Why the Ilokano Language?
As you embark on the journey of learning a new language, there's always that one question that pops up: "Why that language?" And we get it too! On our blog and social media handles, folks often ask us why we chose Ilokano over Tagalog. Well, let us spill the beans on how and why this blog came to be.
Let me paint a picture of me for you! I started my adventure in the lush Northern region of the Philippines, where I spent my first dozen years soaking in the culture. But, then my family and I made the big move to the Lone Star State of Texas! My mother tongue is Ilokano, but I'm fluent in Tagalog and Kankanaey (a dialect within Ilokano). When I entered the land of the free, I picked up English fluently and Spanish on a conversation level. My sis still has her ear tuned to Ilokano and Tagalog, but she's a little shy with speaking. Our baby sister was born and bred in America, so she's yet to learn the lingo of our Filipino roots.
Following our initial trip to the Philippines, my husband experienced his first bout of culture shock. Despite its small size, the country's diverse culture, population, and languages overwhelmed him. Although my husband was enamored with the Philippines, he struggled to comprehend its native tongue. My grandmother, who spoke limited English, attempted to communicate with him, and her efforts touched him deeply. As a result, he committed to mastering her language before our next visit.
Why did we choose Ilokano? The answer is straightforward: to enable my husband to communicate with my grandmother (Lola). While my parents conversed with him in English, it was his interactions with Lola that prompted his interest in learning Ilokano. Moreover, we want our son and sister to appreciate their Filipino roots through language acquisition.
A decade ago, online resources for Ilokano/Ilocano language learning were scarce, making it a challenging task. Consequently, my husband and I established this blog to share and disseminate resources that have proven useful in our own Ilokano language acquisition. Our youngest sister has embraced our lessons and is learning the language through our blog, while we continue to educate our son on the language. Given our family's frequent travel between Texas and the Philippines, it's imperative for all of us to maintain proficiency in Ilokano if we wish to converse with our beloved Lola.
The Philippine education system's recent shift towards utilizing the regional native language in teaching and learning has led to more resources becoming accessible online and in bookstores. As a result, our social media platform has gained an influx of student followers searching for resources.
Languages serve as a crucial medium of communication, allowing individuals to engage in effective and enjoyable conversations with each other.
Pick a language that tickles your fancy and dive in headfirst! We're currently crushing on Ilokano and have got you covered with all the resources you need over on our blog.
Inton maminsan manen. ( Till Next time Again)
Siak ni Gigi
This article was selected for inclusion in the Buwan ng Wika campaign of the Educational resource publisher Twinkl
