium for textbooks, communication, and among others. It is considered one of the effective medium of mass media or as well as the social media for it enables us to obtain information about the Philippine issues plus the issues present globally. These are just some of the reasons why Filipinos cannot deviate to the fact that English language is a worthy tool for bridging the development of Philippine economy and eventually for its national progress. Filipinos need to learn the language to become more competitive in the society and to adapt to the changes in their environment.

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English language enables Filipino people to become globally competitive in a fast changing environment. Nowadays, we all know that English is the language of the world. (Pascasio, 1977). Thus, if you know the language, you can communicate with other people straightforwardly and confidently. Learning and mastering the language also gives an individual an edge in the local and global realm because the hiring procedures in any job opportunities are highly dependent on the English communication skills of the applicant. Not only that, this will also enable the person to become aware and knowledgeable about the existing policies, rules and regulations, laws and ordinances passed by the legislator, and that Philippine laws and court decisions, with extremely rare exceptions, are written solely in English. Hence, it will be easy for him to adapt and adjust to the sudden changes that may happen in the society. The development of English language is based and depending on the environment of the people. Noticeably, most of the people who speak and use the English language came from or live in the urban areas – mostly from middle and upper classes. It is very seldom to see people coming from rural areas to speak and use English language in normal conversation. This is because of the differences in the customs and traditions and the way of living present amongst them. Filipino people are governed by the existing norms present in their society. People coming from the rural areas need not to speak English because the conversation or communication might be awkward or unsuccessful. It is very evident that people who live in urban areas speak and use the English language because they find comfort and ease as they use the language and majority of the people speak and use it in their daily lives as well (Gonzales, 1988). But of course, we can also foresee disadvantages through the excessive usage and dependence of the English language.

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The government gives more importance to English language than Filipino language. This is true with what is happening in our present time. English language is commonly used in the congress, senate, court, and other agencies of the government. Laws, ordinances, memoranda are most of the time written in English language. (Gonzales, 1980). The government should set examples in giving importance to both English and Filipino language. Focusing on giving balance between the use and development of both languages must be considered. By these, there are some Filipino people who cannot cope up with what is happening to our country because they find it difficult to understand the language of English. Government should not leave our own language but rather prioritize its progress. English language poses threat to the country’s native languages. English language poses a threat to the native languages of the Philippines. As the number of Filipino who speaks English language, native Filipino languages are becoming less important. The use of English language is dominating over the native languages (Osias, 1963). In addition, there is an existing conception that people who speak English language are more intellectual than those who speak native Filipino language. This might lead to neglecting of our native languages as well. Most of parents want their child to acquire skills in speaking English language. And if majority of Filipinos will speak and use the English language and the influence of mass media in their everyday life then native Filipino languages are at risk. English language becomes a tool in identifying social classes. With the conception of speaking English language is for intellectual people, English language was used to identify social classes in the society. Most of the time speaking English language will define ones status in the society. People who speak the language fluently are

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regarded as the elite class while people who speak the language poorly came from the lower class (Gonzales, 1988). The English language covers a wide range of universality. As a matter of fact, English should be the medium used by an author if he wants the majority of the people from different places to understand his piece. As long as there are people who continuously speak the language, its scope gets bigger and its life gets longer. The constant use of English across the world makes it better and more powerful. But it is regarded that some Filipinos are not so fluent with English and only few of our people know how to use and speak it. More discussions of advantages and disadvantages with the use of English language among Filipinos are as follows. Firstly, if every Filipino is equipped with the knowledge to speak English, we might be more proud of ourselves. Whether we admit it or deny it, a person who is fluent in English appears to have an edge to a person who speaks in Filipino fluently. There is a misconception that if one knows how to use a foreign language so well, then that person has a very high intellectual capacity (Catalan & Durban, 2013). Secondly, it will now be easier for us to keep up with the developments in film making and songwriting in foreign countries. Imagine every Filipino will now appreciate watching Hollywood films just because they now understand it. Songs will be felt by heart by the mass because they can now fully-understand its lyrics. Thirdly, Filipinos will have a better understanding of the world before them. Since most of the news, speeches and announcements given by the government to the public are stated in English, if English is better understood by each and every one including those who were not able to get a good education it will now be easier to react and have a stand on these matters. Having considered all these, English may be an instrument to our country’s progress (Bautista, 2001).

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On the other hand, if all these happen, there will be a bigger question attached to our nationalism. Our love for our own language will or can be diminished by the fact that we may prefer using English in every means there is. At a certain point, if such illustrations happen, it is not impossible to completely abolish Filipino and replace it with English. Thus, Filipino will be highly inferior to English or worse, we will no longer have a language of our own. (Bautista & Bolton, 2009). The power of the English language may be strong but our native tongue is much powerful because we grew up speaking the language we know best. It is actually safe to say that our language will stay for long. However, we have to love it and never think of abandoning it, because as long as there are people using it and fighting for its existence, it will stay for as long as we want it to.

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IV.

Reference List

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Solidaridad Publishing House. Osias, C. (1963). Meeting the National Language Problem: Speeches on the National Language. Manila. Pascasio, E. (Eds.)(1977). The Filipino Bilingual: Studies on Philippine Bilingualism and Bilingual Education. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.