c HAPTe R

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LANGUAGE and COMMUNICATION
OVERVIEW
Everyday, we engage in the communication process using language as the
main instrument. We express ideas, thoughts, commentaries, feelings, and the like
using the dynamic language.
Given this reality at hand, this chapter explores language and its nature. It
also provides a space for a discussion of various processes relative to language
such as language acquisition, language learning, language contact, and language

change.

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the chapter, the students can:
∙ demonstrate an understanding of language and its nature;
∙ identify the types of communication in relation to communication
mode, context, and purpose and style;
∙ discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different
 communication types in various communication settings; and
∙ demonstrate in an essay an understanding of the role of
language in the communication process.

LESSON 1

Language and its Nature

WHAT TO EXPECT?

∙ Explain linguists’ views on language and its nature.

∙ Identify and differentiate essential constructs in relation to
language.
∙ Fill out a biodata form and create their language biography.

PRE-DISCUSSION
 Study the following words. Which spelling is correct? Which Spelling is
incorrect? Tick the appropriate box. Justify your answer.

Correct Incorrect Justifications

1. Aeroplane

2. Airplane

3. Colonise

4. Colonize

5. Defence

6. Defense

7. Enrolment

8. Enrollment

9. Honour

10. Honor

LESSON OUTLINE
Whatever people do when they come together, they talk. As human beings, we
have the agency towards the language that is comprehensible to us. When we play,
we talk. When we meet our friends, we talk, and the list goes on. By talking, we use

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language. We understand our co-communicators and they understand us because
we share the same system of grammar and of sounds, and even vocabulary.
Linguists agree that a language can only be called a language if it has a system of
rules (grammar), a sound system (phonology), and a vocabulary (lexicon). It is also
the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use
of words in a structured and conventional way. Animals may be able to communicate
with one another, but it is only human beings who are capable of using a system
sounds, rules, and vocabulary.
People belonging to the same speech community understand each other due to
the same set of rules present in their language system. They acquire the languages
used in the community through the process of language acquisition. The
languages acquired by people while growing up are known as mother tongues
(first languages). Other languages which are of equal importance for communicating
are called second languages which can be learned formally or informally through
the process of language learning.
Through language contact, people also learn other languages and get
meanings across. For instance, an OFW who speaks mother tongue and English
and his/her employer who speaks Mandarin and English still manage to understand
each other as they learn each other’s languages. This results into language
change. In other words, a new form of language emerges.
By this at hand, it is argued that language is always dynamic. It always changes as
people exercise their agency towards it. What you did in the pre-discussion part of
this chapter is one example where language varies across cultures.

SUMMARY
Language is a human capacity that consists of (a) a system of rules (also
known as grammar), (b) a sound system (phonology), and (c) a vocabulary (lexicon).
While growing up in a community, people acquire the languages used by those in
the community. This is the process of language acquisition.

The languages acquired while growing up are known as mother tongues,

which may also be referred to as first languages. Other than first languages, there
are other languages that are needed for various reasons. These other languages are

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referred to as second languages. People learn their second languages in school or
on their own. This is the process of language learning.

In our interaction with other people, our languages come into contact with
their languages, resulting in language change. Language change is a natural
behavior of all languages.

ASSESSMENT/ENRICHMENT
Check your understanding of the input by answering the following
questions:1. What is the difference between language acquisition and
language learning?
2. What is the difference between first language and second language?
3. What happens after a language comes into contact with another?

CONCRETIZING
1. Create your language biography by filling in the Language Biodata Form below.
Language Biodata Form

How many languages do you

speak? Identify these languages.

What is/are your first language/s

or mother tongue/s?

How did you acquire your fist

language/s or mother tongue/s?

What skills can you perform

using your first language/s?

What is/are your second

language/s?

How did you learn your

second language/s?

What skills can you perform

using your second language/s?

What are your language strengths?

What are your language

weaknesses?

Which language is your favorite

and why?

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2. After filling the table above, write a paragraph that tells your story of your
languages.

My Language Biography
 5
INTROSPECTING

In this lesson, I learned that as a human

being, I should understand that language is

REFERENCES
Fromkin, V., Rodman, R., and Hyams, N. (2010). Introduction to linguistics. Cengage
Learning Asia Pte Ltd. Singapore.

Madrunio, M. and Martin, I. (2018). Purposive communication: Using English in

multilingual contexts. C & E Publishing. Philippines. Pp.1-29
 6

LESSON 2

Communication and its Types

WHAT TO EXPECT?

∙ Define communication.
∙ Identify types of communication according to mode, context, and
purpose and style.

PRE-DISCUSSION

In a paragraph, describe the relationship between language and communication.

