What is tagalog and how do people show respect in this culture and language?

4 Comments

1. Margarita says:

   November 22, 2009 at 11:48 pm

   Yeah. Tagalog is Filipino.

   Filipino- is what you call the people of the Philippines.
   Filipino – is also the name of the National Language of the Philippines
   Tagalog – is a local dialect where most of the Filipino (the national language is based).
   Filipino – the national language is something that all the Filipinos would understand, taking into account that there 7,100 islands and each could be speaking a dialect of its own. In this regard, Filipino (the national language) could be composed of Tagalog, Spanish and English, as long as it is understood by all.

   Now to you question, of how people show respect to each other.

   Languagewise, the young ones would address the elders with "Po and Opo" (meaning yes or I agree) and "Hindi Po" (meaning no). There is never an implication to say "not really or I don’t care". Because that would be very rude. You always have to end your sentences with "Po and Opo" to show politeness. And yes, Filipinos are very polite race. They kiss the hands of the elderly to show respect and while doing so will say, "mano po." Mano from latin word meaning hands, and po means please. In plain english it means, "please give me your blessing."

   To show respect is not only between an adult and a child. Two person of the same age, would be require to show respect if for example one is a priest or a local counsellor/officer (Filipinos call it mayor or baranggay captain), and the other one is not etc.

   Asking for blessing or "Mano Po" is done, when a child leaves the house, arrive at a house (whether parents or friends house as long as there is an adult there), when it gets dark or nearly evening, or when you go to a party and there are a lot of elders there, you have to go and kiss the hands one by one. Touching your head with the hands of the elderly while bowing or stooping down a bit is equivalent to kissing the hands of the elderly. In fact younger generations are doing this already. Only the grandma’s are kissing the hands of the priests now a days.

   Another way of showing respect is

   1) by asking the hand of a girl in marriage, and of course there is never a premarital sex involve before they get married.
   2) for example a son already has family of his own, by telling his parents about big projects or plans he and his wife has. And asking for the blessing of the parents. (not the consent because they have a mind of their own. They just want and would always seek for the blessings of the elderly).
   3) Everytime they would pass by a church, they would do the sign of the Cross.
   4) They would always say "paki" to signify a favor, or "salamat po" once the favor is granted.
   5) they would greet each other "Mabuhay" meaning long live to celebrate life!

   There are a lot, just keep in mind that Filipinos value God and family more than anything else. Hence, if there are any respecting needed, it would always go around those two. Anything that would hurt or offend these two would be avoided at all costs.

   Mabuhay ka! (Long live my man!)
2. Just Wondering!! says:

   November 22, 2009 at 11:48 pm

   Tagalog is the native and most common language used in the philippines
3. Artemis says:

   November 22, 2009 at 11:48 pm

   Tagalog is one of the dialects in the Philippines from which the national language, Filipino was adopted.

   Filipino is the national language of the Philippines. Please refer to the url below.
4. levitate15 says:

   November 22, 2009 at 11:48 pm

   Tagalog is the most dominant language in the Philippines, spoken mostly in Luzon. Tagalog is NOT a dialect. It is a distinct language in its own rights, and many Tagalog dialects are spoken in Luzon. Filipino is the standardized form of Tagalog. Essentially, Filipino is Tagalog, but it is mixed with more words from dozen other languages. Filipino is the official language of the Philippines.

   Tagalog mainly uses the words "po" and "opo" to show respect. Not using this words can make you come off as rude. It is such an essential part of the Filipino culture that is reflected in the language.