Be Real

            As a teacher of English, I am trained to speak in English all through out the lesson. I give my students instructions in English, I tell stories at the same language. I teach my students to see the implication of that language for their personal and professional growth and development.

            Often I say that they can’t be hired in a job, if at first glace the employer sees a lot of errors in their application letters and resumes and even during interviews where the language used is English.

           

            We can’t deny the fact the practicality of the language in industry, science and business and likewise in teaching. Imagine, how can we translate the words hydraulic, ozone layer, mathematical equation or buoyancy in Filipino or do we have? Even when I am teaching Filipino subject because I have given one by my head, still I can’t avoid speaking in English. They would complain, “Sir, nosebleed Filipino po tayo ngayon”. I would just reply, “Oo nga pala, Filipino nga pala tayo.”

            Having reflected on it, have I been teaching my students to forget their identity as a Filipino? Have I been corrupting their minds? Admit it; Filipino language will always be important to us. I used to court my girlfriend in Filipino ways and language and I used to get angry with my students speaking in Filipino. I will be hypocrite if I will still speak in English in those instances. Filipino is the medium in which we can express our deepest and complex ideas and the innermost feelings and emotions.  So, how come some Filipinos have forgotten its importance? They are just seeing it as a language of streets as what I’ve read in the article given in our MAT class taken form Manila Bulletin entitled “Language, Learning, Identity and Privilege” by J. Soriano. I can’t blame him, on the other hand because he is raised by his parent is such way but seeing the practicality of using Filipino for his katulongs, manongs and tinderas is a disgrace to me. He did not bring honor to his own identity as a Filipino.

            As what my MAT classmate said, “Filipino language makes Filipinos distinct from other nations. It’s true. It bounds our nations and holds our identity. If only Rizal is alive, perhaps he will reprimand those people who think that they are already superior because they are proficient in English. Those oblivions to language of their own are hypocrites. I think they are just using their ability to impress people. Come to think of it, maybe why there is a continuous decline in our education system is that teachers and students have a different language.