One of the best ways to get closer to and fit in better with Filipinos is to learn Tagalog. Tagalog lessons can be both fun and easy. And to make learning even easier, you can even take online Tagalog lessons and learn Tagalog online.
Tagalog is a relatively easy language to learn. It is spoken by over 90 million people worldwide (almost 65 million within the Philippines), making it one of the most popular languages in Asia.
It is also the Philippines’ national language, and along with English, it’s one of the two official languages of the Philippines.
Tagalog is a popular language internationally as well. For example, it’s the 3rd most spoken language in the US. And there are many Tagalog speakers throughout the world. There are many reasons to learn the Filipino language.
Learning this beautiful but straightforward language will not only allow you to communicate better with native speakers. And it will give you access to new opportunities that come along with knowing the Tagalog language.
Some Facts about Tagalog
- The Tagalog language has roots in the Austronesian language family, with an origination dating back over 1000 years. It is most Filipinos’ first or second language and is essential for foreigners living in the Philippines.
- Due to being colonized by Spain, Spanish strongly influences the Tagalog language. And due to colonization by the US, Taglish, a mixture of Tagalog and English, is commonly spoken in the Philippines as well.
- More than 25 million people speak Tagalog outside the Philippines in many countries, including Canada and the US.
- Tagalog is considered a fairly easy language for foreigners, with relatively simple grammar and pronunciation rules making it easier for any foreigner to learn to speak Tagalog within a relatively short period.
Why should you learn Tagalog?
Professional Reasons
A person who would like to work with a Philippines-based company should learn the Tagalog language before starting his job; this way, he will communicate with his Tagalog-speaking boss and colleagues.
Emotional Reasons
People with Filipino ancestry should learn the Tagalog language to get closer and understand their loved ones. Because of its rich tradition, speaking the Tagalog language is an incredibly powerful way for people with Filipino ancestry to connect back to their heritage. Tagalog is also a way of connecting to the Philippines culture.
Personal Reasons
A person in a relationship or married to a Filipina/Filipino should learn Tagalog as this will make it easier for both parties when communicating with each other. And will make it easier for them to get closer.
The same goes for foreigners living in the Philippines or planning to move there.
Learning Tagalog will also be a bonus if you have relatives from that country, as it would make communicating much easier between both parties.
Business Opportunity inside The Philippines
The Philippines is a fast-growing market for foreigners. And Tagalog is a language that they should learn. Learning Tagalog offers the opportunity to understand how people in the Philippines communicate, as well as being able to speak Tagalog fluently with locals.
While you might think English is an official language, Tagalog is the primary language spoken all over the country. It’s crucial to learn Tagalog for business purposes as most Filipinos are more comfortable speaking their native language.
Business Opportunity Outside The Philippines
The Philippines – Your Next Travel Destination
The Philippines is a country that is rich in culture and heritage. With a diverse, natural beauty that is vastly underrated, low costs, and friendly locals, it’s one of the best travel destinations in the world.
So if you are looking to travel to a beautiful, friendly, and historic country, you should consider the Philippines. And learning the local language will give you added advantages.
English is widely spoken in the Philippines and is often sufficient, as there are many English speakers in the country. Especially in cities like Manila. But if you’re looking to make friends or have an easier time catching up on the news, start by picking up some basic Tagalog.
Filipinos will appreciate even basic phrases. Remember, even though English is a national language of the Philippines, it’s still a second language at best, and Filipinos are not native speakers of English.
Your Efforts Will be Appreciated
I guarantee that if you speak in Tagalog to any native speaker, they will only greet you with a broad smile and praise. So if you want to win the heart of a Filipino, Tagalog is the best way to go. Tagalog will help you fit in better, and Filipinos are known for being very expressive people, so they’ll appreciate your effort in learning Tagalog at any level.
Our Top Tips to Make Tagalog Lessons Easier
Also, significant parts of Tagalog are based on Spanish and English, making the learning process easier for many foreigners. In addition to this, the language has no silent letters, so words often will be read as they are spelled.These factors make it relatively easy for English-speaking foreigners living in the Philippines to learn Tagalog.
However, there are few more tricks we would suggest that will make your learning process more manageable:
Enroll in Filipino Lessons for Foreigners
There are Tagalog teachers in the Philippines that teach Tagalog for beginners. One example is Teacher Eriza’s Language School, with an outstanding record of success among foreigners and locals alike.
No matter what your level of proficiency happens to be, there’s always room for improvement – or so they say! Tagalog lessons can make life easier when living in the Philippines; plus, you will get an insight into Filipino culture at the same time.
A good Tagalog tutor can teach Tagalog lessons for all levels, understanding that most students will be new to Tagalog learning.
