Pampanga Colleges

Poblacion, Macabebe, Pampanga 2018

Jose Rizal: The Linguistic Journey of a Polyglot

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Rizal’s Life and Works

Submitted by:
Bonifacio, Princess Nicole D.
Flores, Faye E.
Sonza, Kyla Marie
(BSED Social Studies 2A)

Submitted to:
Mr. Joseph Ronillo B. Viray
(Professor)
Introduction

Jose Rizal, the esteemed Filipino polymath, was not only a visionary thinker and social

reformer but he was also incredibly skilled with languages. His knowledge of over 22 languages

such as Tagalog, Ilokano, Bisayan, Subanun, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Englis h, French, German,

Arabic, Malay, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Dutch, Catalan, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese,

Swedish, and Russian played a significant role in shaping his intellectual pursuits, social

activism, travels, and literary works.

Jose Rizal's exceptional linguistic abilities were nurtured within a supportive

environment created by his parents, Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos. As

members of a prosperous farming family, they valued education and encouraged their children to

pursue knowledge in various domains. Rizal's parents instilled in him a passion for learning from

an early age, laying the groundwork for his lifelong quest for intellectual growth.

Early Years and Language Acquisition

From an early age, Jose Rizal displayed an exceptional talent for languages. At three

years old, he learned the alphabet from his mother, Teodora Alonzo y Quintos, and by five, he

could already read and write, as seen when he read the Spanish family Bible. Teodora Alonzo y

Quintos, a highly cultured woman fluent in Spanish, Latin, Greek, and potentially some Asian

languages, undoubtedly inspired Rizal's own pursuit of linguistic excellence.

Recognizing their son's immense potential, Rizal's parents sent him to the finest

educational institutions available, including the prestigious University of Santo Tomas. With

their unwavering encouragement and guidance, Rizal's linguistic abilities flourished,

empowering him to traverse cultural boundaries and build connections with diverse communities

worldwide later in his life.

Formal Education and Linguistic Pursuits

Jose Rizal's early education was marked by a remarkable display of linguistic ability that

set the stage for his future achievements. From mastering his native Filipino to being adept in

Spanish, the language of the colonial regime, Rizal's linguistic abilities shone brightly during his

formative years. His academic journey continued to showcase his linguistic talents as he

surpassed his peers in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects during his studies in Biñan. Graduating

with highest honors from Ateneo, Rizal received excellent remarks in Spanish, Latin, Greek, and

French, underscoring his exceptional proficiency in multiple languages. This solid foundation in

linguistics acquired through formal education not only distinguished Rizal academically but also

laid the groundwork for his future linguistic endeavors and contributions to literature and society.

Travels Abroad

Jose Rizal's linguistic abilities played a significant role in fostering connections and

friendships worldwide, aiding him in his intellectual pursuits. Fluent in multiple languages,

including Spanish, French, German, and English, Rizal used his linguistic skills to communicate

with people from various cultures during his travels. Through these interactions, he not only

made friends but also gained insights and knowledge that influenced his intellectual

development.
 Rizal's ability to speak multiple languages allowed him to engage with diverse

individuals, serving as an interpreter and communicator across different communities. His

proficiency in languages facilitated his exchange of ideas and connections with influential

figures, such as scholars and intellectuals, who supported his intellectual endeavors. These

friendships broadened his perspectives and provided him with the resources needed to advance

his intellectual pursuits.

Moreover, Rizal's interactions with individuals from different nationalities aboard ships,

in boarding houses, and during travels further exemplify the significance of his linguistic abilities

in fostering camaraderie and understanding across cultural boundaries. His encounters with

passengers from various backgrounds allowed him to bridge cultural gaps and promote goodwill

through effective communication and shared experiences.

Literary Works and Contributions

Jose Rizal's linguistic abilities played a significant role in his literary works and

contributions. His proficiency in multiple languages allowed him to access a wealth of resources,

present nuanced perspectives on colonialism, and reach a global audience with his messages of

social critique and reform.

Rizal's most famous works, "Noli Me Tángere" (1887) and "El Filibusterismo" (1891),

were written in Spanish and were instrumental in shaping Philippine literature and national

identity. These novels were critical of the Spanish colonial regime and exposed the injustices and

abuses suffered by the Filipino people under colonial rule. Rizal's linguistic skills allowed him to
craft a narrative that was both compelling and accessible to a wide audience, transcending

linguistic and cultural barriers.

Moreover, Rizal's linguistic abilities enabled him to write numerous essays, poems, and

articles in different languages, showcasing his versatility as a writer and communicator. His

multilingual publications in newspapers and journals allowed him to reach a broader audience

and disseminate his ideas on social reform, nationalism, and cultural identity across linguistic

barriers.

Rizal's literary contributions extended beyond his renowned novels. He also composed

music and transformed some of his poems into musical lyrics. His literary works were not only a

testament to his linguistic prowess but also a reflection of his intellectual curiosity and

commitment to social justice and reform.

Conclusion

Jose Rizal's mastery of over 22 languages wasn't just impressive, it was instrumental to

his life and legacy. It enabled him to engage with diverse cultures and communities, fueling his

intellectual pursuits, fostering global connections, and enriching his literary works. His linguistic

abilities have cemented his status as one of the greatest polyglots in history. His legacy as a

polyglot continues to inspire generations with its testament to the transformative power of

language in shaping ideas and building bridges across nations.

Rizal's linguistic journey serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of

language learning, shaping him into a visionary thinker, a social reformer, and a symbol of

Filipino identity.