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Learning the Filipino Language opens doors to new cultures, new connections and new opportunities.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, want to talk to Filipino friends and family or just want to learn a new language, learning Filipino can be super fun!
Filipino is also often referred to as Tagalog and spoken by millions worldwide. Due to this, we’ll be using Filipino and Tagalog interchangeably throughout this page.
It’s a language that combines different linguistic influences so it’s unique and can be learned by people from different backgrounds.
With the right approach and materials, you can learn Tagalog basics fast and talk in Filipino with confidence.
At Eriza’s Language School, we have Filipino language programs for you.
Our expert teachers use our proprietary Tagalog lessons and modern teaching methods to make learning fun and effective.
From beginner lessons to advanced conversation practice, we have the tools and support for you to reach your language goals.
Quick Facts
- Filipino language skills = cultural experiences and connections
- Customized learning programs for your needs and goals
- Expert teachers and modern tools to fast track your Filipino language learning
Introduction to the Filipino Language
The Filipino language, also known as Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines and a vital part of its cultural identity. Spoken as their native language by over 47 million people worldwide, Tagalog is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. One of the appealing aspects of learning Tagalog is its phonetic nature – words are pronounced exactly as they are written, which simplifies the learning process for beginners. The language boasts a rich history, having been influenced by various languages such as Spanish, English, and Malay. This blend of linguistic influences makes Tagalog a unique and fascinating language to learn.
Brief History of the Philippines and the Tagalog Language
The history of the Philippines is a tapestry of various colonial influences, each leaving its mark on the country’s language and culture. Spanish colonization in the 16th century introduced Spanish as the official language, significantly shaping the development of Tagalog. Many Tagalog words are derived from Spanish, and the language’s grammar and syntax reflect this influence.
Later, American colonization in the late 19th century brought English into widespread use, further impacting Tagalog. Despite these external influences, Tagalog has retained its unique identity and remains a cornerstone of Filipino culture. Understanding this historical context enriches your language learning experience and deepens your connection to Filipino heritage.
Why Learn Filipino?
Learning Filipino opens doors to new cultures, deeper connections and new opportunities. It lets you engage with a Southeast Asian country and its diaspora worldwide.
Cultural Context in Filipino Culture
Filipino culture is a mix of Eastern and Western. By learning the native language, you get to know the Philippines’ rich history and many traditions.
You’ll understand Filipino music, literature and art better. You’ll navigate social customs and etiquette with more ease.
Filipino movies and TV shows become more enjoyable without subtitles.
You’ll get the Filipino humor and wordplay that’s often lost in translation.
You’ll connect with over 100 million speakers worldwide. It’s an opportunity to broaden your horizon and develop cross cultural communication skills.
For Your Relationship
If you have a Filipino partner or planning or are romantically interested in someone from the Philippines, learning the language can definitely bring you closer.
You’ll be able to talk more intimately and understand your partner better.
Filipino expressions of love and affection don’t translate well in English. By learning these phrases, you can express your feelings more genuinely.
You’ll also impress their family and friends, showing you’re serious in learning their culture.
Learning Filipino helps you navigate cultural differences in relationships. You’ll pick up on subtle cues and expectations that might otherwise lead to miscommunications.
Reconnecting with Your Family
For those with Filipino heritage, learning the language is a way to get back to your roots.
You’ll be able to talk to older relatives who may not speak English well. This can uncover family stories and traditions that might be lost forever.
Learning Filipino lets you join more fully in family gatherings and celebrations.
You’ll get the jokes, songs and conversations around you. This shared language experience can make you feel more part of the family.
You’ll also be able to pass on the language to future generations, preserve your family’s cultural heritage. This is especially important if you’re living outside the Philippines.
Career Advantages
The Philippines has a booming economy so Tagalog language skills are valuable in many industries.
You’ll have an edge in business, tourism, healthcare and customer service. Many companies look for bilingual professionals to work with Filipino clients or partners.
In the US, there’s a growing demand for Filipino interpreters and translators in healthcare and legal settings. Your language skills can lead to career opportunities in these fields.
Filipino language skills can also get you into teaching English in the Philippines or working with Filipino communities abroad. It’s a skill that’s becoming more valuable in a globalized job market.
Mastering the Filipino Alphabet and Grammar
The Filipino alphabet, known as the Alpabetong Filipino, consists of 28 letters derived from the Latin alphabet. Mastering the alphabet is the first step in learning Tagalog, as it lays the foundation for reading and pronunciation. Tagalog grammar revolves around verb conjugation, which is influenced by the focus on the subject of the sentence.
Unlike English, where the subject-verb-object (SVO) word order is standard, Tagalog verbs change their form based on the subject, making verb conjugation crucial for constructing accurate sentences. Paying close attention to verb forms, word order, and prepositions will help you avoid common grammatical errors and speak Tagalog fluently. With practice and dedication, you’ll find yourself navigating the complexities of Tagalog grammar with ease.
Filipino Language Programs
Our Tagalog courses and Filipino language programs are designed for all levels.
You’ll get expert, native speaking teachers, who are also fluent English speakers, customized lesson plans and interactive study tools to fast track your learning.
