Quote Originally Posted by Steve.r View Post
I never said only teach in Tagalog, of course there are many words in many languages that have the same use where no other word will do, we see this in what we call 'tagalish' right? as well as words from other languages. In English we use a lot of French terms/words for things because of our close historical bond.

But the continued dilution of a native language will also, I think harm the culture as you become 'more' westernised.

Half of the magic of being in a relationship with somone from another country is because of the differences between you, I dont want my son to lose the 'magic' of being able to communicate with his elders who, maybe have not been as fortunate as him to be free to travel the world. Imagine him not being able to tell his grandmother about the places he has been or things he has seen. She speaks no English, so how else can he talk to her.

English has it's place of course and advances those who want to push forward, i have no problem with that.
My dad's friend who has a daughter who grew up in America and was only born in the Philippines can speak Tagalog very well. It's because they speak to her in the house in Tagalog. So when she studied in Manila by the time she got the age of 18, she didn't have to adjust in the language that much. She never did learn any Tagalog in school, yet she speaks fluently in Tagalog.

I don't think learning English or speaking English most of the time is a dilution of the native language. I don't think the culture would be westernized just because of frequently using English. If the parents would guide children of their attitude towards their culture and their attitude towards the western culture, there won't be any problem with it. I can see lots of westernized Filipinos in the Philippines who take pride of their Filipino culture, even fight for it whenever someone insults it. It's the family unit who would be the 1st responsible for whatever the child learns. The environment are just additional help. But I don't think the kid should be deprived of any advances when it comes to education.