You know, there are dozens of widely used languages here in the Philippines. Sometimes it seems that every time you make a ride to the next city it’s another language in use! Well, I am exagerating a little bit there, but honestly, there are at least 70 or 80 languages in general use. Thus, when I decided to study a language, it was not an automatic decision on what language to learn.
For me, the choice came down to Tagalog or Bisaya. Tagalog is one of the national languages, the other being English. However, in the region where I live, Bisaya is the most widely spoken language. I chose to study Bisaya for a number of reasons. A lot of foreigners I talk to tell me that Tagalog is the right language to learn, because people all over the country can at least speak some Tagalog. I always felt, though, that Bisaya was the right way to go for me.
This past weekend, I got confirmation, and now I know for certain that I made the correct choice.
You see, Feyma’s family speaks Bisaya. We have been married for more than 18 years now. Over that 18 years, one bone of contention that we have gone through regularly is that I never felt part of the family. When Feyma came to the States, my family welcomed her with open arms, and she really was an integral part of my extended family. As a matter of fact, I often joke that if we were to be divorced, I think that my family would hold on to Feyma, and leave me to go on my own path. But, when it came to her family, I always felt that I was an outsider. I didn’t like the feeling, either. The only person that I felt accepted me was Feyma’s Mom (I am not including her Dad, because he died shortly after we were married). When it came to her siblings, though, I really felt an outsider. This is one of the reasons that I have tried to develop close relationships with my nieces – I wanted to get that “family connection” with the next generation.
As I told you yesterday, over this past weekend, we went to General Santos, where Feyma is from, and attended a niece’s wedding. When we left GenSan, I told Feyma that for the first time in 18 years, I felt accepted by the family. The reason was, because I can communicate with them now! No, I am not 100% fluent in Bisaya, but I’m probably 80% there, and I can hold a good conversation. This past weekend, though, I put the skills that I have developed in Bisaya to good use. I really made an effort to talk with people, and just do the best that I could in speaking their language. It really paid off. In particular, Feyma’s oldest brother, who only has an elementary school education was like my best buddy, and in the past I don’t ever remember speaking to each other! I felt so good coming home from GenSan with these newly developed family relationships under my belt. And, it all comes from spending the time and effort to learn how to speak their language!
When other foreigners tell me that they think it’s best to learn Tagalog, I ask why they think so (I’m genuinely curious). They say that it’s because most people can speak at least some Tagalog. Well, to me, do you want to speak to most people? Or do want to speak to the people that are important to you? Here in Davao, yes the people can speak Tagalog in most cases, but if you go down to the Public Market and walk around, you won’t hear that much Tagalog… what you hear is Bisaya. And, in my case, when it comes to being able to develop family relations, there is no choice!
Don’t take me wrong, I am not saying that people should not learn Tagalog. What I am saying is to look at your local situation and look at your family situation. Let’s face it, if you live in Cebu City, it’s a waste of tim to learn Tagalog, unless you intend to travel to Manila a lot, because most Cebuanos despise Tagalog, and learning it is not going to be helpful to you around town. What does your family here speak? I strongly believe that you should learn the language that the people who are important to you speak. If it turn’s out that Tagalog is the right language for your situation – Hey! More Power! I am not anti-Tagalog, I’m just saying that it’s not the automatic choice, or should not be.
Just my thoughts… but I was really on cloud 9 being able to finally become, and feel part of the family. I am so happy that I made the effort to learn the language!
I agree Bob!
Had you chosen to learn Tagalog (whether the standardized Filipino or the regional), you would be still be an "outsider" for all practical purposes. 😉
Asawa-ko wants me to learn Filipino, not Ilocano. When asked why, she replies that if I don't speak Ilocano, she could sell me without my knowing! I sure hope that she's using reverse-psychology! 😆
HI Bob,
I too want to learn Bisaya in order to communicate better with my future wife's family. She also speaks Tagolog, but not her family, so that would be a poor choice. I also would like to know what people are saying when they speak to me in English and then to her in Bisaya, smiling the entire time. I plan to be in Davao this afternoon so I will give you a call.
