Language/Tagalog/Culture/Family-and-Social-Life
As a Tagalog language teacher for over 20 years, one important aspect of Tagalog culture that I always emphasize to my students is the importance of family and social life. In the Philippines, family is considered the foundation of society and is an integral part of Filipino culture. In this lesson, you will learn about the Filipino family structure, values and traditions, and social etiquette.
The Filipino Family Structure
The Filipino family structure is extended, which means that it includes not only parents and children but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close family friends. This family structure reinforces the sense of belongingness and togetherness of every Filipino. Filipinos hold their family in high regard that they will go out of their way to provide help and support, be it financial or emotional, to members of their extended family in times of need.
Family Values and Traditions
One of the most notable Filipino values is the respect for elders. The elderly are highly valued in Filipino culture and their advice and guidance is often sought after. It is common for younger family members to live with their elders and take care of them as they age. Children are also taught to say "po" and "opo" when addressing elders as a sign of respect.
Filipinos also celebrate numerous holidays and occasions with their families, such as Christmas and New Year’s Day, All Saints' Day, and fiestas. A "fiesta" is a religious celebration of a patron saint in a certain municipality or barangay (village) in the Philippines. It is a time of thanksgiving, feasting, and socializing with family and friends.
Another Filipino family tradition is the "pakikisama" culture, which is the Filipino value of "getting along" or "harmony in relationships". Filipinos value close social relationships and strive to maintain good rapport with their friends and families to avoid conflicts and to achieve a peaceful and harmonious community.
Social Etiquette
When greeting someone in the Philippines, it is customary to use the phrase "Magandang araw po!" which means "Good day!" and to follow it up with a handshake or "mano po". "Mano po" is a traditional Filipino gesture of respect that involves taking an elder's hand and touching it to your forehead to show reverence, love and respect.
When invited to a Filipino home, it is polite to bring a gift such as flowers or food or to offer to help with the cooking or cleaning up after the meal. It is also customary to wait until the host has started eating before beginning to eat, and to always leave a small amount of food on your plate as a sign of appreciation for the meal.
In Filipino culture, it is also customary to use "po" and "opo" when speaking with someone who is older or who holds a higher position than you. This demonstrates respect and politeness.
Vocabulary
Here are some Tagalog words and phrases related to Filipino family and social life.
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| pamilya | /pah-MI-lya/ | family |
| lolo | /LOH-loh/ | grandfather |
| lola | /LOH-lah/ | grandmother |
| tito | /TEE-toh/ | uncle |
| tita | /TEE-tah/ | aunt |
| pinsan | /PIN-sun/ | cousin |
| kaibigan | /KAH-ee-bee-gan/ | friend |
| fiesta | /FI-es-ta/ | feast |
| Pakikisama | /pah-KEE-kee-SAH-mah/ | "getting along" culture |
| magandang araw po! | /mah-gahn-DAHNG AH-rah po/ | good day! |
| mano po | /MAH-noh poh/ | traditional Filipino gesture of respect |
| po | /poh/ | particle used to show respect when addressing elders or someone in authority |
| opo | /OH-poh/ | yes, used to show respect |
With this lesson, you have gained a deeper insight into the importance of family and social life in the Filipino culture. By understanding and embracing these values, you will not only be able to communicate effectively in Tagalog, but also develop meaningful relationships with Filipinos.
As a language teacher, I highly recommend that you practice these phrases with your Filipino friends or acquaintances to develop a deeper connection with them. Happy learning!