Why Language Matters: The Role of Filipino in Modern Parenting
Even though the world pushes for everyone to speak English, here’s why parents shouldn’t neglect speaking the Filipino language
Because of social media and school, kids are exposed to multiple languages, and parents are left to juggle which one to master. While most of the world—both online and offline—emphasizes the need for English, it doesn’t mean neglecting the Filipino language.
Our local language bridges us Filipinos to our culture, history, and identity. Whether we migrate to another country that rarely speaks Filipino, it’s still heartwarming to hear someone speak the language. It feels safe and familiar; something our kids need as they grow in a world that emphasizes split-second decision-making.
As the country celebrates Buwan ng Wika 2025, we honor the many institutions that the Filipino language has built. Including the home.
Strengthening Family Bonds Through Filipino Language
Language goes beyond words. Knowing how to read, write, and speak the language is one thing. Being able to use it to thrive is another.
We’re no strangers to how miscommunication breaks families apart. Especially in bilingual families, we teach our children that it’s rude to speak in a language that one of our relatives fails to understand. It’s as if we’re isolating them and implying, “Your voice does not matter.”
So, we expose them early on. Simple expressions like the heartwarming “Kumain ka na ba?” or “Ingat po kayo” or the more hilarious ones like “Anak ng Tipaklong” give our kids a window into what it’s like to be Filipino.
Even teaching the proper names of Filipino dishes and their variants tells kids the story of the different cultures that created them.
Boosting Cognitive and Social Skills
It’s no secret that bilingualism has its benefits. It encourages the brain to be more flexible, enhancing both problem-solving skills and empathy. After all, problems become easier to understand once we have the words to tag them!
Becoming bilingual also gives kids an essential tool in critical thinking: the ability to associate and translate. While some Filipino words have no direct 1:1 translation in English, it doesn’t mean they can’t describe the feeling in a sentence.
For example, hiya may simply mean “shame” in English. But, among the Filipinos, we see this also as “feeling shame for others,” hence the expression—”Nahiya ako para sa kanya.”
Besides the typical activities in school, parents can try:
- Bedtime stories in Filipino
- Family conversations during meals
- Watching or listening to Filipino podcasts
Preserving Filipino Identity in a Globalized World
Although the world is heavily dominated by English content, Filipino culture has found itself on the center stage. Fil-Am actors have proudly declared their Filipino lineage. Modern Filipiniana is known to turn heads in celebrations. Even video game developers have tapped into Filipino mythologies to enhance their content!
Unfortunately, our Filipino identity has often been praised for our ability to adapt to any given culture. Our accents, though thick, are often neutral, which makes it easier to absorb other languages. Verb conjugation in other languages is not as varied as Tagalog (e.g. inuulit, etc.).
Facing the fear of speaking “broken” Filipino
Incorporating Filipino doesn’t mean digging the internet for a DepEd curriculum (though it is quite helpful). Sometimes, it can be as simple as speaking Filipino naturally during everyday activities.
It may be nerve-wracking at first, especially if people made fun of us for years for speaking in our “broken” Filipino. But the truth is, that’s where everyone starts. We pick up the words, string them together, and check if it makes sense. And while Filipinos will laugh, the truth is that they do appreciate that we try.
So keep on trying! It’s as we tell our kids, “Practice makes perfect!”
More about Buwan ng Wika?
How Families Can Celebrate Buwan ng Wika 2023
Unique Buwan ng Wika Costumes That Kids Can Wear
Coffee & Café Crawl For Parents: Buwan ng Wika Edition
