Affirmations to Filipinos who Grew up Disconnected with our Languages

Affirmations to Filipinos who Grew up Disconnected with our Languages

Filipinos, especially those in the diaspora, have a complex relationship with Philippine languages. Speaking our native languages such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and a multitude of other languages, allow us to access our Filipino roots from afar and stay connected to current news and media. 

Knowing our languages serves as a common thread between other communities in the diaspora, fosters a sense of belonging and pakikisama (getting along with each other), weaving together Filipinos from diverse backgrounds. It creates a space to share experiences, celebrate and pass on traditions, and form friendships. 

It is the link that connects generations. Through language, parents and family members pass on their heritage to the younger generations, ensuring a connection to their Filipino roots. Philippine languages also allow them to connect with family in the motherland, keeping a sense of closeness despite the physical distance.

However, language can also become a barrier to communication. Not knowing our languages makes it difficult for Filipinos to integrate and socialize with other Filipinos. This can lead to feeling isolated and disconnected to our own culture. 

This extends to the second generation as well. Some Filipino children that are born abroad may not be as familiar with Philippine languages, which creates a communication gap between them and their parents or family members. Some families are even reluctant to teach them their native language, choosing only to teach them English as it is the “gateway to success”. This belief is a residual effect of American colonialism, whereby English falsely becomes a basis of intelligence and a sign of privilege. 

Many Filipinos in the diaspora grapple with the misconception that their Filipino identity is somehow diminished by their lack of fluency in Philippine languages. But it is not; the Filipino identity is multifaceted. Language is just one part of your identity. The Filipino diaspora is a spectrum and all Filipino immigrants have varying experiences. Regardless of their fluency, all share a connection and roots to the Philippines. 

Your fluency in Philippine languages doesn’t make you any less Filipino. The truth is, being Filipino is more than the languages you speak. Whether you speak Tagalog fluently, know bits and pieces of Ilocano, or are just beginning to learn Cebuano from your grandparents, the fact that you are eager to learn your language that strengthens your connection to your heritage is an achievement in itself. 

There is no single “right” way to be Filipino. Embrace the aspects of Filipino culture that resonate with you. It can be the food, music, literature, traditions or even our culture's embrace of humor!

So, whenever you're feeling the weight of not knowing our languages, here are some affirmations you can lean into:

  • Beyond our language, you are celebrating and honoring your Filipino identity in ways that feel authentic to you.
  • You are an important part of the Filipino community. All your efforts to connect to your roots are valuable acts of pride for our culture and statement against colonial forces.
  • Your worth is intrinsic and not dictated by language proficiency; your deep love for your culture is a powerful form of resistance.
  •  Your connection to your Filipino roots transcends language; it’s embedded in your fight for justice, in your desire to see our people liberated.
  • Learning our languages at your own pace is an act of defiance against the pressures of assimilation and erasure.
  • Your journey of exploring Filipino culture, speaking the languages even without fluently, is an act of self-discovery. 
  • You are reclaiming your heritage on your own terms, a wonderful form of self-love. 
  • The way that you speak, even if it’s not fluent, is a valid expression of your Filipino identity. 

If you currently don’t speak Filipino langauges and want to learn, there are numerous resources available to help you!

Some free resources for learning Tagalog

Some free resources for learning Cebuano/Visayan

Some free resources for learning Ilocano/Iloko

Some free resources for learning Hiligaynon

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