First post in English

Somehow, English makes things phonier. Like it sounds smarter than it really is. When you read or hear something in the English language, it seems as if it's so profound, so intellectual.

Is it because it's not our first language? It takes more time to process and understand English words, phrases, and sentences than Filipino ones? Therefore the “profound” effect?

And then, there’s the barrier. Even though the English language has been integrated into our everyday lives, there’s still this barrier that prevents us from fully understanding it because of culture.

Like some English metaphors. Because metaphors are so much integrated into everyday life, if you do not live in the same culture, the meaning of those metaphors will escape you.

And therefore, the profound effect. And perhaps, the “phony” effect too? Since you can’t write a piece in English that will really communicate what’s in your soul?

Can’t continue. Train of thought has been derailed.

Comments

etsapwera said…
Hi Anj. Sang-ayon ako dun sa punto mo na may mga Pilipino na hindi Filipino ang unang wika. Sa post kong ito, hindi ko naman sila sinasadyang i-etsapwera. Ito lang ay bunga ng aking pagninilay-nilay sa sarili kong karanasan. Na para sa akin, "phony" ang dating ng Inggles dahil kahit papaano, may hindi pa rin akong naiintindihan na metaphors ng wikang ito, dala nga ng pagiging iba ng kultura ko.

Naisip ko na mas makakaintindi ang isang Pilipino kung Filipino ang gagamitin na wika, dahil mas gamay niya ang wikang ito. Gamay, dahil yung wika ay bahagi nga ng kultura niya. Ito ay maipapakita sa mga salitang Filipino na walang katumbas sa Inggles. (But then, there are English words that are in some way, part of a Filipino's culture that have no Filipino equivalent, such as Internet and blog. ;p)

Sa post na ito, sinubok ko lang isulat yung nararamdaman kong "alienation" sa wikang nagpalaki sa akin (halos).