CHAPTER 1

Philippine English: An Introduction

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

1. Explain how English was introduced and spread in the Philippines

through historical events.
2. Describe the evolution and distinct features of Philippine English.
3. Identify notable Filipino figures who exemplify Philippine English
in different contexts.
4. Analyze how Philippine English reflects Filipino culture, identity,
and communication styles.

The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, boasts over 100 million people
dispersed over its 7,107 islands. Out of the country’s linguistic variety, where over 100
languages, the majority of which are Austronesian in nature, are spoken, English holds a
privileged and unique position. The Philippines is one of the world’s biggest English-speaking
nations, which makes it distinct from much of its regional surroundings.

Unlike the majority of postcolonial countries that acquired English as a result of British
colonial rule, the Philippines acquired English through American colonial rule. Following the
termination of the Philippine-American War in 1902, the islands were formally established as
an unincorporated territory of the United States. The new colonial regime immediately imposed
English as the primary language of administration, commerce, and education. One of the major
mediums for such a shift in language was the establishment of a system of public schools
functioning on a national level, run by American educators known as the Thomasites—named
after the USS Thomas on which they traveled to the archipelago.

The English language spread so widely and convincingly that Filipino teachers had
already begun teaching schoolchildren the language within a few years. Filipino writers such
as Paz Marquez Benitez and Jose Garcia Villa began composing literary works in English in
the 1920s, which led to a flourishing tradition of Philippine literature in the language. English
thus became deeply ingrained in Philippine culture over time, influencing formal institutions,
works of art, and general cultural expression. Even after the country had gained independence
from the United States in 1946, English remained an integral part of the nation’s language
environment, an indication of how deeply entrenched it had become.

Filipino and English are constitutionally required as part of the Philippines’ official
language. English is at the center of major fields, including business, science, technology,
statecraft, education, and foreign diplomatic relations with other countries. It prevails over the
country’s print media and broadcasting and thrives within its literary and artistic communities.
Filipinos’ English proficiency has also been a leading driver of the country’s internationally
competitive outsourcing industry, particularly in business process outsourcing (BPO) and call
centers. The country has also emerged as a more attractive destination for foreign students to
pursue their education in English.

However, Philippine English was never that, due to the shadow of American English.
Decade by decade, it evolved as an offshoot variety, developing its own patterns of
pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking and writing habits—mediated by influences
from native Filipino languages and the native cultural settings of its speakers. This native
variety bears witness to how Filipinos have not borrowed English, but rather reshaped it in no
small measure to express their linguistic and cultural heritage.

While, nonetheless, its extensive employment of English in the Philippines has broad
practice, such pervasiveness has its complexities. It raises profound questions about national
identity, language teaching policy, and the sociopolitical costs of language use. While English
is perceived by others as an insurmountable path to competitiveness and economic growth,
others view its dominance as signaling the marginalization of the native languages and
sustained language domination. These strains have continued to shape discussions on the future
of language use in the country.

However, one immutable fact is that, over a hundred years since its introduction,
English has been adopted by Filipinos and given its own special imprint. As the Filipino literary
figure and scholar Gemino Abad once asserted, “English is ours. We have colonized it, too.”
And by way of Filipinos’ multilingual imagination and cultural hybridity, they have
repossessed the language and remade it their own in their peculiarly theirs terms—one bearing
witness as much to colonial inheritances as to resilience, resourcefulness, and a highly
ingrained sense of self.

Introduction to Philippine English: Pinoy English

What is Philippine
English? Before exploring the characteristics of Philippine
English, take a moment to watch this insightful
video by Mikey Bustos, published on January 21,
2012:
[Link]
V8

Philippine English: An Introduction | 2

 ACTIVITY

Based on Mikey Bustos' observations, how do

Filipinos typically speak English? Would you
consider this as Philippine English? Why or why
not? Reflect on the unique features he highlights and
how they relate to the broader concept of Philippine
English.

Philippine English: A Definition

Philippine English is the variety of English spoken and written in the Philippines,
particularly by the educated classes, in media, academe, government, and business. It is
primarily derived from American English as a remnant of the nation's colonial heritage but has
developed with some features adopted from local languages and local traditions.

As one of the two official languages of the Philippines (the other being Filipino), English
is widely taught in schools and used as a medium of instruction for numerous subjects. Due to
the very multilingual makeup of the populace, Filipinos tend to engage in code-switching, the
mixing of local and English languages. Two common examples of this form of language
blending are:

 Taglish – a combination of Tagalog and English

 Bislish – English mixed with Cebuano, Hiligaynon, or other Visayan languages

These hybridized forms of communication are used widely across all situations, ranging
from casual conversation to formal discussion, testifying to English's adaptive and vibrant
nature in the Philippines. Though Philippine English has many similarities with American
English, it has also developed as a distinct variety with its pronunciation qualities, vocabulary
and idiomatic expressions, reflecting the country's unique linguistic and cultural identity.

