Quote:
Originally Posted by smallbird  Welcome to the Forum or better yet Welcome to the Philippines!
The official language is called Filipino. The Filipino language is basically developed from the Tagalog dialect thus the common mistake of interchanging the terms Filipino and Tagalog.
In general, the Filipino people understands English well but many are too awkward to converse in the universal language and it will be helpful to know some local Filipino or Tagalog terms.
Some useful Filipino /Tagalog words/phrases:
Basic Greetings
Magandang Umaga------------------- Good Morning
Magandang Tanghali----------------- Good Afternoon
Magandang Gabi--------------------- Good Evening
Mabuhay---------------------------- Long Live
Maligayang Pagdating---------------- Welcome
Basic Conversation
Magkano po ito?--------------------- How much is this?
Anong oras na?---------------------- What time is it?
Nasan ako?-------------------------- Where am I?
Paano pumunta sa________?--------- How to get to_________?
Nasan po ang CR?--------------------Where is the comfort room?
Impress the locals by using these phrases but notice that they'll respond in English. Ain't it ironic?!
MABUHAY! |
As I said in my previous reply, there is no Filipino language--only Tagalog as language. Mabuhay, for example, is not specific. It is not long live, as you explain. Mabuhay Ka may mean more power to you, or you live long, or even welcome or even Have a nice day. Foreigners in the Philippines say Mabuhay as greetings, not long live. Mabuhay is a very encompassing word that even the natives could not even exactly what is the meaning of the word.
It has different meaning in each occasion it will be used. Tagalogs use the words by not the Filipinos in general. Because Tagalog is used in the capital, the leaders insist that all others in the country must know Tagalog.
When I was in Masbate City, only the people in the city speak Tagalog. The other inhabitants of the island speak a mixture of Subbuhanon, Ilonggo, Waray and other Philippine languages. Why? Because there is no Philippine language. Only TAgalog language as required by the Imperial Manila.