Chapter 2-Lesson 2: Philippine English

• • Philippine English is one of the very few American-transplanted Englishes. It is a variety of English used by around 42 million or 70% of the population.
  • Filipinos were able to adapt and learn English after being colonized by the Americans (Gonzales, 1996)
  • Philippine English is a dynamic and unique variety of the English language that has developed in the Philippines due to its colonial history, multicultural society, and the influence of local languages. 
• Colonial Influence: The Philippines was a colony of Spain for over 300 years and then a colony of the United States for nearly 50 years. These periods of colonization had a significant impact on the development of Philippine English. Spanish and American English influences can be observed in the language, including loanwords, grammatical structures, and pronunciation.
• Mix of Languages: One distinctive feature of Philippine English is the integration of words and expressions from various Philippine languages, particularly Tagalog. The result is a rich vocabulary that combines English with local terms. For example, "barangay" (a local administrative division) and "jeepney" (a popular form of public transportation) are borrowed from Tagalog.
• Code-Switching: Filipinos are known for their ability to seamlessly switch between languages in conversation, a phenomenon known as code-switching. They often mix English with Filipino (or other regional languages) in daily speech. This reflects the bilingual or multilingual nature of Filipino society.
• Unique Pronunciation: Philippine English may have distinct pronunciation patterns and accents compared to other varieties of English. For instance, the tendency to elongate vowel sounds, especially in words like "bath" or "dance," is common. There may also be variations in stress patterns and intonation.
• Influence of Filipino Culture: Philippine English often reflects the culture, traditions, and social norms of the Philippines. For example, certain Filipino customs may be integrated into conversations using English words, such as "fiesta" (a local celebration) or "pamamanhikan" (a pre-wedding custom).
• Education: English is one of the official languages of the Philippines and is used extensively in education, government, media, and business. This widespread use has contributed to the development and standardization of Philippine English.
• Media and Entertainment: Many Filipino movies, television shows, and songs are in English or feature a mix of English and Filipino. This exposure further influences the way English is used in daily life.
• Variation: There can be regional variations in Philippine English, with some areas having distinct features or accents. For instance, English spoken in Manila may differ slightly from English spoken in the Visayas or Mindanao regions.
• World Englishes highlight the diverse ways in which the English language is spoken and adapted worldwide. This linguistic diversity is shaped by local languages, cultures, and histories, resulting in a continuum of English varieties ranging from non-nativized to highly nativized forms. Studying World Englishes provides insights into language evolution, cultural identity, and global communication.