Richard D
Hey I went and got a gravatar so you will know what I look like. Of course it has my Maganda Filipina in it to make me look better. Ha
my wifes from davao, to her tagalog is the 'snobby' langauge…
hum wonder why it didn't work?
Hi Paul- Ha ha… I have heard the same thing…. "Now that you know bisaya, we can't sell you anymore." 😆
Hi Richard D- Yes, that is an advantage of learning Bisaya – you can hear what people are saying about you! 😆
I hope to see you this afternoon when you are in town. I have a couple of commitments this afternoon, but will hopefully be able to see you during my free time! Keep me posted!
Hi Richard D- That's great! Nice to put a face with your name!
The other night, we had a little get-together dinner to celebrate Father Picard's return to Davao. He is a French Canadian priest of Sta. Ana church who has been here for around 45 years. He is so fluent in Bisaya and quite strange to see a white man speak it so well. My hubby is very interested too in learning Bisaya because he feels when he works with the locals, they end up speaking to each other in Bisaya and he doesn't know what they are talking about. Sometimes, he said there seems to be total chaos and confusion! 🙂 Anyway, Fr, Pickard told him that there is a school in Maryknoll? and it is in Sasa, which is quite close to the Ferry terminal. Does Bebe teach there also?
Hi brian- Yes, here in Davao, most of the wealthier people speak Tagalog. The common people speak Bisaya!
Hi Richard D- Don't worry, it worked! I see you! It just takes a little time to show up after you sign up.
Hi Ellen- I am familiar with the Maryknoll School. A few years ago I went there and inquired about learning Bisaya from them. There are a few downsides with Maryknoll (in my opinion):
1. The Bisaya that you learn there is very old fashioned compared to the language of the streets.
2. It is very expensive. As I recall, the complete course was like $5,000 or $6,000.
3. You are required to spend a couple of months living away from home as part of the learning process.
These may not be deal stoppers for some people, but they were for me. With Bebe, she comes to my house and I pay only a very low price. The language that she teaches still includes some more old-fashioned words, but not as much as Maryknoll. While there can be a "living out" period, it is generally for just 1 week, and is somewhat optional.
Please understand, I am not critical of Maryknoll, these are just the reasons why it would not be the right solution for me.
Awesome choice Bob! Bisaya all the way 🙂
Hi Bob, thanks. The living out period is enough to STOP him from enrolling there :). Haha. No way. Thanks for the info. I thought it was some sort of extracurricular type of studies like what we have in Canada in community centres. Bebe's type of teaching sounds better – that's for sure. Will email you for more info next year when he is ready and more relaxed. Cheers.
Hi Jason- Yep, it was the right choice for me!
Hi Ellen- Yeah, the living out period was the biggest downside for me. Maryknoll mostly caters to Priests and such, and it is their job to learn the language if they are posted here, so the living out just comes with what they do. For a family person that can be tough.
Let me know anytime that I can help you guys with info regarding Bebe.
HI Bob! That's true. When I came to Gensan 5 years ago, I really wanted to learn Bisaya because I know it will hasten my immersion in the city. My staff were prohibited from speaking in Tagalog. Here in gensan, I think it's the opposite or somewhat opposite- The wealthier people speak Bisaya. Tagalog is spoken by , ehmm, us migrants 🙂 . But I think in gensan, you could very well survive without any knowledge of Bisaya. The tagalog sounds awful,yes, but it is completely comprehensible.. I would say it's the same where I came from (tarlac and pangasinan).
My wife grew up in Gensan and speaks Bisayan and Ilocano, but her family and many of her close friends are Tagalog speakers and some of her friends are Ilocano. In your case I think the decision was relatively straight forward, the majority of the people PLUS your wife's family speak Bisayan. In my case not so much.
I started to progress fairly well in Bisayan when we lived there (over 10 years ago, I've totally lost it now), but that didn't help me at family gatherings or when we visited Tagalog or Ilocano friends. Of course, most of our friends in Gensan spoke Bisayan as well (and typically English too), and thought it was cool that I was learning and made it a point to converse with me a bit, but the general, and "fun party" conversation would be in their most comfortable language – whatever that happened to be.
