REVIEWER FOR PHILIPPINES
Language - It is used by people who are of the
same community or nation, the same
geographical area, or the same cultural
tradition.
Dialect - It is a variety of languages that is
distinguished from other varieties of the same
language by of phonology, grammar, and
vocabulary.
- There are some 120 to 187 Philippine
languages. However, when it comes to
dialects, there are 111 dialects in the
Philippines.
Top 5 Most used Languages in the Philippines
1. Tagalog - It is one of the major languages in
the Philippines. It is our national language.
2. Cebuano - It is the next most spoken
language in the Philippines. This is mainly used
in Cebu City and some areas in Mindanao.
3. Ilokano or Ilocano - It is a combination of
other languages from other countries such as
Chamorro of Guam, Indonesian, Hawaiian,
Malay, Samoan and Tahitian.
4. Hiligaynon or Ilonggo – It is the language
used in Aklan, Antique, Bacolod, Capiz, Iloilo,
Panay Islands as well as in North and South
Cotabato in Mindanao.
5. Waray or Wara- Waray – It is spoken in the
Eastern Visayas, particularly Samar and some
parts of Leyte and Biliran Province.
Nature of Communication
VERBAL
- Filipinos will try to express their
opinions and ideas diplomatically and
with humility to avoid appearing
arrogant.
- Indirect communication is also in their
nature wherein they may speak in the
passive voice rather than active to avoid
being perceived as speaking harshly.
- Respect is one of their core values
especially when talking with someone
older or stranger.
NONVERBAL
- • Pointing
- • Beckoning
- • Physical Contact
- • Nodding and raising eyebrows
- • Lowering the head while arms are
extended downwards
Filipino Communication Procedures
VERBAL
a. Humility - Filipinos will try to express their
opinions and ideas politely and with humility to
avoid appearing arrogant. The tone of voice
varies widely by language, dialect and region.
b. Respect and Modesty –
Respect: When speaking to those who are older
or of higher status, Filipinos tend to use the
polite forms of speech.
- FILIAL PIETY - a Confucian concept derived
from Chinese culture, which advocates a set of
moral norms, values, and practices of respect
and caring for one ' s parents.
- GREETINGS - “Kumusta ””Kumusta ka
””Kumusta po kayo””Kumusta ho kayo”
- PO AND OPO - At the end of phrases,
sentences or questions, they will say ‘ po’ or “
opo” to demonstrate this respect for hierarchy. -
This is a way of showing respect.
c. Hiya (Indirect Communication) - As
mentioned, Filipinos are indirect communicators
—they often skirt around an issue rather than
address it head-on, making it difficult for
Westerners to understand what they're saying
exactly or why they're saying it.
d. On-cross Signal (Refusal) - Since many
Filipinos try to save face and avoid hiya in their
interactions, many will be overly polite and
seldom give a flat ‘ no’ or negative response.
NONVERBAL
- Physical Contact
- Personal Space
- Smile/Laughter
- Mano
- Beso-Beso
- Nodding or Raising eyebrows with a
smile
- Pointing
- Beckoning
- Eye contact
- ‘Excuse me’
- Silent Look
- Others (‘Lagot ka, Money, Thumbs up,
etc.)
Filipino Communication through the years
a. Communication in Ancient Times
- The most notable discovery of a
language system in the Philippines is the
ancient alphabet called Baybayin. The
term “baybayin ” comes from the
 Tagalog root word baybay, which means
“to spell.”
- Umalokohan refers to the town criers of
pre-colonial barangays in the
Philippines. They are responsible for
going around the barangays, passing
down laws and news, especially those
passed down by the Datu or chieftain.
- Tagalog is originally uttered as “taga-ilog
” which means “ river dweller ” or those
who live near rivers.

b. Communication During the Spanish Era

- The "Po " and "Opo" started. During this

period, the first newspapers appeared in the
Philippines.

- The work of literature as one of the powerful

weapon to communicate

c. Communication during American and

Japanese Colonization

American Colonization - Media is a means of

communication that reaches and influences
people widely. English became the official
language in the Country

Japanese Colonization - The official language is

still English, but the Japanese have influenced
various dialects as well. Communication was
suppressed during the Japanese occupation.

d. Communication Today

- SMS Statistics Maintaining Contact/Staying

Drawbacks

e. Before and 21st Century

- The communication processes and elements

had all changed and evolved through several
years.

Importance of Language to Filipino Culture and

Heritage

✓ The Filipino language serves to establish the

identity of the Filipinos
✓ It helps to promote unity and understanding
among different regions in the Philippines
✓written and spoken words is a way for values
and traditions to be passed down for
generations (in Filipino Language)
✓ An integral part of Philippine literature,
music, and arts.