Bona fide text
Lingo
I've been in St. Joseph School (Iloilo), Inc. for almost five years now and I can attest how the school administrators encourage both teachers and students to speak English correctly and fluently. I would say that SJS is known as one of the English speaking schools in Iloilo City.
Allow me to share to you the article about "languages" written by Vicah Adrienne Villanueva, Associate Editor of the Yellow Bird, the official student publication of SJS – elementary department. FYI, Vicah is a Golden Pen Awardee for two executive years given by the Regional English Circle.
Different Tongues
Language has been an important element in the development, progress, and unity of each and every country for centuries. In fact, it could either be the bridge or the rift between nations if not properly utilized. Perhaps second to peace as a global concern, the foremost reason why language is valued that much is mainly because of the mere fact that the wrong usage of certain words or little/no knowledge of the language of another could immediately cause a misunderstanding, thus resulting in a gap.
As Filipinos, we are expected to be competent, if not in English, at least in Filipino. But that seems to be the last thing on our minds nowadays , because we value English much more. Rare can we find an article written in our national language, except for long-standing novels such as Rizal's El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere. Is this why people fight over simple matters, especially when these involve the use of the Filipino tongue?
We need to restore the balance between societies by finding means and ways to understand each other. Not only should we focus on English as a second language, we should also concentrate on Filipino. Yes, we need to be literate in English, but that does not mean we should neglect our own language. It only means that we should value it more.
Private schools have established "Speak English" campaigns which would prove to be of great help to students in the future. These schools have also established Filipino in their curriculum, thus keeping both in check. But public schools do not enjoy this privilege since students are mostly allowed to speak in whatever tongue they wish to speak. The government should work on this more and spend their budget for these kind of things properly, instead of using it for their own leisure and leaving only a very small sum, thinking that they could get away with it. Do they not use language as well?
Language is essential to the culture. It is not a thing that we should underestimate. We should always keep in mind that literacy in certain languages is the key to a better and the right terms, especially since the meanings of various words differ in other languages. Indeed, language is an important element in the development, progress, and unity of each and every country.
Whether English or Filipino or our vernaculars, verbal communication is very important. Through language we'll be able appreciate the beauty of words, its meanings and impact to one's life. Speak out and make use of your tongue for good.
In behalf of SJS family, I would like to say THANK YOU to Mrs. Glenda Valencia of Punta Villa Resort and her staff for the warm accommodation they have shown to all the Josephians who participated in the recently concluded Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) on Oct. 8-9 and Oct 11-12, 2008.