Interrogating Linguistic Landscapes in the Philippines: Part A

Author: Ma. Althea Enriquez, Zarina Joy Santos, Aura Abiera, Schedar D. Jocson (University Of The Philippines)
Speaker: Ma. Althea Enriquez, Zarina Joy Santos, Aura Abiera, Schedar D. Jocson
Topic: General sociolinguistics
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2019 Colloquium Session

Panel Abstract

While Globalization and Neo-liberalism change the discourse(s) of ideas, commodities, policies and technologies; Multilingualism and Nationalism still persist as the fundamental drive to further develop a de facto National Language in the Philippines. This panel explores the current issues, problems, and discourses related to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines. Papers concerning Language Planning and Policy, Translation, Contact Linguistics, Language and Politics, and Pedagogy seek to answer the following: How are the new modalities of Language use contribute to theorizing the concept, functions, and perception of a/the National Language? How are the problems and issues concerning Filipino be solved? What new theories, ideologies, approaches, and methodologies can be considered in managing the Representation and Revitalization of Filipino in the Philippines?

Insights and challenges of codifying a national language in a multilingual and multicultural contact environment

Ma. Althea Enriquez (University of the Philippines)

Abstract

This paper discusses issues and concerns in the development of codified references, specifically, grammar books and dictionaries for the national language of the Philippines, Filipino. It examines the challenges faced in the production of such references vis a vis the sociopolitical and linguistic settingof the country. While the study situates itself in accounting for the factors at the macro-level and micro-level contributing to these challenges, the study focuses on the micro-level analysis and perspectives for explanation. This involves the contact-induced influences on Filipino, the linguistic features and the traditional models that are still prevalently used in teaching and application which consequently affects how language is perceived. The study ultimately provides insights and adopted practices culled from experience in compiling a monolingual dictionary and writing its grammatical sketch.

TRADING CODE: The Emerging Variety of Filipino in Philippine Stock Market

Zarina Joy Santos (University of the Philippines)

Abstract

More and more Filipinos are getting involved in the field of financial management. Stock Market which is being run bythe Philippine Stock Exchange is one of its forms. With the use of modern technology and devices used in the world market, communication in online transactions would best identify how Filipinos look at the economy and the culture of dealing with investments and mentality in how they deal with money. And because it is natural for Filipinos flock and function as a group, social media threads and online forums were created for them to share insights on how the world and Philippine market affects their investments. These social media threads and online forums form part of the language community of Philippine Stock Market. This language community uses not the specialized jargon of world stock market but of the variety of the lingua franca of the Philippines which is Filipino.

This paper aims to describe and analyze the variety of Filipino in the Philippine Stock Market to further expose the depth and complexity of the language used in technical fields such as stock market. It will look through the conversations in forums of PSMDCF Traders Chat at WETRADE Chat, which can be found on Facebook to demonstrate the language used by its members in their trade discussions in the latest updates in Philippine Stock Market.

This study will look at the variety of Filipino language in commerce and economy in the Philippines which is greatly dominated by English, also an official language in the country. This study will further attest in the potential of the national language, Filipino, to represent the national economy.

The Politics of Discourse in the SONA Delivered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Aura Abiera (University of the Philippines)

Abstract

In the realm of politics or even governance itself, language is the one true key to success. The idea of using language as a means to a desired end is nothing new. More often than not, it is the charismatic politicians with the gift of gab who manages to endear themselves to the masses. It is the firm, articulate government official who is capable of convincing his colleagues to do things his way. From these emerge the idea that language and politics are intertwined. This study aims to identify the relationship between language and politics. This is done through a content analysis of the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, using the framework by O’Barr, which supposes that language is a political resource. Upon scrutiny of the SONA by President Arroyo,  it becomes apparent that various aspects of language are used to achieve political goals such as enticing support from the masses, establishing hierarchal differences or status, and manipulating others. This study is part of a growing body of research on the matter of linguistics, and provides a concrete, tangible analysis of discourse which affects the affairs of a nation.

The Use of Language in Public Tertiary Hospitals in the Philippines

Schedar D. Jocson (University of the Philippines)

Abstract

One of the important cornerstones in any country is to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to the public. During the 1970s, several public hospitals were created to provide additional service to the FiIipino people. However, the past several decades has seen the growing number of Filipinos going to these hospitals as the privately-owned hospitals are charging more than expected.

The study looks at how several national hospitals use language to convey information to the public and to the patients. These hospitals include the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, and the Lung Center of the Philippines. These three hospitals are under the Private-Public Partnership of the Philippine government. Such partnership involves government-owned institutions such as these hospitals and those of the private groups in providing healthcare services. The demographics of patients are spread across the socio-economic statuses.

The main method for the study is by documenting various signage and posters found within the premises of the hospitals mentioned will done. To narrow these documents, the study will only focus on the area of specialization of the hospitals. By interviewing key offices and important officials in the hospital will help to further strengthen the analysis of the research. Several doctors will also be interviewed on how they deal and share their knowledge to the patients regarding the latter’s health condition.

The study aims to recommend to the Department of Health the importance of language in addressing health-related concerns of the public. It also tries to share the outcome of the study to the aforementioned hospitals so that the institution can better address the public in regards to their medical concerns.