They will develop a Tagalog course, with the classes focused on precisely what you need for your language learning. There’s no need to worry about a location for your language learning either, as there are tutors that can help you learn with online lessons.
It doesn’t matter why you want to learn. Whether for business purposes or simply because you want to learn more about Philippine culture, take the time now to become Tagalog-proficient.
With the right Tagalog tutor, you’ll quickly develop Tagalog skills and be conversing in your new language in no time.
Take A Small Notebook Filled with Words as You Move
Carry a small notebook with you at all times and jot down lessons from your Tagalog lessons as well as vocabulary words to learn. Tagalog has a lot of interesting and unique words worth writing down.
Tagalog is a language that can vary in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region. Keeping your notebook with Tagalog words you come across will help if English isn’t enough to understand conversations or ask for directions.
A small notebook filled with Tagalog vocabulary words and writing down your thoughts when speaking Tagalog will also make it easier on yourself if English isn’t enough.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Locals The Meaning of Certain Words
Filipinos are some of the kindest, most friendly people in the world, and they’re happy to see foreigners trying to learn their native language.
Tagalog is a beautiful language, and Tagalog speakers will be glad to help you out if they see you struggling with Tagalog phrases or the pronunciation of certain words.
Whenever you hear a group of Filipinos talking, try to keep up with the conversation, so you don’t miss out. Over time, paying close attention will help you pick up on phrases that don’t translate well into English. Tagalog is a language that can vary a bit in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region.
Listen to Local Radio or Podcasts
Try listening to local radio stations or podcasts that are in Tagalog. Listening often will help your brain interpret what is being said. Learning Tagalog from an English speaker can be difficult due to different pronunciations of words between languages.
Listen to Tagalog pop music or Tagalog spoken podcasts while you’re on the road, walking around town, or out for a jog. Doing so will help your brain better understand Tagalog’s flow and make it easier to speak!
FAQs
It is relatively easy to learn Tagalog, especially for people who speak other languages fluently.
Tagalog is a phonetic language that uses the Latin alphabet like many languages, including English, and includes words taken from Spanish and English.
Tagalog is much easier to learn than reading, writing, and speaking languages like Mandarin or Japanese, both of which require relearning an alphabet.
The best way to learn Tagalog is with a private tutor. Private lessons will allow students to focus on learning their new language through private lessons, without feeling pressured in a group setting.
Learning Tagalog with a tutor really is the best way to learn, as it allows for more discussion and opportunities to ask questions.
Different Tagalog dialects in the Philippines depend on where you live, but they’re all mutually intelligible. Just like the difference between American and British English, even if the accents and pronunciation are different and there are some specific idioms, it’s still easy for the speakers to communicate with each other.
No set time limit exists when it comes to learning Tagalog. Studying with a genuine desire for understanding and an aptitude for the language can take considerable time and self-study. Additionally, quality teachers make all the difference in determining how long it takes someone to learn Tagalog.
Learning to speak Tagalog is simple enough that learning enough for basic conversations can take as little as 10 – 20 lessons and another 20 or so lessons to reach the conversational stage.
Of course, these time frames vary based on a student’s aptitude, motivation, and the time devoted to learning in addition to the actual lessons.
If you’re looking for more than just a few phrases, Tagalog courses are available in many different formats to suit your needs.
When looking for a Tagalog teacher, be sure they are experienced, have good reviews, and have the resources required to provide well-structured, professional lessons. They must have a stable, high-speed Internet connection, a dedicated, private, and quiet workspace, and well-established and structured classes.
Online Tagalog lessons work well for students of all ages and locations. You’ll be able to keep up with Tagalog lessons even on the go. Online classes are also much more convenient and take less time than in-person lessons.
Taking the Next Step Towards Learning Tagalog
It’s widely accepted that the best way to learn Tagalog is with a private tutor.
With learning Tagalog online becoming the most popular way to learn, online lessons work especially well for busy learners, work long hours, etc. They can have their classes anywhere if there is a quiet workspace, a good Internet connection, and a stable electricity supply.
And if you are ready to learn Tagalog, Teacher Eriza can help.
Teacher Eriza has helped students from all walks of life and over 31 countries learn Tagalog.
Her students include business executives, foreign embassy personnel, ex-pats living in the Philippines, and fellow teachers – including groups of ex-pat teachers from International School Manila, the premier international school in the Philippines.
Utilizing Tagalog lessons developed in-house and designed for online learning, she is an excellent choice for learning Tagalog.
Click below and send us a message if you want to learn more about how Teacher Eriza can help you learn Tagalog, either through individual or group lessons. It’s the first step towards improving your life by learning Tagalog.
