Page 76 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

Expand your role-play options through dialogue variations and reviewing numbers.

Baryasyon Ng Dayalogo (Dialogue Variation):
Now that you have learned the basic dialogue above, increase your conversation
skills by practicing other words and follow-up questions:
Paggamit ng iba pang salita — tsaa, limon, kalamansi, honey. (Use the
following words: tea, lemon, calamansi or Philippine lemon, honey.)

Gusto mo ba ng isa pang tasa ng kape?
Would you like another cup of coffee?

Gusto mo ba ng isa pang puto?
Would you like another rice cake?

Rebyu (Review)

Review numbers by integrating them in the dialogue. Use the first two pairs as a
guide and then make up your own questions and answers to use in your role-play.

TANONG : Ilang puto ang gusto mo?
SAGOT : Gusto ko ng dalawang puto.

TANONG : Ilang kutsaritang asukal ang gusto mo?

SAGOT : Gusto ko ng _____________ kutsaritang asukal.

Mga Tala Sa Kultura

In earlier chapters, we have discussed how important it is to be polite in Philippine
society, and this has influenced the language, resulting in the use of honorifics and
the second person. This has also influenced everyday interaction, as shown in the
friend's visit in this chapter.
In Philippine society, it is customary to refuse when one is first offered food or
drink. Thus, we have the expressions “Huwag ka nang mag-abala.” (Please don't
bother.) or “Huwag na lang, salamat.” (No, thank you.)
The host is then expected to repeat the offer by saying “Sige na,” an expression
which means “Please.” It is only after the offer is repeated that the guest can then
accept it, by saying “Sige.”
Thus, when receiving Filipinos in your house, it might be wise to offer them
food or drink twice or thrice, should they refuse to accept your offers.