"Navigating the Challenges of Academic Writing: A Perspective from Filipino Students"

The Philippines is known as a country that has a lot of languages used, though when the topic is
academic, the international language, which is English, is mostly used due to the belief that
learning English increases the chances of getting a good job or closing an international business
deal. With the English language being the standard in educational institutions, some Filipinos
find it difficult to understand the given topics that they take daily, especially in English subjects.

There are difficulties in writing academic papers, one of which is the language. Many Filipino
students use their native languages, such as Filipino, Bikolano, or Ilokano, at home.
Consequently, students may develop an informal rapport with the English language, rendering
English subjects more challenging. Expressing themselves in English at home can be
challenging, as their first language is typically Filipino. They tend to resort to familiar Filipino
words when the appropriate English vocabulary eludes them, resulting in simplistic language that
fails to convey the depth of our ideas.

This difficulty can also affect their language and style. Limited vocabulary and fear of
grammatical errors can often leave non-native English students feeling hesitant and less
confident when trying to convey complex thoughts, which can, in turn, impact the clarity and
fluency of their language. The challenge of translating ideas from their native language into
English can result in awkward phrasing and a tendency to adopt a more formal, stilted writing
style, making their communication less natural and relatable.

Additionally, the transition from their native languages to academic English can be intricate. The
inadvertent translation of Filipino expressions into English is a common occurrence. For
example, one might say "Close the TV" instead of "Turn off the TV." This unintentional
translation can lead to confusion and impact the quality of written work. Fortunately, teachers are
aware of these challenges and understand that students often struggle to articulate complex ideas
in English. Also, our day-to-day conversations in Filipino tend to influence our writing, making
it less formal. This poses a significant concern, as academic writing demands clarity and
formality to ensure comprehension by a wider audience.

To conclude, all of this affects how students write their academic papers. When they struggle
with language, it's like trying to drive a car with a flat tire—they can still move, but it's much
harder and not as smooth. However, things are looking up. Schools are working to help us
improve our language skills, and special classes and programs are being created. The media and
experts are also talking about this, showing how important it is for students to write well in
English. The journey is tough, but step by step, we are learning how to write academic papers
that will be understood and appreciated around the world.