LESSON OUTLINE
 Communication was derived from the Latin word “communis” which means “to
share and inform” ideas, feelings, etc.” It has been defined by various scholars
differently according to contexts. Keyton (2011), for instance, defined communication
as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one
person to another. Similarly, Johnston (2008) emphasized that communication takes
place when one individual, a sender, displays, transmits or otherwise directs a set of

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symbols to another individual, a receiver, with the aim of changing something, either
something the receiver is doing (or not doing) or changing his or her world view.
Abulencia (2001) shares a similar point by describing communication as a dynamic
process which includes the sending and receiving of messages at a conscious or
unconscious level.
Madrunio and Martin (2018) argue that communication takes on different
contexts resulting in people having different views on communication types. Since
communication is generally defined as the exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts,
and views between or among two or more people, various contexts come into play.
Context is the circumstance or environment in which communication takes
place. Such circumstance may include the physical or actual setting, the value
positions of a speaker/listener, and the relevance or appropriateness of a message
conveyed. If focuses on certain communication processes and even groupings of
people that constitute a communication situation.
Different contexts can impact one’s communication. Each communication
type is governed by a circumstance. Therefore, it is important to focus our attention
on the interplay of factors surrounding the context of communication which may be
physical, cultural, social, and physiological in nature. Communication may then be
classified according to: 1) communication mode, 2) context, and 3) purpose and
style.

Types of Communication According to Mode

1. Verbal-Non-Verbal Communication
Effective communication calls for the blending of these two. One
cannot be separated from the other. Gestures and facial expressions are
important components of effective communication.
For example, when meeting people for the first time, the initial meeting
when you speak during the first few minutes is significant as it leaves a lasting
 impression on your listeners. You show interest in meeting these people by
acknowledging their presence through an amiable, congenial, disposition, and
a smiling face. Rather than just speaking, it is to use the non-verbal code
through a handshake, an approving facial expression, and a kind disposition
or character.

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2. Visual

Visual communication is the type of communication that uses visuals to

convey information and/or messages. Signs, symbols, imagery, maps,
graphs, charts, diagrams, pictograms, photos, drawings or illustrations, and
even various forms of electronic communication are examples of visuals.
Some examples of electronic communication symbols are emojis, emoticons,
and animations to convey the writer’s emotions or clarify the intent of the
message sender.
Visual communication now occupies an important place in any work
environment. For instance, during presentations, people like visuals for them
to easily digest information. Visuals also catch audience’sattention during the
presentation making them easily recall important information. However,
caution must be observed when using visuals because they may also cause
misinformation or communication breakdown. The appropriateness of images
to the topic, their sizes, positioning, color, shape and the like must be carefully
planned and considered. Audience must also be considered when designing
a presentation or other forms of visuals.

Types of Communication According to Context

1. Intrapersonal Communication

The Latin prefix intra- means within or inside. Intrapersonal

communication means talking to oneself, self or inner talk, inner monologue,
inner dialogue, self-verbalization or self-statement. A person may talk to
oneself because s/he thinks that there is a need to: boost confidence when
nervous to speak in front of an audience, apprise oneself that s/he performed
a good job, or console oneself that s/he did a task poorly. Moreover, engaging
in inner speech such as fantasizing is not bad if one is able to distinguish it
 from reality.
2. Interpersonal Communication
The Latin prefix inter – means between, among, and together. An
interactive exchange takes place as interpersonal communication takes place.
However, as it occurs, a transaction does not necessarily take place since it
can only be a simple interaction such as greetings, getting to know the
person,

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or ordinary conversations that happen between or among the interactants.
This may occur in dyads or small groups, also known as group
communication. A communication situation is interpersonal if it is meant to
establish or deepen one’s relationship with others. However, if the objective is
to achieve somethings at the end of the conversation, it becomes
transactional. While the former is characterized by less seriousness and
formality, the latter is more formal and profound. Whereas interpersonal talks
are meant for maintaining social relationships, transactional talks aim to
accomplish or resolve something at the end of the conversation.

3. Extended Communication

Extended communication involves the use of electronic media. This

includes not just television and radio, but also tele, audio, or phone
conferencing; video conferencing; Skype calls, and other technological
means. Since extended communication is public in nature, speakers are
expected to be prepared when they speak, making their language more
formal. With the use of electronic media, messages are transmitted quickly.
For instance, with the use of the Internet, recorded videos may be transmitted
in seconds/minutes and may be viewed by a greater number of people. With
extended communication, your own thinking, behavior, and attitude may be
influenced by other people and you may be persuaded to take the views you
hear. It is important then that you weigh what you hear and assess them
against those beliefs that you hold onto, so you do not get easily swayed by
other people’s convictions.