That reminds me of a joke –
What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual.
What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Trilingual.
What do you call a person who only speaks one language? American 🙁
There have been some studies which suggest those who are fluent in at least two languages have much lower rates of Alzheimer's.
Hi Cathy- In GenSan, a person could probably get by with Ilonggo too, since there is a large Ilonggo community there. As a matter of fact, the niece who got married is Ilonggo, based on her father being so.
By the way, would you say that you are fluent in Bisaya now?
Hi Gary- Hey… I'm going to be sending you a bill! That language joke is the joke that I always tell! As a matter of fact, I've posted it to this blog before! I didn't give you permission to use it! 😆 Just kidding, of course! 😉
Yes, in your case it's a tougher choice. I have part of my family here who speak Ilonggo, but that is only a small contingent, so it didn't enter into my decision.
I wondered where I heard that joke. Have I ever told you that I think it's one of the highest compliments to hear your jokes come around back to you 😉 What makes the joke work, sadly, is its true…
I misspoke, the other language Rose knows is Ilonggo, not Ilocano – she's pretty good with languages because she doesn't care if she messes up, she just tries. She's conversational in Spanish (helpful in SoCal and TX), and picked up some Thai in the 80's and early 90's in LA.
BTW – I think its fantastic that you are progressing and really giving a good effort. There is nothing to keep you isolated more than not understanding the conversation – plus there are many more day to day advantages, even when people can communicate with you in English.
Hi bob! oh yes, that sweet sounding language called ilonggo. it's not hard to learn i would say. I might be having a project in marbel hopefully next year so i hope to learn ilonggo too. As for my bisaya, i would like to think that i am fluent already. 🙂
Hi Gary- Ha ha.. no problem on the joke! 😉
Hi Gary- Thanks for that sentiment. I totally agree about learning the language helps you being able to mix with the public and avoid isolation.
Hi Cathy- I'm glad that your Bisaya is doing so well. Hopefully, I am not that far behind you! 😀
Bob: I'm glad you have progressed in Bisaya so that you feel part of the family. It's the reason I want to learn Ybanag. What you say is true… I feel welcome up in Abulug, but an outsider, nonetheless. This is something I'm not certain that Becky and her family really understand. My main constraint is that I am not in one place long enough to learn it! (At least for now!) When I first met Rebecca, I though I woiuld find an Ybanag/English dictionary and that Berlitz or someone would have a class or tapes. NOT SO FAST!!! Not like I'm trying to learn. French.The only Ybanag dictionaries were written by Spanish friars and are historical documents. I'm certain that someone in Manila would offer teaching, I just need to sit still long enough to find them.You wrote before that learning from your wife is near impossible… Correct also… I remembered a few naughty words and that's it. (Not having written materials makes it hard for me, too)
Hello Bob & everyone else: OKAY, your post is confusing me. Not that content of it but confusing as to what to learn. Recently I decided to learn Tagalog, try anyhow. I think I am going this direction because I don't know where to move. Thought about Darvo but frankly speaking I don't like earthquakes and I have to make my decision based on something. Of course nothing will be decided until I visit and I might as well start learning something now so Tagalog it is.
I figure if/when I learn Tagalog and I find the need to learn another dialect when I am there then so be it. If I am smart enough that is.. and I question if I am.
Hi John Miele- I would imagine that finding a tutor for Ybanag might be tough to do! But, like you said, there is likely somebody in Manila who could assist you, it's just a matter of finding her. Like you, I learned all the naughty words from Feyma years ago! 😉
Hi Mike- Firstly, if you don't like earthquakes, you shouldn't move to the Philippines! There is no part of the Philippines that is not prone to major quakes. The entire country sits directly atop the ring of fire! Not just Davao! In July 1990 they had a major quake in Baguio that killed a lot of people. No part of the Philippines is quake free.
