By Sharon Pasion Vinluan
In 1937, the National Assembly of the Philippine Commonwealth, under President Manuel L. Quezon, adopted Tagalog as the national language of the Philippines. This designation was later revised to “Filipino Language” in the 1987 Constitution. Recognizing the importance of language diversity, Universiti Malaya integrated Filipino Language courses into its curriculum approximately 20 years ago. This initiative fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes language learning, enhancing students’ global competitiveness. As one of Southeast Asia’s top universities, Universiti Malaya offers robust programs in foreign language education, positioning itself as a leader in fostering multilingual proficiency.
Recently, during a training on “Influence and Negotiation Skills,” I encountered a thought-provoking question from a professor: In today’s digital age, why should Generation Z and Generation Alpha learn Tagalog in a traditional classroom setting? With access to online resources, what motivates students to learn Tagalog, and how can they apply it in their lives? More so, why strive to learn a third language when English is already a global medium?
These questions left me pondering the future of language education. Could digital media replace traditional classroom learning? Will language teachers become obsolete? This reflection inspired me to explore how and why students at Universiti Malaya are motivated to learn Tagalog, shedding light on the enduring value of language learning in a digital world.
To answer this, I spoke with my Level 1 Tagalog students. Their reasons for enrolling in the Filipino Language course were both practical and personal. One student shared, “Teacher, I chose Filipino because it shares many similar words with Malay.” Another mentioned, “It’s easy to learn since it uses Roman letters without special characters.” A third student expressed a love for Filipino telenovelas, which fueled their interest in the language. These responses underscore the diverse motivations driving students to learn Tagalog, from linguistic curiosity to cultural affinity.
Beyond student motivations, the Filipino language itself offers unique learning advantages. Its morphosyntactic alignment, agglutinative structure, and syllable-timed rhythm make it an intriguing language. The blend of local and foreign influences in its vocabulary and its melodic sounds create a delightful auditory experience, further enriching the learning process.
While technology offers endless resources, there is something irreplaceable about learning a language in a traditional classroom setting. In-person classes provide an immersive environment where personal backgrounds, motivations, and contexts shape a richer learning experience. Active-learning strategies like role-play, gamified lectures, and group discussions allow students to engage with the material in a hands-on manner, enhancing retention and understanding.
This interactive approach not only builds linguistic proficiency but also fosters a deeper connection to the Filipino culture, making the learning experience enjoyable and meaningful. By integrating active problem-solving and case studies, classroom learning offers an engaging platform that digital tools alone may lack.
Learning Tagalog is more than acquiring a new language—it’s about embracing a vibrant culture and connecting with millions of people worldwide. For Malaysian and international students alike, the benefits are substantial. It deepens your cultural understanding, enhances cognitive skills, and opens doors to exciting professional opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to Filipino entertainment, fascinated by linguistic structures, or motivated by career prospects, learning Tagalog can be a transformative journey.
So, why wait? The Filipino language offers a unique window into a rich cultural heritage and a world of possibilities. By learning Tagalog, you’re not just gaining a skill—you’re immersing yourself in a vibrant, interconnected community. Enroll in a Tagalog course today and unlock the power of language to broaden your horizons and build lasting connections.
The author is a language lecturer at the Department of Asian and European Languages, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya. She may be reached at sharonpasion@um.edu.my
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