Since so many of our students are foreign husbands of Filipinas, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss a topic so many of them have in common – how they learned that it could be a bad idea to learn Tagalog from your spouse!
As with any language, it can be daunting to learn Tagalog
There is no such thing as an easy language to learn and Tagalog is no exception. This is especially true if you’re not used to the unique structure and pronunciation of Tagalog.
But for the many foreigners married to Filipinas, it’s practically a requirement to learn at least a little bit of the language. After all, how else will you impress your in-laws or navigate the local markets without butchering the language?
First, let's talk about the benefits of learning the Tagalog Language
In addition to the social and cultural advantages of being able to communicate with native Tagalog speakers, including your in-laws. You will also be able to do things like navigate the local markets and negotiate prices in Tagalog.
While there are many English speakers in the Philippines, not everyone in fluent in English. In fact, most native speakers of Tagalog are not fluent in English. And are greatly appreciative of non native speakers who have taken the time to learn Tagalog.
The ability to speak Tagalog can also have numerous cognitive benefits. Studies have shown that learning a new language can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities. It can also delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and even protect against dementia.
Even if you never get to the point of being able to speak Tagalog fluently, just learning some Tagalog words so you have a basic Tagalog vocabulary can be quite helpful in the Philippines.
In fact many of our students are most interested in just acquiring basic Tagalog language conversation skills, rather than learning how to speak Tagalog fluently.
You would be surprised how far just saying a simple phrase such as kamusta ka instead how are you or one word like samalat instead of than you will go!
Native speakers of Tagalog don’t expect foreigners to be fluent in Tagalog. Even complete beginners are encouraged. In fact people in the Philippines tend to be so kind, don’t be surprised if your doorman, cab driver or sales clerk helps you with a word, phrase or grammer.
But learning Tagalog from your Filipina wife can be a Challenge
Of course, your wife may be patient and understanding. But let’s be real; even the most patient and understanding wife can get frustrated with a husband who can’t grasp the language’s nuances. And let’s not even get started on the “Tito/Tita” jokes that inevitably come up when one spouse is struggling to learn Tagalog.
That's where a Tagalog tutor comes in
A Tagalog tutor can provide a structured and tailored learning experience customized to your learning style and needs. They can also provide a neutral environment without the pressure to impress or compete with your spouse. Plus, you won’t have to worry about making a fool of yourself in front of your in-laws or embarrassing your Filipina wife in public.
Tagalog tutors are a great way to learn Tagalog fast. And a good tutor will have you up to speed with the national language of the Philippines quickly, starting with a solid foundation in your very first lesson, so you speak and understand Tagalog as quickly as possible.
Your Tagalog course will include grammar rules, interactive exercises, fun quizzes, Filipino words and Tagalog vocabulary, and many helpful tips on how to best learn the Filipino language.
A Tagalog tutor really is the best way to learn Tagalog. And it’s a great way to study Tagalog, whether you live in the Philippines, or just have strong ties to the Philippines.
But the benefits of learning Tagalog from a tutor go beyond just avoiding awkward situations
If you learn Tagalog, it can also help to strengthen your relationship with your Filipina wife. By learning her language and culture, you are showing her that you respect and value her heritage. It can lead to increased communication, understanding, and intimacy.
Plus, learning Tagalog from a tutor can be a fun and exciting way to bond with your spouse. Imagine holding a full conversation where you speak in Tagalog with your in-laws or surprising your Filipina wife with your newfound language skills.
It can be a fun and exciting challenge to learn a new language and culture together, and a tutor can provide a supportive learning environment to help you achieve that goal.
But if you're still on the fence about whether to learn Tagalog from a tutor or your Filipina wife, here are a just few more reasons to learn Tagalog from a Tagalog tutor:
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Avoid the “Tito/Tita” jokes:
Let’s be honest, no one wants to be called “uncle” or “auntie” by their spouse. By learning Tagalog from a tutor, you can avoid the embarrassment of constantly being called “Tito/Tita” by your Filipina wife. -
Strengthen your relationship:
By learning your spouse’s native language and culture, you are showing her that you respect and value her heritage. This can lead to increased communication, understanding, and intimacy. -
Bond with your spouse:
Learning Tagalog and culture together can be a fun and exciting way to bond with your spouse. A tutor can provide a supportive learning environment to help you achieve that goal. Since your Tagalog course consists of interactive lessons, you will even get instant feedback, giving you a jump start, whether you are an average learner or an advanced learner.
4. Avoid power imbalances:
If your Filipina wife is a native speaker of Tagalog, there can be a power imbalance in the relationship. By learning to speak Tagalog from a tutor, you can avoid this dynamic and focus on learning the language together. Think about it – do you really want your wife to be teaching you Tagalog?
5. Tailored learning experience:
Tagalog lessons from a tutor can provide a structured and tailored learning experience customized to your individual learning style and needs. Each lesson focuses on what will help you the most, whether it be Tagalog vocabulary, pronouncing Tagalog words, listening skills, interactive exercises or whatever you need to best learn Tagalog – the official language of the Philippines.
A Tagalog tutor really is the best way to learn Tagalog
Whether you are in living in the Philippines, or are close to someone who speaks Tagalog as their native language, learning to speak Tagalog can be both fun and rewarding. And whether you are a complete beginner, an advanced learner. or anything in between, a good Tagalog tutor can help make your mission to learn Tagalog fun and easy.
But don't just take our word for it
Instead, try learning Tagalog from a tutor for yourself and see the difference it can make in your relationship with your Filipina wife. Who knows, you might even impress her so much that she’ll start calling you “Guapo” instead of “Tatay.” And let’s be real, that’s a win-win situation for everyone.
We can help you learn Tagalog fast
We have helped hundreds of students improve their life (and maybe even save their marriage 😉) through online Tagalog lessons with one of our terrific Tagalog tutors. Our tutors are experts at teaching conversational Tagalog to students. Many probably just like you. We’re sure we can help you because we have helped so many students in a similar situation to you.
So contact us today to see how fun and easy it can be to learn Tagalog.
