Page 428 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

2. There is also the tendency for some learners to end a sentence with a rising
intonation. Be careful of this, as this sounds like you are asking a question.
Unless you are asking a question, the intonation should fall — not rise — at the
end of a sentence.
3. When you see two vowels together, bear in mind that they are not pronounced as
one vowel. In English, when we see o and i together, as in “join,” we know it is a
one-syllable word, and we will create the sound “oi.” In Filipino, if we see baon,
ao will not create a sound similar to “aw.” This word will have two syllables and
will be pronounced as ba-on.
4. Do not be confused when you hear native speakers pronounce the word lalaki
(man) as sometimes with an i, and sometimes with an e sounding like “lalake.”
In the ancient Tagalog script called babayin, the letters i and e shared only one
symbol. Both pronunciations are acceptable.
5. Similarly, do not be confused when you hear native speakers shift when
pronouncing o and u. An example is puso, which can sometimes be pronounced
“pusu.”

6. Do not extend the sound of the vowel. For example, when saying “Kumusta ka?”
(How are you?), do not say “Kumusta kaaaaaaa?” A short a is a short a !

Finally, loosen up. Do not be afraid to speak Filipino. Unlike other languages
where the exact and correct pronunciation is of paramount importance, no one will
really mind if you make a few mistakes here and there. Obviously, there is a need to

speak the language correctly. However, Filipinos will certainly appreciate you
speaking the language even if you do make mistakes.
Thus, just speak it!

Works Cited:

Alejandro, Rufino. A Handbook of Tagalog Grammar. Manila: University Book Supply 1947.
Aspillera, Paraluman. Basic Tagalog. Manila: Rarebook Enterprises 1980.
Lopez, Cecilio. Three Articles on Tagalog. Quezon City: Archives of Philippine Languages and Dialects and
the Philippine Linguistics Circle 1980.
Schachter, Paul and Fe Otanes. Tagalog Reference Grammar. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of
California Press 1972.