You really need to decide where you will live before learning a language. Sure, learning a few words in Tagalog is OK, but if you were to choose to live in Cebu, Tagalog would do you no good there. For example, in Cebu, you are better off to speak English than Tagalog, because the locals there despise Tagalog, since it was kind of forced down their throats.
Good luck to you.
Hi BOB, you are so very right. Up to now I am not enjoying to learn Tagalog. I am like you: Bisaya nalang! Being accepted or "adopted" by my wife's family??? I am a lucky guy. It happened from the first stay in Davao on in 1982. But it was easier to be involved in many more things here in Mindanao, after I started learning Bisaya (Cebuano)… .I think, I also made the right choice…
Who likes earthquakes? I would guess no one, just have to settle in an area where the risk is lower. This of course could change when I actually see the land.
Won't be able to decide where to live until I visit, until then I get living location advice from your blog, Dave, Alma and other online resources. Do you know what they speak the most in Subic?
Since I won't know where to move for sure until I am there for many weeks on a visit I figure I may as well learn Tagalog in the mean time. It is helpful I have someone teaching me, even if my pace is slow. I will be posting English to Tagalog translations, would love to hear some in Bisaya should you find the time.
Hi Klaus- Thank you, Klaus! Of course, for both of us, Bisaya was the right way to go!
Hi Mike- What I am saying is that earthquake risk is the same no matter where you go in the Philippines! We are sitting right on the ring of fire, and no place in the country has no earthquakes. The Philippines is a small country in terms of physical size, not like the States where regions are so different. If you are going to live in the Philippines, you must expect to have an earthquake from time to time. You can't move away from that, unless you leave the Philippines.
I am not 100% sure on the language in Olongopo. I think it is called "Zambal" or "Sambal" but I am not certain. I have posted bisaya here, I even posted an audio post completely in Bisaya a couple of months ago.
Hello Everyone,
I think I have to give a little clarification on what I know concerning ‘Bisaya’ as a language or a dialect as I feel like there’s a little bit of confusion as far as Bisayan language is concerned.
Cebuano, Ilongo, and Waray-waray are the three main Visayan languages/dialects originated from the Visayan group of islands. These are all Bisayan languages. There are several variations of Cebuano dialect which can be differentiate by its accent and pronunciation. For instance, Boholano, Southern Leyte, and parts Surigao are some variations of Cebuano that can be distinguishable by the pronunciation of the letter ‘y’ that sounds like a combination of letters ‘d and y’. For example: the cebuano word ‘maayo, they pronounce it as: ‘maadyo’. The same with Ilongo. There are several variations of it in Panay islands. Waray or (waray-waray) is mainly spoken in most part of Leyte and Samar. In the early 40s ‘till the 50s a lot of people from the Visayan region migrated to Mindanao. In general, Filipinos have a very regionalistic attitude. In Mindanao, people that speak Cebuano and its variation are all around the area while Ilongos are concentrated in the area of Central Mindanao (e.g. Marbel, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato. I seldom hear someone speaks the real ‘waray’ dialect in Mindanao. The ‘waray’ word is laterally means ‘wala’ in Cebuano. So if you say: ‘wala’y bugas…in Waray, it’s ‘waray bugas’, and in Ilongo, it’s ‘waay bugas’. It all means in English, ‘No more rice’. In Boholano…’Dyamo nay Bugas’. Migrants from Luzon are all over Mindanao as well. A very distinguishable area for Ilocano migrants is in Kabacan, North Cotabato. When someone says; 'I want to learn Bisaya' that is automatically means you want to learn Cebuano language. I could tell that Bob was learning and now speaking the modern Cebuano language. Well Bob, you made the right choice and I agree all your reasons for choosing it.
I hope my knowledge of Bisayan language gives you a little bit of background.
Cheers,
(Sorry Bob, i'm resubmitting it as I mispelled my email addressed)
Hello Everyone,
I think I have to give a little clarification on what I know concerning ‘Bisaya’ as a language or a dialect as I feel like there’s a little bit of confusion as far as Bisayan language is concerned.
