By Rob San Miguel
First written and published: November 10, 2012
Revised: May 21, 2024
Filipinos have utilized English as a secondary language for over a century. While studying at university, I learned that Philippine English is just one variant among many worldwide, though some may dispute this notion. It is not inferior but rather distinctive. Despite variations, all English adheres to a standard grammar, making errors indisputable. Philippine English aligns with Standard English rules as much as American, British, Australian, or Indian English.
Moreover, Philippine English boasts unique vocabulary and expressions absent in other variants. For example, "presidentiable" is exclusively Filipino. Americans say "mugger," while Filipinos say "holdupper." "Blowout" in America refers to a flat tire, but in the Philippines, it means throwing a party. Americans might say "I have the runs," while Filipinos use "I have L.B.M." or loose bowel movement. The Filipino language has enriched English vocabulary with terms like "boondocks," "yo-yo," "manila," and even "cooties."
However, Philippine English faces criticism for its pronunciation and intonation. This is not the case with Australian, British, and Canadian English. While American and British accents differ significantly, neither is considered superior. Similarly, no one claims Merriam-Webster is inferior to Oxford.
