Page 433 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

Appendix 5

A Culture through Its Words: Vocabulary Notes

As a “developing” language which seeks to integrate more words from other
languages, Filipino vocabulary is constantly increasing. Two sourcebooks published
by Sangfil or Samahang Filipino (Filipino Society) are therefore useful because of
the publication of articles on the following: new vocabulary based on the experience
of teachers from various disciplines (math, science, social studies) as they use
Filipino as a medium of instruction; Filipino language planning; language policies;
language and cultural institutions such as organizations and mass media; and
language and issues such as globalization. The two sourcebooks published by Sangfil

are Ang Wikang Filipino sa Loob at Labas ng Akademya’t Bansa (The Filipino
Language Within and Outside the Academe and the Nation) edited by Benilda Santos
in 2003; and Filipino at Pagpaplanong Pangwika (Filipino and Language Planning),
edited by Pamela Constantino in 2005.

Nuances in the Vocabulary
Here are some nuances in the vocabulary:
1. Lack of gendered pronouns.
Pronouns are not gendered in Filipino. Siya/niya/kanya equivalent to
his/her/him/ his/her/hers, can both be used to represent both the masculine and
the feminine.

2. No inanimate third-person pronoun.
Unless referring to pets, Filipino has no third-person pronoun.
3. The verb “to be.”
The Filipino word ay corresponds to the verb “to be” although it can be used for

both singular and plural nouns. However, since the most common word order in
Filipino is to put the predicate before the subject, the word ay is then skipped.

Common Terms and Concepts
Here are some common terms and concepts in Filipino that enable us to understand
the language and the culture better.
1. The pronoun kita.
The pronoun kita, as mentioned earlier, combines the meanings of a first-person-
singular ng form and a second person singular ang form.
EXAMPLE: Pahihiramin kita ng libro.