Learn Tagalog – Online or In-Person

Online Tagalog lessons at Eriza’s Language School are both convenient and effective. They are designed for online learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace and increase their Tagalog skills with our proven system. So regardless of your language learning style you will learn Tagalog effectively.

When choosing an online Tagalog course, it’s important to look for experienced tutors with good reviews, who can offer lessons that incorporate aspects of Filipino culture. A quiet, private space to teach, a stable internet connection, and a proven track record in effectively teaching the language are also key factors to consider. There are just a few of the many things we screen for when vetting a Tagalog teacher. So you can be sure of a top quality Tagalog lesson with Eriza’s Language School.

Yes, Eriza’s Language School focuses on conversational Tagalog, aiming to help students achieve fluency and improve their pronunciation of Tagalog words. The school’s methods are designed to effectively meet individual learning needs, helping students to speak Tagalog fluently.

Eriza’s Language School offers comprehensive Tagalog lessons that include Tagalog vocabulary, spelling and phrases. They are designed for non-native speakers and focus on conversational usage, making it easier for students to practice and apply what they learn in real-world situations.

Everyone learns at their own pace, so the time required to learn Tagalog varies. However, typically, it takes between 10-20 lessons to learn basic Tagalog and 20-40 lessons to achieve reasonable conversational proficiency. Speaking Tagalog fluently and achieving conversational fluency is also achievable, but takes significantly longer. These timeframes assume active engagement and practice by the student.

Sure! You can absolutely learn Tagalog on your own from home. There are many ways to do this, like online resources, language apps, textbooks, and language exchange platforms. However, If you want to learn faster and better, most experts agree that the best way to learn Tagalog is with a Tagalog tutor. A Tagalog tutor can provide personalized guidance and structured lessons. While learning independently is possible, having a tutor can make the process more efficient and rewarding, helping you master Tagalog with greater proficiency and confidence.

A Tagalog tutor can guide you through the complexities of the language, correct your mistakes instantly, and provide personalized lessons tailored to your learning style. A tutor can answer your questions, clarify doubts, and boost your confidence to speak Tagalog fluently.

Interacting with a native speaker, especially one trained to teach the Tagalog language, is invaluable. It’s like having a language exchange partner who can also provide expert instruction and feedback. It’s the best of both worlds.

Like any language, learning Tagalog can present specific challenges, but it is certainly a manageable task with the appropriate resources and dedication to practice. As a phonetic language with a notable overlap in vocabulary with English, Tagalog can offer some advantages to English speakers, making the learning process relatively more straightforward than other non-phonetic languages.

However, it is essential to recognize that some aspects of Tagalog, such as its grammatical structure and verb conjugation, may require additional effort to grasp fully. While learning Tagalog may not be effortless, it is certainly within reach for those willing to put in the necessary time and effort.

Our Tagalog lessons provide all the materials students need to learn Tagalog effectively. However, if a student wishes to purchase books to assist in learning Tagalog, utilizing teaching books can somewhat assist in the process. Like our Tagalog lessons, these books offer structured and comprehensive content that covers various aspects of the language, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context. Like our Tagalog instruction, Tagalog books follow a systematic approach to language learning. The following recommended books can help learners build a strong foundation and progress logically in their Tagalog journey. And while I do not have direct experience with Tagalog for Beginners or Intermediate Tagalog, I have heard they are helpful resources. And the Tagalog–English / English-Tagalog Dictionary can definitely be helpful.

1. “Tagalog for Beginners” by Joi Barrios: This beginner-friendly book is designed to provide a solid introduction to the essential elements of the Tagalog language. Learners can actively engage in language acquisition with clear explanations of grammar rules, pronunciation guides, and practical exercises. Additionally, cultural notes included in the book allow learners to develop a deeper understanding of Filipino culture. The accompanying audio recordings also aid in perfecting pronunciation and listening skills.
2. “Intermediate Tagalog” by Teresita V. Ramos: Ideal for learners who have already grasped the basics and are looking to advance their language skills. This book offers clear explanations and examples for those transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate level. It goes beyond language learning, incorporating cultural insights and real-world contexts that allow learners to gain a deeper understanding of Filipino culture while mastering the language.
3. “Tagalog-English / English-Tagalog Dictionary” by Carl Galvez: Of the books mentioned, this one is the one I would actually recommend. It’s a helpful reference for learners looking to expand their Filipino vocabulary and improve their translation skills. This user-friendly dictionary provides clear and concise definitions, pronunciation guides, and grammatical notes that aid in understanding word usage. Additionally, the cultural notes in the dictionary offer valuable context, helping learners appreciate the nuances of the Tagalog language.

