7 Tips to Helping Kids Learn the Filipino Language

Who wants their child to be left behind in this highly competitive world where English seems to be the universal language? No one does. But with everyday exposure to cable TV, Hollywood movies, multimedia games, and English-versed books, children do become more proficient in the language. The downside? Speaking Filipino has taken a backseat for most.

No wonder our little Pinoys struggle with Filipino words and grammar concepts. Subjects like Araling Panlipunan, Sibika and Filipino prove to be their biggest challenge in big school.

Sociologist Rene Borromeo says that being competent in speaking English doesn’t automatically mean global success. “I would bank on good social skills than just simply good diction. Though language is important in socialization, it is just one of the tools to communicate with other people,” he suggests.

Learn it
Experts say a great deal of a child’s acquisition of linguistic structure occurs during the first five years of life. It is amazing how, at a very young age, a child is capable of abstracting meaning from ordinary conversations. Hence, early childhood is the best time to introduce a language your child can use in practical situations.

Bambi Encomienda-Lazaro, coordinator and consultant for a private home school provider, lists some surefire ways to help your child take an interest in -- and eventually speak -- the Filipino language:

1. Speak it.
The most effective way to learn a new language is to hear it in actual everyday conversation. At home, ask everyone to speak to your child in Filipino. Instead of requiring your child’s yaya to converse with him in English, let her use Filipino as they go through their daily routine. This will introduce your tyke to new vocabulary in a proper context.

2. Tell a tale.
Use stories as a springboard for language learning. Children love storytelling, so engage your tot in fun read-aloud sessions using storybooks in Filipino. This will expose him not only to the language but also to the Filipino culture.

3. Sing and play along.
It has been proven that learning ensues during fun and enjoyable activities. Use music and games to help your child learn to speak Filipino. Singing Pinoy songs, and using it in games will surely heighten his interest in learning our language.

Related story: "A is for Apple, B is for Bola": Teaching Kids to be Bilingual

4. Use technology.
Explore a variety of media resources such as video clips, software, and other online tools that help make learning the Filipino language both fun and engaging.

5. Individualize.
Find out how much or how little Pinoy words he knows. This will help you create an age-appropriate lesson for your child.

6. One step at a time.
Begin by presenting to your child aspects of the Filipino language in bite-size, understandable pieces.

7. Focus on the meanings first.
Don’t expect your four-year-old to master the parts of speech with all its complicated jargons and syntactical rules. This will only lead to his distaste for the language.

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How do moms abroad teach Filipino to their children?
“Language is part of our kids’ identities as Filipinos. Knowing how to speak the language will help them relate better with our families in the Philippines. To teach them, we speak Filipino at home. We occasionally have a drill game with Yumi to check if she understands a specific Pinoy word; she then translates it into English. For example, we ask her ‘What is kain?’ She answers, ‘Eat.’ It is fun for her, and we are amazed at how much she understands.” - Noriko Yamamoto-Nadres, raising Yumi Sakura, 7, Tsuyoshi, 5, and Hiroshi, 3, in Australia

“I speak with my kids in Filipino whenever possible. Being able to speak the language will make them more attuned to the culture and more confident in their dealings with people in the country. There is a sense of belonging, and it opens varied windows of opportunities -- whether it is to start a friendship, develop a career, or bargain in local markets.” - Grace Luna-Figovc, raising Bianca, 8, and Isaac, 4, in India

“We try to use Filipino words in our daily conversations with the kids, hoping that they will absorb them and use them in the future. Sometimes, we do a word a day: They think of an English word, and we translate it for them in Filipino. Ariana also discovered a Filipino-English translator online; she loves plugging in words to see what they are in Filipino. I also pray with them in Filipino: I have them repeat after me, just so they are able to say the words even if they don’t memorize them or know what they are saying. I think having them say certain Pinoy words from time to time keeps the language alive in their speech.” - Cecile Borromeo, raising Lorenzo, 15, Enrico, 12, and Ariana, 7, in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Watch it
According to Encomienda-Lazaro, parents should be careful not to express their own dislike or negative notion about the Filipino language. “Turn your own aversion, if any, into a welcoming attitude,” she says. Rise to the challenge: Teach (and learn) the Filipino language with excitement! Developing a love for our language begins in knowing and accepting who we are and where we come from.

Fine reads
These Pinoy-authored bilingual books by Adarna house encourage kids to listen to stories in Filipino while also having access to the English language.

Sampung Magkakaibigan by Kristine V. Canon
Karlo loves to tease and bully his friends, so he slowly loses them. This story helps your child learn about friendships and proper social interaction.

Araw sa Palengke by May Tobias-Papa
A little girl joins her mom at the market and finds all sorts of colorful produce. When they get home, she “works” in the kitchen, too! A book that encourages your child to help out at home.

Related stories: 15 Minutes with Pinoy Authors Tintin Babao, Yevtte Fernandez, and Annie Pacana-Lumbao

Bru-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi by Ma. Corazon Remigio
This award-winning book is about a little girl’s assumption that her neighbor, Mrs. Magalit, is a witch. It teaches kids not to judge a book by its cover.

Papa’s House, Mama’s House by Jean Patindol
Another award-winning story that recounts a child’s memories of living in two residences, one for each estranged parent. A great read for kids of separated parents.

Photo by Ocs Alvarez