The History Of The Different Languages Spoken In The Philippines | expatne.ws

The Philippines is an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, composed of over 7,000 diverse islands. Due to its rich history and the influx of settlers from around the world, it boasts of being home to some of the most unique and varied languages in the world. In all, there are at least 175 languages present in this nation, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries on the planet.

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog and spoken by 16 million people as a first language. It is a mix of Spanish, English, and native Philippine languages such as Bikolano and Ilocano. Other common local languages include Cebuano, Ilonggo/Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray Pampango/Kapampangan and Chavacano or Chabacano (Philippine Creole Spanish).

In addition to these local dialects are several national ones used throughout the country – including English and Spanish – that are traditionally associated with other nations but have been adopted by Filipino citizens. Spanish was historically brought over to the islands by colonisers in 1521 as a result of expedition led by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Although it has become increasingly less widespread due to shifts in language preferences among younger generations following increased exposure to other international languages like English, many elderly Filipinos still speak it fluently.

English has also been popularised throughout the country due largely in part to U.S colonization between 1898-1946. This language has become so prominent that it is now considered one of two official working languages for both government institutions and businesses alike alongside Filipino. Many television programs are broadcasted both dubbed into Filipino or even dual-language programs where conversations are split between each language depending on individual preferences or needs.

Moreover, there exists several minority or regional dialects as well that date back centuries such as Hanunóo in Mindoro province, Bontok-Finallig from Kalinga province in Luzon Island; Maranao from Lake Lanao region; Manobo from Mindanao Island; and Ivatan from Batanes Province archipelago northmost point near Taiwan Island.
To best appreciate these distinct cultures they must be acknowledged among locals and foreigners alike if real social progress is ever to be achieved among all walks of life on these Philippine Islands.
To this day there remains an underlying level rivalry between these native Philippine dialects due lack of recognition they receive form outside areas concerning their respective cultural roots or ancestries meaning any attempt towards unification must come through understanding each others unique backgrounds rather than erasure one another’s differences out completely for sake societal homogeneity holding everyone back ultimately equitably all around making final result sad paradoxical circumstance at its core given our nations proud linguistic diversity having been argued case even rivaled our geographic variety so much over years gone by beneath our islands peaceful blue skies vast azure seas now stands testament true testament valiant efforts brave peoples generations long passed none whom society can ever quite replace thank lack bias any sort not feel same carefree happiness together today privilege share celebrate plentitude oneself participating preservation together join forces once more days forward what we otherwise disregard decline would otherwise become forgotten drawn out forgotten histories past outcomes today’s society underpaid collective injustices accrued across ages past never quite let go justly compensated yet made whole again someday soon not once more be forgotten only time will tell!
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