Search This Blog

Showing posts with label Tagalog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tagalog. Show all posts

03 July 2013

What is "Binara" in English? Problems in Translating Tagalog Words in English

Some people look down on Tagalog and put English on a higher pedestal but I have sometimes found English lacking when it comes to translating specific terms and expressions in Tagalog.  Our language is closely tied to our culture, which is often adaptable, dynamic and I dare say quirky.  Tagalog, and perhaps other Philippine dialects as well, often assign multiple meanings to just one word that English does not often do.  For example, the expression “naman,” does not have a direct translation in English. In some cases, “naman” can mean “of course.”

For example:
Statement: “Ang ganda mo ngayon!” (You’re beautiful today)
Reply: “Naman!” (“Of course,” or “you said it!”)

Language Levels

Language Levels

Click image to go to the post