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!”)