The Philippines is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries on our planet. Across 171 languages spoken over the 7,107 islands that make up this archipelago nation, we encounter a curious parallel: a fascinating pride in their difference, standing side by side with a strong sense of unity, harmony and togetherness.

Historically, these factors lie at the root of the Filipino language. Imbued with a vision for a ‘new society’, the Marcos government of the 1960s and 70s tasked Filipino scholars to forge a new national language, building on the dominance of Tagalog but drawing from other prominent Filipino languages. While this arguably resulted in a new hybrid language, few would admit to speaking Filipino at home. Perhaps the mark of success is not that Filipino is widely spoken, but that the national sense of unity and identity has been strengthened. In its pure form, Filipino continues to find a place in education and government.

The similarity between Filipino and Tagalog is so striking that many Filipinos and non-Filipinos have ceased to distinguish them as separate languages. When asked what language they are speaking, many Filipinos will loosely reply, ‘Filipino’, when in fact they are speaking Tagalog. An internet search for a ‘Filipino’ language course will invariably bring results for a Tagalog language course. Some writers have referred to Filipino as a de facto version of Tagalog. Others have simply referred to Filipino as Tagalog plus . Tagalog, even when referred to as Filipino, is the living language of this programme. For Filipinos living abroad, Tagalog has become the language of choice. Filipinos moving around in their own homeland use Tagalog as the preferred means of communication.

Whether you are confused, bemused or excited by the variety of Filipino languages or were simply drawn to learn Filipino (Tagalog) in the hope of building new language skills, you have come to the right place! With a solid foundation in Tagalog, access to the riches of Filipino culture, life and relationships will be opened up to you as never before.