Cebuano, Ilongo, and Waray-waray are the three main Visayan languages/dialects originated from the Visayan group of islands. These are all Bisayan languages. There are several variations of Cebuano dialect which can be differentiate by its accent and pronunciation. For instance, Boholano, Southern Leyte, and parts Surigao are some variations of Cebuano that can be distinguishable by the pronunciation of the letter ‘y’ that sounds like a combination of letters ‘d and y’. For example: the cebuano word ‘maayo, they pronounce it as: ‘maadyo’. The same with Ilongo. There are several variations of it in Panay islands. Waray or (waray-waray) is mainly spoken in most part of Leyte and Samar. In the early 40s ‘till the 50s a lot of people from the Visayan region migrated to Mindanao. In general, Filipinos have a very regionalistic attitude. In Mindanao, people that speak Cebuano and its variation are all around the area while Ilongos are concentrated in the area of Central Mindanao (e.g. Marbel, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato. I seldom hear someone speaks the real ‘waray’ dialect in Mindanao. The ‘waray’ word is laterally means ‘wala’ in Cebuano. So if you say: ‘wala’y bugas…in Waray, it’s ‘waray bugas’, and in Ilongo, it’s ‘waay bugas’. It all means in English, ‘No more rice’. In Boholano…’Dyamo nay Bugas’. Migrants from Luzon are all over Mindanao as well. A very distinguishable area for Ilocano migrants is in Kabacan, North Cotabato. When someone says; ‘I want to learn Bisaya’ that is automatically means you want to learn Cebuano language. I could tell that Bob was learning and now speaking the modern Cebuano language. Well Bob, you made the right choice and I agree all your reasons for choosing it.
I hope my knowledge of Bisayan language gives you a little bit of background.
Cheers,
Hi Teng- I would totally agree with what you are saying. To be clear, I am learning to speak Cebuano, which is the most widely spoken of the Bisayan languages. Mostly, people in this area use the names "Bisaya" and "Cebuano" interchangeable. I have talked about this in the past on this site, but it's been a long time, and some may not have read that, so I appreciate your input.
Bob, I agree too except where I am, most of the people do not speak a lot of Tagalog and I wish to be able to communicate with the people I deal with every day.
My GF (most Filipino consider us to be married) speaks Tagalog and her family does as well. That's made the choice harder for me. She speaks fluent English although we sometimes have communication issues, mostly when I use slang or an usual form of a word. But even her pronunciation is a great deal different than that Tagalog of Luzon.
I need to learn both, but I need Cebuano the most. Being in a rural area I've had trouble with that and have found no audio books. Words on paper alone is just not enough. But it is a start. I'm thinking of trying to find an English teacher from a high school to tutor me.
One lady here told me she could teach me a combination of Cebuano and Tagalog but she doesn't speak English. She meant that the language she uses every day is really a combination of the two. I wish she spoke English because that is exactly what I want to learn.
I'm getting a little better at hearing the language. It sounds so different to me that when a man told me his name was Jessie or perhaps Jesse, I didn't understand him to say that word. My GF's name? Jessie. 🙂 I have a long long way to go.
Hi Rusty- Like I said in the article, we all need to evaluate our own situation in deciding what language to learn, so I totally agree with your reasoning.
One thing about what you wrote – the lady that will teach you a combination of Tagalog/Bisaya. I would advise strongly against that. The reason is because I believe it will confuse you. You won't realize you are confused until you are in a situation when you need to use only one language. You won't know which is which! For example, if you go to Manila and start speaking a combo like that people will look at you strange and think you don't know what you are saying. You won't know the difference between one and the other language. It's just not a good way to go. Now, I agree that people here speak like that, but I think it would be much more advisable to learn one language and then either stick with that, or learn the other language in a totally separate way. I hope this makes sense.
Good luck to you!
Hi Bob – earthquakes or not, I am on my way.
Anyone have any input about learning a few different dialects? For example once someone learns Tagalog would learning another be easier or would it be starting from scratch?
Thanks for any input!
Regards,
Mike
Hi Mike- I think that if you learn one language the next one will be easier. But, don't learn another one immediately. Learn one, and spend a year getting comfortable with it before moving on to the next. I think that is the best way to go. I would estimate 2 years to learn a language, then a year to get comfortable with it, then go on to another.