Who represents Philippine English?

The English language plays a significant role in Philippine society as it influences politics,
media, entertainment, and foreign affairs. The said video clips show different Filipino
speakers—politicians and journalists to entertainers—who possess different speech patterns
when speaking English.

By the way they speak, it can be studied how Philippine English is used in different
situations, how it differs with respect to audience, and how it is linguistically unique.

3 | Philippine English: An Introduction

1. Miriam Defensor Santiago (Former Senator, Judge of the International Criminal Court,
"The President We Never Had")

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

 Formal and intellectual tone – an advanced

[Link]
vocabulary and well-structured arguments ?v=GHmkCywTeSw
characterize Santiago's speech.
 Code-switching for humor and emphasis – She often mixes Filipino with English for
rhetorical effect, making complex topics more relatable.
 Strong American English influence – Her pronunciation and intonation lean towards
Standard American English, likely due to her international exposure and legal
background.
 Witty and sarcastic delivery – She uses humor and sharp wit, which makes her
speeches engaging and memorable.

Miriam Defensor Santiago exemplifies how Philippine English operates in politics—a

blend of intellectual discourse, persuasive rhetoric, and localized humor. Her ability to shift
between formal English and Filipino expressions showcases a mastery of bilingual
communication, making her speeches accessible to a broad audience.

2. Rico Hizon (Filipino Broadcaster, BBC News World Correspondent)

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

 Highly polished, international broadcasting style [Link]

– As a BBC correspondent, Hizon adheres to global h?v=PqjF-WuLxAw
news standards, using neutral intonation and
precise articulation.
 Minimal Filipino accent – His speech closely resembles Standard American/British
English, reflecting his international training.
 Clear and structured delivery – Emphasizes clarity and professionalism, with
minimal fillers and a neutral tone.

Hizon represents the globalized aspect of Philippine English, where Filipino

professionals adjust their speech patterns to meet international standards. This
adaptability highlights how Filipinos can integrate seamlessly into global industries like
journalism and broadcasting.

Philippine English: An Introduction | 4

3. Tina Monzon-Palma (Filipina Broadcaster, GMA Network’s First Female News Presenter)

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

 Balanced tone of authority and warmth – Palma's

speech carries both professionalism and [Link]
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relatability.
 Moderate Filipino accent – While her
pronunciation follows American English norms, certain vowel shifts and intonations
reflect Philippine English.
 Calm and measured pacing – Ensures clarity, particularly in news delivery.

As one of the pioneers in Philippine English news broadcasting, Palma’s speech

illustrates a localized yet professional version of English—clear, authoritative, and
distinctively Filipino.

4. Pia Hontiveros (Filipino Broadcaster, ANC Correspondent)

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

[Link]
 Assertive and engaging tone – Uses direct =IkbEkFm6h5w
questions and firm articulation to maintain
audience attention.
 Code-switching when necessary – In some interviews, she integrates Filipino
expressions for emphasis.
 Fast-paced speech with clarity – Reflects the nature of political journalism, where
precision and conciseness are key.

Hontiveros' speech style is a great example of Philippine English in media and political
discourse—direct, articulate, and adaptable to different situations.

5. Tony Velasquez (Filipino Broadcaster, ANC Correspondent)

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

• Neutral yet firm tone – His speech pattern reflects [Link]

modern Philippine journalism—objective but =UEtkrV-V0BY
engaging.

5 | Philippine English: An Introduction

 • American-influenced pronunciation with Filipino intonations – Similar to
Hontiveros and Monzon-Palma, his speech contains a mix of global English standards
and localized intonations.
• Concise and well-structured delivery – Avoids excessive fillers, making his
communication style efficient and professional.

Velasquez's style represents the modern Filipino journalist, someone who balances
international standards with a local identity. His command of English reflects the
credibility and authority expected of high-profile broadcasters.

6. Lea Salonga (Singer, Broadway Star – "Miss Saigon")

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

• Refined, theatrical articulation – Her speech is well- [Link]

paced, clear, and expressive, reflecting her atch?v=0cFEs5kHxys
Broadway background.
• Minimal Filipino accent – Due to her extensive international exposure, her English
closely aligns with Standard American English.
• Dynamic and engaging delivery – Uses intonation shifts and pauses to maintain
audience interest.

Salonga’s English showcases how Filipinos in international entertainment adjust their

linguistic style to fit Western audiences. Her global appeal is a testament to the adaptability
of Philippine English in the performing arts.

7. Jo Koy (Filipino-American Comedian, Netflix is a Joke)

Watch the Video

Linguistic and Rhetorical Features:

[Link]
=O4oispNnwyA
• Americanized speech with Filipino influences –
As a Filipino-American, Jo Koy primarily uses Standard American English but
incorporates Filipino accents and expressions for comedic effect.
• Exaggerated Filipino accent in jokes – Mimics Filipino English features to highlight
cultural quirks.
• Conversational and comedic style – Uses storytelling and exaggerated speech patterns
to entertain.

