A Research on the Effect of Filipino dialects to Second Language Acquisition

I. Abstract:

It’s good to note that Filipino has a second language which is English. Since English language has a
variety of dialects, for Filipino they adapted the American English. Although it is used as the medium for
instruction for school subjects, still not everybody learn the language with fluency. In the Philippines,
there are numerous dialects being spoken, however the common language is Tagalog. The kind of
dialect use by individual has a relation on acquiring of second language.

II. Introduction:

A certain family migrated to Manila from a distant province crossing the sea. That was a permanent
transfer for good as the family realized greater opportunity that waits in the city. Among them are
children ages 8, 10, 13 & 14. They grew up at the province speaking Visayan dialect since the time they
started producing sounds. And noticeably the very common problem among Visayan dialect speakers is
the diction. For example they can hardly pronounce e for driver instead it sounds like drivir, and a for
Friday instead it sounds like Fridiy and more others. This phonological problem could be the source of
discrimination because it will trigger humor among listeners and if not address early may boil down to
total breakdown of children self esteem.

On the other hand, Tagalog speakers don’t have problem with diction. Probably because some Tagalog
words are being associated or adapted from Spanish language which is geographically very close to
America say for example Mexico which is a border away from America. Another is the English word itself
being adapted by Filipino (Tagalog) language using its local alphabet. For example the English word
priority in Filipino it is prayoriti or prayoridad. In this context, the parents realized that the children
should familiarize the first language and the absorption of second language as a subject being taught in
school will be smooth. The former is acquired through communication while the latter demands
education and familiarization.

During the first two months of being new in a community. The children communicate with themselves
using their vernacular. Since they have to go to school, they were enrolled as transferees. Actually it was
pertaining to the children’s schooling that the parents considered the major dilemma. As for the
parents, since education is a craft they cannot avoid, they knew that their children are facing a very
challenging role. They have to adjust to the new language for them to communicate well and learn well
with their subjects in school.

III Method:
To help the children with their adjustment period, the parents drafted seven pointers for past
development of language acquisition:

1. Motivation from the parents

- During the crucial stage of language acquisition the parents must focus with the lessons of the
children. Parents must constantly asking question of any local words they heard and learned and try to
explain it as patiently as they could. Parents must take an initiative to supervise the progress of their
children and must be very sensitive on the way the children responded with the new development.

2. Must go to school

- Because not all children go to school. It is the sacred responsibility of the parents to send their
children to school. Almost fifty percent of their day is in school. In school the children are being mold
mentally, emotionally and spiritually. All the subjects being taught in school will help the children in
their language acquisition development on both local and second language.

3. Media

- Encourage the use of various forms of media like TV, Radio, computer and internet. These are the
modern and technical devices for language acquisition. Basically what can be learned here is the local
and second language. Hitting two birds in one stone.

4. Music

- Promote music to the children. By listening to the songs either local or English, the children are
learning as to how the word is being pronounce and in a way its meaning. Not just through listening, but
also by attempting to sing the song impersonating the character of the singer considering the diction
and emotion in it. Children are becoming conscious and with their own initiative will try to understand
every new word they encounter.

5. Meeting new friends and play

- Tell your children to go out and meet the world. Look for acquaintance nearby and go play with
them. Advice them to adapt with their new environment, and of course we are only referring here of a
good and modest kind of learning. Since communication is the best way to acquire language, the
children must be attached with the environment around them; hence it will create discourse with new
friends and the beginning of familiarization process. Another is the body language which can only be
learned when they are playing around with friends. It is a gradual steps though a continuous process of
language acquisition.

6. Books
- Give your children good books to read either local or English language. What important is they will
be learning new words and how it is used. Provide them with dependable dictionary as reference.
Children must appreciate reading. It will sharpen their intelligence and an important tool in acquiring
language fluency.

7. Language restriction

- Set a standard form of discourse inside the house. Say for example in this case. The father does not
encourage their children to converse in their previous native language. In fact, the father totally asked
them to use the local language in the community in all occasion. Even in the event that there are visitors
speaking the old language, the children are advised to response using the local language in the
community. The idea is for the children not to be influenced by external factors by those nitty-gritty
diversions because it will impede its development in acquiring language.

IV Result:

After more than a year of stay in Manila, they are now good speakers of Tagalog language and with
significant progress on acquiring second language. Amazingly, you cannot even detect their origin. The
parents are very happy with the progress of the children. In fact, they are even happier because the
eldest, first year high school student possess good command of second language as well. The children
learned to appreciate all the changes around them. They express their gratitude with their parents
because they can see that they are in the right direction. The momentum is overwhelming. They signify
progress in the first year.

V Discussion:

Sometimes it demands time and effort to achieve our goals. Like in this case the phonological problem
of the children was totally corrected. When they read, they read with confidence. When they talk, they
really belong to the group. What inculcated with the children’s mind was to ask if they’re confused or
not sure. Parents must also be equipped with necessary intellect to answer queries. If in case the parent
cannot answer they can hire for tutorial.

VI Conclusion:

Looking at the flow of event and how the outcome manifests itself we can say that the parents are doing
a good job. It also appears that learning the first language (Tagalog) paved the way for second language
acquisition. The situation may be very intricate if not handled in organized way. Although we cannot yet
conclude what will happen in the future. One thing for sure, the foundation is strong. Since they were
able to hurdle the first crucial year, all they have to do is stick with their guidelines, nurture the
momentum and all is well.
Subjects: Filipino dialect, second language, child acquisition, phonetics

Research of: Joel R. Misa

Title of the Research: Effect of Filipino dialects to Second Language Acquisition