4. Organizational Communication

With this type, the focus is on the role that communication plays in an
organizational context. Organizations comprise individuals who work for the
company. Graduates, for example, become professionals either working for a
company or putting up their own. Whichever, a graduate should know that each
organization has expectations that a communication professional should meet or
the owner may establish.

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For an organization to be successful, a system of communication should
be put in place. A set of rules or standards for communication protocol should be
made clear so that interaction patterns are established. On the part of the
individual, one should be equipped with the needed oral and written
communication skills that the organization expects to possess.

Types of Organizational Structure

a. Formal
It allows communication to take place via designated channels
of message flow between positions in the organization. This may
make use of four approaches:
1. Downward communication
- It is the type that flows from upper to lower
positions (i.e president to a manager or supervisor;
a manager to an ordinary staff).
- The flow of communication is top-down or from a
superior to a subordinate, usually asking certain
individuals to perform a certain task.
2. Upward communication
- Message transmission in upward communication
is bottom-up in which subordinates send
communication to their superiors/bosses bearing
their views/feedback or organizational policies,
issues related to their jobs, and the like.
3. Horizontal communication
- Horizontal communication is lateral in approach as
it takes place among people belonging to the same
level but coming from different departments or
 units to facilitate performance of tasks through
proper coordination.
4. Crosswise communication
- It is diagonal in nature as employees from different
units or departments working at various levels
communicate with each other.

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b. Informal
It comes from unofficial channels of message flow. It is also
known as ‘grapevine’, messages coming from the different levels of
the organization are transmitted. This occurs due to the
dissatisfaction of some employees accompanied by uncertainty,
such as superiors playing favorites and favorable or unacceptable
company rules and regulations. Some employees even resort to
baseless gossips and rumors which they spread like wildfire.
Tracing the origin of a rumor is almost next to impossible. In fact,
when some people are confronted, they impute the blame to others
so they can get out of the mess quickly.

Each organization has its own culture (also known as organizational culture).
Based on its history and development, an organization develops its own core values,
vision and mission statements, goals, and objectives. Organizational culture is of
utmost significance since it will dictate the kind of behavior that employees should
possess as well as the extent of commitment expected from them by the
organization. They all share the values, practices, vision, and mission of the
organization. Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Company culture are like country
cultures. Never try to change one. Try instead, to work, with what you’ve got,”
underscores the view that indeed, culture is within the control of the entrepreneur or
company owner. If at the outset, you think you cannot adapt to the organization’s
culture, better look for another job or workplace where you will be happy and in
harmony with your superiors and colleagues.

5. Intercultural Communication

As the term implies, it is communication between or among people having

different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and professional backgrounds. Even
gender difference affects communication. Individual having different orientations
communicate and interpret messages differently. This particularly happens withnon
verbal communication. For instance, Australians consider eye contact as important
in assessing the sincerity of a person while for Indians, talking straight into the eyes
of a person while talking is inappropriate. This does not, however, mean that they
are dishonest or insincere. Moreover, Indians interpret waving of hands from side to
side

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as no or go away while it means hello among Westerners. For Filipinos, twitching of
lips means to refer to something or someone. When someone asks: “Where is my
book?” instead of responding: “There it is,” the response may be twitching or
puckering lips. When seen by people from other cultures, such facial expression
may be taken to mean as “seduction”. It is important then not to be judgmental or to
rush into interpretations as cultures sometimes vary enormously.
Similarly, linguistic differences are of the essence. With the advent of World
Englishes, different cultures develop different lexicon peculiar only to the speech
community. In the Philippines, a local variety of English called Philippine English has
been developed which has introduced lexical innovation, not found or used in other
varieties, such as thrice, batchmates, CR (comfort room), solons, barangay captain,
and high blood. Even in terms of pronunciation, words are pronounced differently by
Filipinos, which to some, are considered erroneous. For instance, these supposedly
pronounced with a hard /th/ is pronounced instead with a /d/ by the average Filipino
since hard /th/ is not part of Filipino phonology.

Types of Communication According to Purpose and Style

Rather than focusing on the transmission of message and message flow, the
focus here is on the communication setting and the mode of delivery.

Formal Communication
It employs formal language delivered orallyor in written from. Lectures, public
talks/speeches, research and project proposal, reports, and business letters, among
others are all considered formal situations and writings. Note that while lectures and
speeches are delivered orally, the texts have been thought out carefully and written
well before they are delivered. To inform, to entertain, and to persuade are the main
objectives of this type of communication.

