Tagalog Language Learning Session

Introduction

• Host: Pat
• Purpose: To teach conversational Tagalog and provide context about Filipino culture, history, and geography.
• Platforms: Available on YouTube and as a podcast.

Language Learning Objectives

• Learn Tagalog grammar rules.
• Practice common phrases to increase confidence in speaking.
• Understand Filipino culture and contextual background.

Speaker's Background

• Born in Manila, moved to the U.S. at age 2.
• Grew up in a Tagalog-speaking home.
• Fluent in both English and Tagalog.

Reason for Learning Tagalog

• Family heritage, personal relationships, or cultural interest.

Platforms

• YouTube: Visual learners can see written words and phrases.
• Podcast: Auditory learners focus on pronunciation and sounds.

Lesson Overview

1. Introduction to Tagalog Fundamentals
   • History and origins of the language.
   • Distinction between Tagalog and Filipino.
   • Introduction to common phrases and vocabulary.

History of Tagalog

• Origins: Term comes from "taga ilog" (from the river).
• National Language Development:
  • Pre-1930s: Spanish and English were official languages.
  • 1937: Tagalog declared national language.
  • 1987: Filipino became the national language, incorporating Tagalog and loanwords from other languages.

Language Influences

• Spanish: Due to colonization (1521-1898).
• Chinese: Immigrant influences between 16th and 19th centuries.
• American: Occupied Philippines (1898-1946).
• Japanese: Influence during 1942-1945.

Geographical Distribution

• Philippines: Tagalog is spoken mostly in Central Luzon.
  • Other languages: Ilocano, Bicolano, Waray, Cebuano, Visayan, Hiligaynon.
• Global Presence: Spoken by Filipino communities worldwide, especially in the U.S. West Coast.

Common Phrases in Tagalog

• Greetings:
  • "Kamusta" - Hello, how are you?
  • Responses:
    • "Mabuti Naman" - I'm doing well.
    • "Ayos Lang" - I'm okay.
    • "Hindi Mabuti" - I'm not doing well.
• Questions:
  • "Ano ang pangalan mo?" - What is your name?
  • "Taga saan ka?" - Where are you from?
  • "Ilang taon ka na?" - How old are you?
  • "Ano ang trabaho mo?" - What is your job?
  • "May asawa ka na ba?" - Are you married?
  • "May anak ka na ba?" - Do you have any kids?
  • "Ano ang hilig mo?" - What are your hobbies?
• Responses:
  • "Ako si [name]" - I am [name].
  • "Taga [place] ako" - I am from [place].
  • "[Age] ako" - I am [age] years old.
  • "[Profession] ako" - I am a [profession].
  • "Oo" - Yes.
  • "Wala" - None / Not yet.

Using Taglish

• Use "mug" + English verb for unfamiliar Tagalog verbs (e.g., "mag-exercise").

Practice and Tips

• Practice: Use flashcards to reinforce learning.
• Accent: Don’t worry about the accent too much initially.
• Respect: Use "po" for politeness and respect.

Conclusion

• Next Lesson: Usage of "po" for respect.
• Encouragement: Continue practicing and exploring both platforms for learning.