Ridiculous Language Standard Here

I really find it ridiculous. When a foreigner speaks wrong Tagalog, like an American, for instance, Filipinos find it cute and imitate it. When a Pinoy speaks wrong English, he's condemned by fellow Pinoys and no American would dare imitate him speak.

And I don't know why there's need for any interpreter. Most Filipinos understand English. For instance, I have served as interpreter countless times in church crusades when the preacher were Americans. The Filipino audience was just interested in how I would make the interpretation--and coming from me, it was definitely funny. It's my specialty. The audience was not really in need of interpretation, so it was an exercise in futility.

So I wonder, why translate into Tagalog English TV programs? I mean the cartoons. That's what I watch. I can't enjoy Damulag, Sponge Bob, Mr. Squidmark, Patrick, and Daraimon speaking in Tagalog! It's like having Joey de Leon speak in English.

So, English-speaking tourists, don't bother trying to speak Tagalog or learning the language just to enjoy your stay here in the Philippines. Just speak. Believe me, Filipinos will find a way to understand.

I agree with you. Why bother speak Tagalog when everyone understands English. I have been in the country for more than 57 years and I use English in all my undertaking. I seldom use Cebuano, which I learned since birth, or Tagalog, which I learned in my Tagalog classes and in my stay in Manila. But they laugh my Tagalog. So I speak English most of the time which is acceptable to most. You see.

I can see your point there, Tourist Guide. A lot of Filipinos really do understand English. In fact, their comprehension of the language is far better than their expressive skills---which is common with people in countries where English is not spoken as a first language. So, if English is your native tongue, communicating with the local folks will not be a problem---just remember, though, to speak in straight English and not in a broken, childlike manner that may offend local adults---especially the educated ones, who incidentally, comprise a big chunk of the population.

Despite having said that, I would still recommend that tourists planning to visit the Philippinnes--English-speaking or otherwise, should try a shot at learning at least the rudiments of the Filipino language before embarking on their trip. Their knowledge of the Philippine national language will allow them to get by better than English if they venture in the far-flung corners of the country to pursue their sport or passion---regardless of whether they are hikers, bikers, divers, snorkelers, spelunkers, birdwatchers or just plain Nature lovers. Local folks will certainly be charmed to see foreigners struggling to communicate in Filipino---which gives them the advantage of being able to negotiate for better deals, effectively ask for directions or assistance and gives them a peek at how local folks feel and think---which is necessary in enabling them to better appreciate the diverse cultures in the country.

There is certainly much wisdom in the adage: "When in Rome, speak as the Romans do..."