Jo Koy’s comedy relies on Filipino-English code-switching and accent play, which

reflects how English is perceived among Filipino immigrants. His performances highlight
language as a tool for cultural identity and humor.

Philippine English: An Introduction | 6

 What some characteristics of Philippine English?

Philippine English is a recognized variety of English that has evolved within the
Philippines' unique cultural and linguistic landscape. It is shaped by the country's multilingual
environment, colonial history, and social dynamics. Below are key characteristics that
distinguish Philippine English from other English varieties.

1. Influence of Local Dialects and Languages

Unlike Standard American or British English, Philippine English follows the rhythm
and intonation patterns of native Philippine languages such as Tagalog, Cebuano, and
Ilocano. This results in distinct pronunciation patterns, stress placements, and sentence
structures influenced by native linguistic tendencies.

Example:

 Philippine English: “I will go to the province this weekend.” (influenced

by "probinsya" in Filipino)
 Standard English: “I will visit my hometown this weekend.”

Filipinos often use reduplication, a feature borrowed from local languages, for
emphasis:

 “Let’s go mall-malling this weekend!” (from mall, meaning to casually

visit a mall)

2. Unique Grammatical Features and Usage

Filipinos tend to apply grammatical rules influenced by their native languages,

sometimes leading to variations from standard English grammar.

 Lack of verb conjugation based on tense

o Philippine English: “She did not ate lunch yet.” (influenced by
Tagalog grammar)
o Standard English: “She did not eat lunch yet.”
 Direct translations from Filipino to English
o “I will be the one to bring the food.” (influenced by "Ako ang
magdadala ng pagkain.")
o Standard English: “I will bring the food.”

Filipino sentence structure sometimes influences question formation:

 Philippine English: “Where are you studying at?”

 Standard English: “Where do you study?”

7 | Philippine English: An Introduction

3. Vocabulary Borrowings and Adaptations

Philippine English includes loanwords from Spanish, Tagalog, and other Philippine
languages, as well as localized meanings for English words. Some words are mistakenly
assumed to be American but are actually Philippine innovations.

Examples of Philippine English Words and Their Differences

Meaning in Standard
Word Meaning in Philippine English
English
(n.) The movement of (adj.) Used to describe congestion (e.g., “It
Traffic
vehicles on a road was so traffic in EDSA.”)
(v.) To execute someone extrajudicially
(v.) To save something
Salvage (“The suspect was salvaged by unidentified
from destruction
men.”)
Any toothpaste brand (*“Buy Colgate.”
Colgate A brand of toothpaste even if referring to Close-Up or Hapee
toothpaste)
A reduction in A total power outage (which is called a
Brownout
electricity supply “blackout” in other Englishes)
C.R. Unfamiliar in
The commonly used term for a restroom or
(Comfort American/British
toilet
Room) English
No such word in Shortened form of air conditioner (e.g.,
Aircon
Standard English “Turn on the aircon.”)
4. Code-Switching: The Role of Taglish and Bislish

Filipinos frequently mix English with Tagalog (Taglish) or other local languages
(Bislish for Bisaya-English). Code-switching serves several functions:

 To express emotion or emphasis (“Grabe, that movie was so

nakakaiyak!” - "That movie was so emotional!")
 To accommodate a multilingual audience (“May meeting tayo later, 3
PM sharp, okay?”)
 To simplify communication (“Nagkaroon ako ng lightbulb moment
kanina!” - "I had a sudden realization earlier!")

Example from Daily Conversation:

 “Saan na ba yung paper na pinasa ko? I submitted it na yesterday pa.”

(Where is the paper I submitted? I submitted it yesterday.)

While code-switching differs from Philippine English, it has influenced how

Filipinos use English, especially in casual and workplace settings.

Philippine English: An Introduction | 8

5. Media and Pop Culture Influence on Philippine English
Philippine media plays a major role in shaping and propagating Philippine English
words and expressions. Words often emerge from television, radio, social media, and
popular culture.

Examples of Media-Coined Philippine English Words:

 Jejemon – A texting style involving excessive letter use (“mUsZtaAHh
pFhOw?” instead of “Mustah?”)
 Bekimon – A playful form of gay lingo combined with English (“Charot!”
meaning “Just kidding!”)
 KJ (Killjoy) – Someone who spoils the fun (“Huwag kang KJ, sumama ka
na!” – "Don't be a killjoy, come with us!")
 T.Y. (Thank You) – An abbreviated way to say thanks, commonly seen in
text messages.

6. Philippine English in the Workplace and Professional Settings

Philippine English has adapted to various industries, particularly business process

outsourcing (BPO), education, and politics. In these settings, professionals modify
their English depending on their audience.

