Mother tongue in a power play

I recently had a chat with an American guest, a Caucasian, who was surprised by the “special treatment” he received from the Filipinos he met during his visit. They would let him skip the queue although others had been waiting in line longer. He noticed though that people from provincial areas were a bit reserved and hesitant to chat with him. I explained to him the social advantages that come with white privilege.

Thinking about our conversation, however, made me realize how important it is to acknowledge that these dynamics go beyond surface appearances. The power dynamics tied to English fluency in the Philippines are intertwined with the country’s history, culture, and socioeconomic aspects. Filipinos often feel intimidated when they encounter individuals highly fluent in English. With the United States being a former colonizer, English has been perceived as a symbol of power and privilege, this being the primary language for education, governance, and commerce during the American colonial era.

This deliberate imposition of English created a sharp division between the English-speaking elites and the majority of Filipinos who lacked access to quality education. Over time, English fluency became a status symbol in Filipino society. Being proficient in English opened better job opportunities, positions of authority, and sometimes higher wages. The Philippines also became a global hub for outsourcing, with many call centers and BPO firms catering to English-speaking clients. While Filipinos who are fluent in English enjoy unique advantages, this power dynamic negatively affects those who struggle with the language barrier. The language divide unknowingly perpetuates existing inequalities, creating a cycle where English fluency is closely tied to social status.

Furthermore, English proficiency has been given utmost importance in the country’s education system. Many schools prioritize English as a core subject, judging students’ abilities based on English comprehension and articulation skills. This emphasis unintentionally reinforces the belief that those who master English are intellectually superior, while those grappling with language complexities are considered less competent. It’s also worth noting the notable trend among Filipino parents who, despite not having a strong command of English themselves, are determined to raise their children as fluent English speakers. These parents willingly exchange opportunities for verbal communication with their children for the valuable skill of their English proficiency, recognizing the advantages it can bring to their children’s future success. Despite the linguistic challenges they face, these courageous parents make significant sacrifices to ensure their children receive the best English language education available.

The media, in its myriad forms, also plays a role in perpetuating the power dynamics associated with English fluency. English dominates mainstream media, including television shows, movies, and advertising campaigns. Characters who effortlessly navigate English are often portrayed as sophisticated, knowledgeable, and accomplished. On the other hand, those who speak “carabao English,” a distinct form of English influenced by local languages, are either silenced or used for comic relief, becoming objects of ridicule rather than genuine representations of diverse linguistic experiences. These portrayals unintentionally reinforce the idea that English fluency equates to intelligence and social status, contributing to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt among those who struggle with the language’s intricacies.

The feeling of intimidation that some foreigners may encounter in the Philippines doesn’t reflect an inherent characteristic of the Filipino people. It emerges as an unintended consequence of societal constructs and power dynamics intertwined with the complexities of English fluency. Filipinos are known for their linguistic versatility, with proficiency in multiple languages, including their native tongue, Filipino/Tagalog, as well as English, Spanish, and various regional languages and dialects. Engaging in multilingual conversations should be celebrated and cherished rather than overshadowed by the overwhelming dominance of English.

Ralph Revelar Sarza is a metadata development specialist at The Big Dipper Digital Content and Design, Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corp. He graduated cum laude from Bicol University with a degree in Journalism. You can follow him on Instagram and Threads via his handle, @walphs.