It’s that time of year again when we dig deep into our vocabulary archives to speak archaic Filipino and hold Balagtasan competitions. August is the time for the Filipino language to shine, and be heard louder now. It’s also probably a good time to continue that debate over whether Tagalog should have been the basis for the national language of the Philippines. It’s easy to forget that since 2019, we’ve been celebrating not just the Filipino language in August, but also the other indigenous languages of the Philippines. The motherland speaks different mother tongues, after all.
Cultural identity
A mother tongue is often closely tied to an individual’s cultural heritage, connecting people to their traditions, history, and community, fostering a sense of belonging and identity. It’s the same language spoken by one’s ancestors and the one in which folk tales and traditions have been written, and in the case of Filipino languages, recited and told. Learning a mother tongue is essential for connecting with one’s cultural identity.
Cognitive development
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef), early mastery of the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development in children. It forms the foundation for learning other languages and subjects, as it helps in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
Emotional expression
People are generally more comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts in their mother tongues. This language often carries nuances and cultural contexts that may not easily translate into another language, allowing for a more accurate and deeper emotional expression. Expressing emotions comes more naturally when one uses their mother tongue.
Educational success
Research shows that children who are educated in their mother tongue in the early years of schooling tend to perform better academically. It aids in better comprehension of concepts and lays a strong foundation for learning more languages.
Language preservation
According to the Commission on the Filipino Language, there are around 130 languages in the Philippines, some of which are in danger of disappearing. Learning and using the mother tongue helps preserve these languages, especially in communities where they are at risk of dying out. This preservation is essential for maintaining the cultural and intellectual diversity of societies.
Communication within close-knit groups
The mother tongue often serves as the primary means of communication within families and local communities. It helps maintain strong familial ties and community bonds. The mother tongue remains the way most Filipino families express their love and concern for each other.
Economy and society
In many regions, proficiency in the mother tongue can offer economic advantages, particularly in local markets. It also allows individuals to engage more with their social environment, enhancing social integration and participation.
Learning the mother tongue enriches an individual’s life on many levels, from personal identity to academic and social success. August shouldn’t be a celebration of just Filipino or Tagalog, but one that celebrates and honors all the languages in the Philippines. We need to explore the beauty and virtues of our languages, and shout them out to the world.
