Language and self-mastery

The Filipinos have a vast contribution to the global workforce. From domestic helpers to registered nurses, Filipinos contribute immensely to the increasing demand for labor and services from across the world. However, an underlying problem still persists. Despite our large workforce globally, language barriers continue to haunt the OFW. With so many different countries willing to hire Filipinos, we are now required to learn basic English to compensate for our difficulty in communicating with our bosses worldwide. English should be enough for our OFWs for basic communication and understanding right? For me, it isn't. We must first understand that every person has a parameter when it comes to learning a language. Some may excel while others fail. This alone justifies the pitfalls in forcing a native country to speak a foreign tongue. The idea of using English as the main medium of instruction in the Philippines is ignorance in itself already. This implies that we are not capable of learning in our own native tongue. I have to admit, I simply cannot master this English language simply because I keep looking for my roots. To understand this foreign language and culture, I must master first my language and culture. I believe that the mastery of one's self first ensures the mastery of all other things to follow. Problem is, how do we master ourselves? With the limited units of Filipino subjects versus the massive units of English subjects, I sometimes scratch my head in confusion. Why must the Filipino langauage fall behind the English language? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around since we are Filipinos living in the Philippines? I do not question the advantages and benefits of learning the English language but I do question its power over our native language. We boast of our Filipino pride and heritage yet we cannot master our own native tongue. Language plays a humungous role in identifying, clarifying and understanding ourselves, our culture and our country. However, we cannot progress. Why? We simply cannot master the foundation of our understanding with the use of a foreign language. It can only be done through our own language. This is what I believe and what I hope should all of us do in order to master ourselves. Same goes to everyone, not just us.

- Josua Pangasinan