What if I tell you that speaking in English is a tool for nationalism? What if I tell you that speaking in English is a tool for nationalism?
That when you speak in English, it doesn’t necessarily mean That when you speak in English, it doesn’t necessarily mean
you’re not a nationalist you’re not a nationalist
And when you’re not a nationalist, it does not automatically And when you’re not a nationalist, it does not automatically
dictate that you are a Filipino antagonist. dictate that you are a Filipino antagonist.
Now let’s have a pause to reality, Now let’s have a pause to reality,
And try to scheme our foolish thoughts of mediocrity. And try to scheme our foolish thoughts of mediocrity.
In the very paradigm of us Filipinos, speaking in English lessens In the very paradigm of us Filipinos, speaking in English lessens
our love for the country, our love for the country,
And most of us embrace the stupid ideology that speaking in our And most of us embrace the stupid ideology that speaking in our
native tongue would automatically uplift the Filipino humanity. native tongue would automatically uplift the Filipino humanity.
That notion is one of our many misconceptions. That notion is one of our many misconceptions.
Obviously in our society, there are a lot of contradictions. Obviously in our society, there are a lot of contradictions. Yes, clearly Dr. Jose Rizal said something about loving our native Yes, clearly Dr. Jose Rizal said something about loving our native
language, language,
But he never said anything about sealing other languages in a But he never said anything about sealing other languages in a
package. package.
Didn’t you know that Rizal is a polyglot? Didn’t you know that Rizal is a polyglot?
Speaking different languages fluently did not make him an idiot, Speaking different languages fluently did not make him an idiot, Instead, he was acclaimed as the most influential Filipino patriot. Instead, he was acclaimed as the most influential Filipino patriot.
In every aspect of life you know that logic becomes unworthy In every aspect of life you know that logic becomes unworthy It’s like saying I’m rooting for the bulls, but wearing the laker’s It’s like saying I’m rooting for the bulls, but wearing the laker’s
jersey. jersey.
Same as speaking in Filipino just to prove our nationality Same as speaking in Filipino just to prove our nationality
But on the side, we are embracing colonial mentality. But on the side, we are embracing colonial mentality. That’s why today, I have something very important to do. That’s why today, I have something very important to do.
It is to clarify these things to you
-At least in my own perspective, in my own point of view Let me now proceed to my first point...
presenting the importance of English
English is one of the most spoken languages in the world It has never been 10th, 20th, nor 33rd.
It has always been in the top 5 as information conferred. Better communication with other nation is a must That’s why English language should be part of our thrust.
(Concrete example free verse) Aside from better communication,
Here’s another importance of English, for your information. Being able to speak in English boosts confidence and uplifts
personality
Admit it, English speakers excel in life and that’s reality. (Concrete example free verse)
Agree? Disagree?
Oh well, your preference.
I feel like I’m being evil, over Filipino I am promoting English Let’s now change the set-up and do this as you wish
The status quo is that we speak as most Filipinos do
In a sentence speaking in Filipino, at the same time in English too Code switching – this I discovered recently
In layman’s term, we call this as speaking in Taglish
And this is the same process that makes languages sound so foolish.
So there I was with my friend, code switching during our conversation
Not even aware of what would be the effects of my actions Code switching damages both languages when you use them in
single sentence
This practice of switching, I strongly stress, is an evident sign of ignorance.
Ignorance that deteriorates this nation
I just hope this won’t proceed to our society’s damnation. Now let’s proceed to my 2nd point...
Simply speaking in Filipino, is not the only basis of being nationalistic
It’s the love and service for the country that matters, even if it sounds idealistic.
The bad thing about us Filipinos is that we just make prejudice opinions.
Why don’t we stop and think, before jumping into irrational conclusions.
Our dogmatic way thinking makes us dull and blind Open your eyes, because in reality
A person who does more for the country, Is the one with sharp and good mind.
There are far more relevant things where we can base our nationalism
And not simply being hooked to this false language idealism. It is not merely speaking in Filipino or English that matters It is how we use both languages in line with being nationalistic. English language is important and it does not ruin our nationalism
as long as we know the limits
For language, Dr. Jose Rizal said love, not hate. It’s regardless of the nationality.
But embracing another language as if you love it over your native tongue
Is like flirting, as if you have that feeling that you are forever young.
Because If I have the Jersey and I'm playing for the Bulls There's going to be some boundaries, limits and some rules.
Or If I am married and really truly love my wife I will be very loyal to her because she is my life
Nationalism is not about a nation with loyalty and devotion to its people
It is about people with loyalty and devotion to its nation The idea of nationalism has always been existing
But its presence? Has never been prevailing
So if at this moment you still hold onto the idea that speaking in English destroys our nationalism. Think again.
And Dr. Jose Rizal, a polyglot, English speaker, happens to visit us today, at this very moment
Still, I believe that we all love our nation in one way or another, Remember that more than words, actions are stronger.
It’s just a matter of us, putting our words to execution, Because only us can bring our nation to fruition.
