Tagalog Language
and the Tagalog Dictionary
Much has been said regarding the evolution of the Tagalog language, including the revision and modification of the contemporary Tagalog dictionary. Scholars and linguists alike launch into discussions regarding the proper usage of the Filipino language, as well as its many implications on national identity, culture and character.
When the Americans first came to the Philippines and introduced the public education system, English was implemented as the primary medium of instruction. This was before the 1920s. After a nationwide committee was held in the 30's, the Tagalog dialect was made as the national language. Hence there needed to be a comprehensive Tagalog dictionary.
An official Tagalog dictionary and thesaurus was published, alongside conscious propagation of the language's usage in the mass media. In the sixties, the national language was renamed "Pilipino", and in the late 80's, "Filipino" was born. Although composed mostly of words found on the Tagalog dictionary, several words and expressions have been lifted from Spanish, English and other dialects in the country.
At the present, the official languages in the country are Tagalog, by mandate of the law, and English, by default and by convenience. The English-Tagalog dictionary and thesaurus alike are sold in all national bookstores, mostly for practical usage by the majority of the Philippine people. The country currently follows a bilingual education policy, where the sciences, mathematics and values formation are taught in English, whereas the social sciences are taught in Tagalog. In Philippine classrooms, English and Tagalog are used freely during lectures. English, however, is still give importance considering the the fact that English is widely spoken across the world. Some Filipinos have English as the language spoken at home. Everyone in the Philippine understands English any many have it as their second language.
On Philippine television, we see that English and Tagalog are used during the programs. Primetime news is telecast usually in Tagalog. Late night news, however, is telecast most of the time in English. News commentators speak with a combination of English and Tagalog in their programs.
There is a serious discussion on whether to modernize Tagalog or not and thus update the words in the Tagalog dictionary. The areas of discussion revolve around the "Filipinization" or transliteration of certain English terms such as "subject", "geology", "variety" and "high-tech". Proponents of transliteration say that these words can just be altered in spelling to conform to the Tagalog alphabet and the Filipino tongue.
Defenders of this argue that language is a constantly evolving, dynamic concept, one that should take into consideration the influence of the global environment.
When you come over to the Philippine, you will definitely find great use for a Tagalog dictionary. Although the Philippine has hundreds of dialects, Tagalog is understood everywhere.
There are several sources of Tagalog dictionaries online. First of all, you could visit tagalog-dictionary.com. The site says that it was designed primarily for learners of Filipino/Tagalog language. The site deals with general vocabulary of more than 1,000 words & phrases for quick access to meanings sufficient enough to meet many of the reference needs of students, writers, & professionals.
Another popular Tagalog dictionary site is the one by webster's. (Websters is the most popular name in English dictionaries.)
The above site contains many important words that are useful for daily conversation. It also contains features for multilingual thesaurus translation.
If you prefer to get your own copy of a Tagalog dictionary, you may want to order the Concise English-Tagalog Dictionary (Tuttle Language Library) in Paperback by by Jose Villa Panganiban.
You may also want to check out the Tagalog-English/English-Tagalog Standard Dictionary: Pilipino-Inggles, Inggles-Pilipino Talahuluganang (Hippocrene Standard Dictionaries) in paperback by Carl R. Galvez Rubino (Compiler), and Maria Gracia Tan Llenado.
Both paperback Tagalog dictionaries are available from Amazon.com.
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