Examples of Workplace English Adaptations:

 “Can you repeat that again?” (Redundant in Standard English, but common
in Philippine offices)
 “I’ll send you a memo for your perusal.” (Overly formal usage common in
business English in the Philippines)
 “Let's touch base tomorrow.” (Corporate jargon used in BPO settings)

Philippine English is not merely an imitation of American or British English—it is a

unique linguistic variety shaped by history, culture, and multilingualism. It is bound by
grammatical rules but flexible enough to incorporate Filipino expressions, local idioms, and
cultural references.

As scholar Isabel Tabernilla (2021) points out, Philippine English can be summarized
through three key insights:

1. Philippine English is different from code-switching. While Filipinos use Taglish or

Bislish frequently, Philippine English is a distinct variety of English with its own
grammar and vocabulary.
2. Philippine English has evolved through Filipino usage. Many English words have
taken on new meanings or forms unique to the Philippines.
3. Philippine English is a marker of identity. It reflects Filipino history, culture, and
innovation, proving that English is not just a colonial remnant but a language
Filipinos have made their own.

9 | Philippine English: An Introduction

 ASSESSMENT

TRUE OR FALSE. Write T if the statement is correct and F if the statement is wrong.

____1. Philippine English strictly adheres to American English pronunciation.

____2. The term "salvage" in Philippine English means to execute without trial.
____3. Codeswitching, like Taglish, is considered part of Philippine English.
____4. The Philippines is one of the largest Anglophone nations in the world.
____5. English is one of the two official languages of the Philippines.

IDENTIFICATION. Identify the correct answer and write it in the blank provided
before the number.

__________________1. The ship that brought American teachers to the Philippines?

__________________2. The Filipino writer who famously said, “English is ours. We have
colonized it, too.”
__________________3. A term for mixing English with any Visayan language.
__________________4. The year the Philippines gained independence from the United
States.
__________________5. A Filipino term influenced by Spanish, meaning brutal or savage, is
used in Philippine English as "salvage."

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is one characteristic of Philippine English?
a) It strictly follows American English vocabulary
b) It incorporates rhythm from local dialects and languages
c) It avoids code-switching
d) It uses British English spelling exclusively
2. From which country did the Philippines inherit the English language?
a) Britain
b) Australia
c) United States
d) Canada
3. What were the American English-language teachers who came to the Philippines
called?
a) Navigators
b) Thomasites
c) Pioneers
d) Educators
4. When did the Philippines gain independence from the United States?
a) 1945
b) 1946
c) 1947
d) 1948
5. Which industry thrives in the Philippines due to English proficiency?
a) Manufacturing
b) Outsourcing
c) Agriculture
d) Mining

Philippine English: An Introduction | 10

 6. What phrase did Gemino Abad use to describe the Filipino adaptation of English?
a) "English is borrowed."
b) "English is ours. We have colonized it too."
c) "English is temporary."
d) "English belongs to America."
7. What is an example of a Philippine English word with a different meaning from
American English?
a) Garden
b) Traffic
c) Table
d) Window
8. What is the term for mixing Tagalog and English in conversations?
a) Taglish
b) Bislish
c) Flipglish
d) Engalog
9. Which Filipino writer was known for producing literary works in English during
the 1920s?
a) Jose Rizal
b) Paz Marquez Benitez
c) Nick Joaquin
d) N.V.M. Gonzalez
10. How many islands comprise the Philippines?
a) 7,107
b) 8,108
c) 7,500
d) 6,999

ESSAY. Answer the following. Five points for each question, and you will be rated based on
the following criteria:
Criteria Score/Descriptor
Content and 2: The essay presents clear, focused, and well-
Ideas (2 developed ideas relevant to the topic.
points)
1: The essay has some relevant ideas but lacks clarity or
development.
Organization 1: The essay has a logical structure, with a clear
(1 point) introduction, body, and conclusion.
Language Use 1: The essay uses correct grammar and vocabulary with
and Grammar minimal errors.
(1 point)
Mechanics (1 1: The essay is free of spelling and punctuation errors.
point)

1. Think of five Philippine English words that are commonly used today.
2. Define these words and provide example sentences.
3. Reflect on how these words showcase Filipino culture and identity.
4. How has the history of American colonization influenced the development of
Philippine English?

11 | Philippine English: An Introduction

 REFLECTION
Direction: Indicate the things you have learned in this chapter (knowledge), the things you
have realized and appreciated (values), and the things you have discovered and want to do more
of (skills). Place these things inside the circular, rectangular, and triangular boxes, which look
like a human figure.

Thinks I have learned

(Knowledge)

Thinks I have realized

and discovered 14
(Values)

Thinks I have discovered

and wanted more
(Skills)

Philippine English: An Introduction | 12