National Language Month
THE VIEW FROM RIZAL
We are celebrating the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.” During the remaining days of August, we will witness special organized events designed to reawaken our consciousness of and love for the mother tongue which, in this case, is the Filipino language based on the Tagalog Dialect.
We will dedicate this column to honor the great Filipino who led the advocacy and fight for the nation’s adoption of a national language.
While he is one truly great Filipino, from our viewpoint, that honor did not belong solely to the late President Manuel Luis Quezon. While the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth had championed the legislation for the adoption of Filipino as the “Wikang Pambansa,” President Quezon, was not the lone pioneer in this crusade.
The distinction also belonged to great nationalist, Lope K. Santos.
Of Ka Lope, it can be said that he is one of the few true Filipino “Renaissance Man,” one whose intellectual abilities were similar to those of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Ka Lope was a writer, editor, poet, educator, linguist, orator, legislator, public servant, and a model of true nationalism.
He was also a pure Rizaleño – his father hailed from Pasig, originally a part of the province of Rizal. His mother was a native of San Mateo. He would later serve his province as its fourth governor – from 1910 to 1913.
In 1939, Ka Lope published his book “Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa,” a work commissioned by the “Surian ng Wikang Pambansa.” This would be the first (and perhaps, only) complete book on Filipino language and grammar. This would be used by all schools in the country as the basis for teaching “Filipino.”
Ka Lope has, therefore, earned the rightful title of “Father of Filipino Grammar.”
There have been many accounts regarding Ka Lope’s love affair with the Filipino language and grammar. One story has it that the young Lope used to help his father at a printing press in Sampaloc, Manila.
One day, while doing his chores in the shop, young Lope reportedly noticed that his father’s name was spelled “Ladislao.” The young Lope pointed out to an elderly printer that this was a misspelling and that the right way was “Ladislaw” – which was how his father’s name was pronounced, anyway.
At a very young age, Ka Lope questioned the use of “ao” in the local dialect and insisted that it should be “aw.”
The elderly printer shared that moment with the young Lope’s father.
They both agreed that he had an “eye for detail” and had the mind of a philosopher. He would soon display the brilliance of that philosopher's mind and eye for detail as he edited publications and wrote books that influenced the nation’s soul for several generations.
The Department of Education continues to require the teaching of and use of Filipino – the national mother tongue – as the medium of instruction (together with English) starting from Grade 4.
For decades, there has been a debate over the value and necessity of having a national language for Filipinos. Some argue that Filipino is not the language we use in commerce – it is either English or Fukienese. It is also not the medium of instruction we use to teach our children science, mathematics, and other crucial disciplines. It is English.
So, what’s the value of a continuing recognition of a national language called “Filipino”?
Some say this is a valuable tool for creating a “national identity” and for forging “national unity.” Dr. Rizal had harsh words for those who belittle their mother tongue, comparing them to an “animal” and a “slimy fish.”
Some argue against these assertions, saying a national language does not necessarily achieve these goals. The mother tongue does not enable people to communicate with the rest of the world which today predominantly uses English.
This debate will go on for a long period of time.
Meanwhile, we will honor the great Filipinos who dedicated their lives to the advocacy for the adoption of a National Language: President Quezon, Ka Lope, President Sergio Osmeña who first issued an order for the celebration of a “Linggo ng Wika,” President Fidel Ramos who extended the celebration from just one week to an entire “Buwan ng Wika.”
Our view is that our National Language is a powerful tool for passing on to our children the history and culture of their country, and the value, beliefs, and character of their people. It helps them understand who they are.
That is called “identity.”
That was the gift of Lope K. Santos and the champions of the National Language to us all.
(For feedback, please email it to antipolocitygov@gmail.com or send it to Block 6 Lot 10 Sta. Barbara 1 cor. Bradley St., Mission Hills Subd., Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal.)