Synthesis about Grammar and Filipinoisms

PHED 576
Advanced Grammar and Oral Communication

Submitted to Dr. Ma. Teresa Asistido

Submitted by Reyan B. Ballaso

The ins and outs of grammar could be a daunting subject for some, especially for
those who do not have a penchant for language. It can be a tedious subject to deal
with because of its wide scope, but not for me. I see grammar as an essential endeavor
to put a finger on because it is a vital aspect of language and as a language major, I
know exactly the power that language plays in this world. Correct usage of grammar
amplifies that power and a person who has the command of the grammar usage can be
equally as potent.
The lessons that Dr. Asistido presented in the class last time have, in a way,
spoken to me as a lover of Linguistics. I am familiar with the terminologies of
Linguistics and I am glad that these topics are placed on a pedestal so that even those
who majored in other fields of expertise can see the importance of this subject in the
academe. This move is close to my heart since I advocate and highly speak of its
vitalness. I strongly believe that we can never become effective communicators if we
are not adept with the technicalities of language- the grammatical side of it.
Grammar is more than just a set of structural rules governing the composition of
language. We must all be aware that there are some other aspects of language that go
with it beyond its technicalities to fully express the goal of the message being
conveyed. These are the Morphology, Phonology, Semantics, Syntax, and even
Pragmatics. These branches of Linguistics work hand in hand to augment any piece of
literature of any language. Morphology works with grammar in pointing out the
importance of looking at the parts of words to fully get across the meaning and word
function. Phonology, on the other hand, focuses on the patterns of sound of language
and how speech sounds are organized in the mind and used to convey meaning.
Semantics, the study of meaning, ofcourse, can never be left out of the picture since
meaning and grammar are two sides of the coin in terms of importance in getting the
message of the interlocutors across. Syntax and grammar are of the same goal since
both highlights the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences
in a language. Pragmatics, though only a part of the many semiotic processes of
language also holds the key in determining context and meaning, a factor that grammar
will need to work with to get the conversation going and to fully share the message that
any conversationalist aims to convey. It is safe to say then that grammar can never be
perfected overnight by any person who would try to explore its world because of its
depth and its complexities.
 Filipinoisms is another topic that every Filipino should be mindful about. Not
because it can be a potential reason for us to be placed in humiliation. I see it as a way
to place us Filipinos with the many nations lined up as authorities in world Englishes like
Singlish or Singaporean English, Australian English, Canadian English, etc. Filipinoisms
may sound wrong for the native English speakers and may not be acceptable in the
standard American English but this should not be a problem because this exactly places
our marks in the dynamism of the English language. A factor that contributes to making
the English language alive and well. Not to mention that Oxford English dictionary has
been borrowing words from our language that are now recognized all over the world
like baon, balikbayan, barangay, barong, and even English compound words that are
originally filipino and were once considered incorrect like batchmates, carnap,
carnapper, comfort room, go down, high blood, and presidentiable, to name a few. This
solidifies the idea that we are setting our place as authorities in the English language
too.
When God used language to disrupt oneness and solidarity during the time of
the construction of the tower of Babel, He knows the role of language and its potential
in making or breaking relationships and even nations. This clearly gives us a notion that
language is a powerful tool. It is a lavished gift from God and if cultivated well, would
do wonders.