Good luck!
Thanks Bob.. now if I could get this English language down so I can start another!
Hi Mike- 😆
Hi Bob
How are you doing. As you know I do speak Bisaya and am now learning Tagalog as well. Here in UK most of my wife`s friends are Tagalog so I find it useful. However there in Davao, Bisaya is definitely the Lingua Franca. Keep up the good work , all the best
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm- I can attest that you speak Bisaya like a local, no doubt about it! Even though I feel that I am doing pretty well on the language, I can't come anywhere near your level of linguistic accomplishment! Good luck on the Tagalog. Bebe, my teacher, and I have been talking lately about starting on Tagalog sometime next year. She said that with Bisaya under my belt, I can learn Tagalog in 6 months. I expect it will take longer, but I might go ahead with it… 😆
Take care, my friend!
Great article Bob, I had made the same choice as you because I knew my In-laws speak mostly Bisaya around the house. I second guessed myself a few times about whether I made the right choice but your article confirmed in my mind that I am making the right choice. You articulated what was floating around in my subconscious. My wife and I are looking at retiring in Polomolok some day near her family.
My wife's family is a bit more complicated because not only do they speak Bisaya and Ilongo but B'laan on top of that. That is just conversation around the house.
that's the way to go Bob, you need to talk to the in-laws first hee hee … Phil R.
Hi Uncle Dako- We used to have a maid who was B'laan years ago. At that time, our son, Aaron was about 4 years old or so, and he quickly learned to speak B'laan a lot. However, she is no longer with us, and Aaron has long since forgotten the language.
Thank you for commenting!
Hi Phil R.- Language really is the key to family understanding!
Hi Bob! 'just wanna share what I just found. Google Translate now has Filipino! Though not perfect, but I think it's great that it's included.
Hi Dex U.- That's great to hear, and it's something I didn't know. Thanks for letting me know about it!
Bob,
Good to read that you are learning Bisaya and able to converse with the locals now. I know that Davao has a lot of Bisaya-speaking natives. Just wanted to ask, which Bisaya dialect did you learn? Is it the Ilonggo dialect?
Just want to clarify that all dialects spoken in the Visayas region is Bisaya/Visaya. These include: Waray for Samar & Leyte; Cebuano/Boholano for Cebu, Bohol & Negros Oriental; Ilonggo for Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique; and Aklanon for Aklan.
For practical purposes, Ilonggo is understand in Western Visayas, while Waray or Cebuano are the ones spoken in Eastern Visayas.
You made the right choice to learn the dialect where you are living and staying long term at. Once you are fluent in Bisaya, you will understand a few words in Tagalog.
Hi genuis8- I have mentioned a number of times that I am learning Cebuano, but you might have overlooked that. Yes, Bisaya can mean any of a number of different dialects, but in daily use, around this area, Cebuano and Bisaya are used interchangeably.
Thank you for commenting!
Hi Bob!
I found this and thought it might be of use to you. Marie wants me to learn Ilongo. I don't know how similar it is to Bisaya but I have seen a few differences. http://www.binisaya.com/cebuano/
Regards Tom
Hi Tom Ramberg- thanks for sharing that. Actually, Ilonggo is Bisaya, and so is Cebuano. The term "Bisaya" refers to any of the languages of the Visayas. In practice, though, "Cebuano" and "Bisaya" are names that are used interchangeably. Thanks again.
Well, in my oppinion i guess you made the right choice. Though if you plan to speak Tagalog in the next few years, it would be easier for you because Cebuano and Tagalog are somewhat similar, not quite though. I speak fluent English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Spanish, and Portuguese. Oh just to tell you, Spanish and Cebuano have a few words in common , too.
Hi Claude – I am glad that you "guess" I made the right choice. For me, I most certainly made the right choice. I really am not interested, at this time, in learning Tagalog. Spanish and Cebuano have more than a few words in comment, there are hundreds of words in common, or closely related!
Thanks for stopping by.