These books, especially the first two, are highly optional if you learn Tagalog through Eriza’s Language School. However, they offer some information and insights into Filipino culture. While Tagalog lessons we’ve developed in-house are provided to our students, these books may be helpful for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Like any language, learning Tagalog can present specific challenges, but it is certainly a manageable task with the appropriate resources and dedication to practice. As a phonetic language with a notable overlap in vocabulary with English, Tagalog can offer some advantages to English speakers, making the learning process relatively more straightforward than other non-phonetic languages.

However, it is essential to recognize that some aspects of Tagalog, such as its grammatical structure and verb conjugation, may require additional effort to grasp fully. While learning Tagalog may not be effortless, it is certainly within reach for those willing to put in the necessary time and effort.

The Filipino alphabet, the Abakada, consists of 28 letters. It is based on the Latin alphabet, with the addition of the letters “Ng” (pronounced as “nga”) and “Ñ” (pronounced as “enye”). The current official alphabet used in the Philippines is as follows:

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, Ñ, Ng, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Each letter represents a specific sound, and the alphabet is used to write Filipino (Tagalog) and other languages spoken in the Philippines. The Abakada was introduced in the early 20th century and has since undergone some changes, but the 28-letter alphabet remains in use today.

Understanding and familiarizing oneself with the Filipino alphabet is a crucial starting point for learning and reading the Filipino language and something our Filipino (Tagalog) tutors excel at helping our students learn.

Incorporating Tagalog into your daily life can significantly enhance your language-learning experience. Here are some practical ways to integrate Tagalog into your routines:

1. Label Everyday Objects: To reinforce your vocabulary and develop word association, label everyday items in your home with their corresponding Tagalog names. You can label the Tagalog word for “refrigerator” or “table” on those objects. This passive exercise will help you learn and remember words as you go about your daily activities.

2. Set Language Learning Goals: Dedicate a specific amount of daily time to language practice. Whether it’s reviewing vocabulary, reading a Tagalog news article, or watching a Tagalog movie or TV show, setting goals enables consistent exposure to the language. Additionally, challenge yourself to have brief conversations in Tagalog with friends or language exchange partners to strengthen your speaking skills.

3. Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in Filipino culture to deepen your connection with the language. This can involve exploring Filipino cuisine by trying out recipes written in Tagalog, visiting Filipino restaurants and ordering dishes using Tagalog, or even participating in cooking classes led by native Tagalog speakers. Engaging with Filipino music by listening to songs and attempting to understand the lyrics will expose you to the language in a fun and immersive way. Finally, reading Filipino literature or translations of popular books in Tagalog will help you improve your reading skills and provide insights into Filipino culture.

4. Filipino Cultural Immersion Program:

Eriza’s Language School can arrange a customized Tagalog immersion program to help you learn Tagalog. Contact us for more details.

Incorporating these practices into your daily life means that using Tagalog becomes more natural and easier over time. Consistent exposure and active engagement are essential to mastering any language, and these methods will help you integrate Tagalog seamlessly into your routines.

There are several crucial tips to consider to develop advanced Tagalog proficiency. Firstly, it is essential to focus on mastering complex verb conjugation. Tagalog verbs can be intricate, encompassing various tenses, aspects, and moods. Spend time refining your understanding of these intricacies.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond everyday words and phrases is another crucial aspect. Learning more specialized and nuanced terms that extend beyond basic conversational vocabulary is important. This broader vocabulary range will allow you to communicate more precisely and more sophisticatedly.

Understanding sentence structure, particularly using particles like ‘ang’ and ‘ng,’ is essential. These particles are crucial in conveying emphasis and relationships between words. You can express your thoughts accurately and effectively by paying attention to sentence structure.
Exploring idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms is vital to becoming fluent in Tagalog. These expressions play a significant role in native conversation, and understanding them will help you communicate more authentically. Learning these can involve studying examples, conversing with native speakers, or immersing yourself in Filipino culture through media.

Regularly engaging with native speakers and actively listening to them is highly beneficial. This practice can enhance your comprehension, fluency, and cultural understanding. Take advantage of opportunities to communicate with native speakers through conversational practice with your tutor or a language exchange program.

Lastly, immerse yourself in Tagalog by incorporating it into various aspects of your daily life. Listen to Tagalog music, watch Tagalog TV shows or movies, and read Tagalog literature. Immersing yourself in the language and culture will further develop your language skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture.

In summary, refining complex verb conjugation, expanding vocabulary, understanding sentence structure, learning idiomatic expressions, engaging with native speakers, and immersing yourself in Tagalog are all essential for advancing your proficiency in the language.

The above are all steps that your tutor will cover if you choose to learn Tagalog through Eriza’s Language School.