Beginner to Advanced
You’ll find a Tagalog course for your level, whether you’re just starting out or going for fluency.
Our beginner lessons cover basic vocabulary, grammar and common phrases to get you talking fast.
As you go along, you’ll tackle more complex topics and subtleties of the language.
Intermediate learners delve deeper into Filipino grammar and expand their vocabulary.
You’ll practice conversational skills and explore Filipino culture through real materials.
Advanced courses hone your skills with challenging texts, debates and immersive experiences.
You’ll learn idiomatic expressions and be confident in professional and academic settings.
Customized Lesson Plans
Your learning path is unique and our lesson plans are too.
We’ll assess your goals, strengths and weaknesses to create a personalized curriculum.
You’ll work one-on-one with a Filipino tutor who will tailor your Filipino lessons to your pace and interests.
Our flexible scheduling lets you book sessions at times that fit your lifestyle.
You’ll have access to your lessons and interactive study tools to use between sessions.
We’ll review your progress and adjust your plan to keep you challenged and motivated.
Why Learn with a Filipino Tutor
Native Tagalog speakers bring the language and culture to life.
You’ll learn proper pronunciation, colloquialisms and cultural subtleties that textbooks don’t cover.
Our tutors are experienced teachers who use creative, fun teaching methods.
They give instant feedback and create a safe space for you to practice speaking without fear.
By learning with a Filipino tutor you’ll get authentic language skills and cultural awareness.
This connection will keep you motivated and make your learning more enjoyable and efficient.
Study Tools
Flashcards are a great way to learn Tagalog vocabulary.
Smart flashcards adjust to your learning progress, focusing on words you struggle with.
Practice anywhere, anytime with interactive exercises and quizzes for your level.
Pronunciation checks so you sound like a native speaker.
Record yourself and compare to authentic Filipino pronunciations.
Quizzes test your knowledge and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Regular testing helps you retain what you learned and stay motivated.
At Eriza’s Language School we integrate these tools into your personalized Filipino lessons.
Get in touch with us today and start your Filipino journey with expert guidance and the best tools in the market. You’ll be speaking Filipino in no time!
Pronunciation Check With Native Speakers
Want to fine tune your Filipino pronunciation? Nothing beats practicing with native speakers.
At Eriza’s Language School our experienced teachers can give you valuable feedback on your accent and tone.
You’ll get to practice real conversations so you can apply what you’ve learned in a real life situation.
Our native Filipino teachers will correct your mistakes gently so you sound more natural, helping you on your journey to speaking Tagalog fluently.
We offer one-on-one sessions to cater to your specific pronunciation needs.
You can focus on difficult sounds or words that give you trouble. Our teachers use proven methods to help you overcome pronunciation obstacles.
Self formed group classes are also available if you have family or friends you’d like to learn with.
You’ll practice with other students but still get individual attention from the teacher.
Don’t let pronunciation fear hold you back!
Our warm staff will make you feel at ease and build your confidence. Soon you’ll be speaking Filipino clearly and accurately.
Ready to level up your pronunciation?
Get in touch with Eriza’s Language School today to book your first session with a native Filipino speaker.
Start with Eriza’s Language School
Ready to learn Filipino? Eriza’s Language School is the perfect place to start.
You’ll find a variety of lessons for beginners.
Our experienced teachers give you personalized attention to learn Filipino vocabulary and pronunciation. Video lessons make learning fun and interactive.
What you’ll get:
- Customized lesson plans
- Real-time pronunciation checks
- Detailed lesson notes
Eriza’s Language School is unique with experienced, native Filipino teachers and proven methods.
You’ll get one-on-one tuition so you can progress fast.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to open up a new world of communication.
Get in touch with Eriza’s Language School today and start your path to Filipino fluency.
Change your language skills with Eriza’s Language School. Get in touch now to start your Filipino language journey!
FAQs
Learning Tagalog means more communication and cultural understanding. Here’s some questions to get you started.
Start with basic greetings like “Kumusta” (Hello) and “Salamat” (Thank you).
Learn basic introductions like “Ako si [your name)” (I am [your name]). Practice simple questions like “Ano ang pangalan mo?” (What’s your name?) to start conversations.
Immerse yourself in Filipino media like TV shows, podcasts and music.
Use language apps for daily practice. Find a language exchange partner to practice speaking. Label objects in your home with their Filipino names to build vocabulary.
With regular study and practice you can reach basic conversational fluency in 3-6 months.
Study at least 1-2 hours a day. Regular interaction with native speakers will speed up your progress.
Our professional courses have structured lesson plans and expert, native speaking teachers who are also fluent in English. You get instant feedback on pronunciation and grammar.
These courses offer group practice and cultural insights. They include materials and resources not available elsewhere.
Yes, in fact, our Filipino courses are designed in-house, specifically for non-native speakers.
These courses are for practical communication and cultural understanding. They often include real life situations and customized learning paths.
Yes, of course. We offer language learners individual and group online courses, taught through Zoom. In fact, most of our student’s Tagalog learning journey is through online lessons.