Informal Communication
 It certainly does not employ formal language. It involves personal and
ordinary conversations with friends, family members, acquaintances about anything
under the sun. The mode may be oral as in face-to-face, ordinary or everyday talks
and phone calls, or written as in the case of e-mail messages, personal notes,
letters, or text messages. The purpose is simply to socialize and enhance
relationships.

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SUMMARY
There are various types of communication. These types can be divided according
to mode, context, and purpose and style. In terms of communication mode, the types
of communication are verbal, non-verbal, and visual. In terms of context, the
communication types are intrapersonal, interpersonal, extended, organizational, and
intercultural. In terms of purpose and style, the types of communication are formal
and informal.
Verbal and non-verbal codes should complement each other. With visual
communication, interpretation of signs and symbols is crucial since people have
different ways of interpreting them. It is important to always contextualize the
symbols/signs received to arrive at the correct interpretation.
In any organization, a system of communication should be put in place.
Transmission of message and message flow also play an important role in effective
organizational communication.
People have different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and professional
backgrounds. It is then necessary to pay attention to intercultural communication to
avoid miscommunication and/or communication breakdown.
Formal communication and informal communication have different uses
depending on the situation. Both types may be in oral or written mode.

ASSESSMENT / ENRICHMENT
To check your understanding of the lesson, answer the following
questions: 1. How do you differentiate the types of communication in
relation to communication mode?
2. How can visual communication enhance the message conveyed by a
speaker? Cite a situation when it is best to employ visual communication. 3.
What are the types of communication in relation to context? How do they
differ from one another?
 4. How can you listen to speaker’s opinions through electronic media without
easily swayed into accepting their opinions?

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5. Of the four approaches employed in formal organization structure, which
do you think is the best? Cite situations which will call for the use of each
approach. Give one advantage of each.
6. Would you know any strategy or method by which you can reduce the
complexity of understanding another culture? Do you think it will work with
your current set of foreign friends?
7. How do you differentiate formal communication from informal
communication in relation to purpose and style? Provide situations to
illustrate the differences.

CONCRETIZING

1. Using the alternatives available to you, look for the mission-vision statements
and the core values that characterize a company or an institution. Evaluate
them using the table below.

Mission Statement
Indicators Strongly Somewhat Disagree Comments
agree agree

1. The mission statement

focuses on the
present.

2. The mission
statement is
concise and direct.

3. The mission statement

states what the
organization does.

4. The mission statement

states how the
organization operates.

5. The mission statement

states for whom the
organization does
things.
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Vision Statement
Indicators Strongly Somewhat Disagree Comments
agree agree

1. The vision statement

focuses on the future.

2. The vision statement

shows an aspiration.

3. The vision statement

is clear and concise.

Core Values
Indicators Strongly Somewhat Disagree Comments
agree agree

1. The core values can

be easily remembered.

2. The core values are

not too many.

3. The core values can

be translated into
action.

4. The core values are

unique to the
organization.

5. The core values are

connected to the
organization’s mission
vision statements.

2. Through an online platform or any means available to you, interview a certain

head of an organization and ask him/her the following questions: a. What is the
culture of your organization?
b. Do you think cultures can be created? Modified? Changed? 3. Read the
Phil.Star.com article titled “Buwan ng Wika: Filipino scholar analyzes SB19 Ken
Suson, P-Pop as multilingual genre” based on Ruanni Tupaz’ investigation of
Pinoy Pop as multilingual genre. Write a reflection essay on the said article
focusing on language and communication.
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Buwan ng Wika: Filipino scholar analyzes SB19 Ken Suson, P-Pop as

multilingual genre

MANILA, Philippines — Can current Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) evolve into music in all
languages in the Philippines? Can we normalize multilingualism in the country?
The shape of intercultural exchanges inside the SB19 fandom shows us how it is
possible.

Bisaya is not a dialect, Philippine languages are not dialects

Recently, one of the fans of SB19 tweeted: “Unpopular opinion: Gaganda ng

songs ni Ken pero underrated kase Bisaya…” (The songs of Ken Suson, one of
the members of the phenomenal Pinoy group, are good but they are underrated
because they are in Bisaya) (@jahllergies).
This statement could imply that the writer was criticizing Ken’s use of Bisaya in his
songs, and they are of less value precisely because they are written in a ‘local’
Philippine language.
The giveaway, however, is the word “underrated,” which is used to describe
something or someone of great value but is not recognized as such. In other
words, the tweet in fact recognizes that songs are great but is making a social
commentary on why they are not valued as much as they should be. Nevertheless,
the feelings of those who were hurt – those who may have thought that the tweet
was devaluing the songs because they were in Bisaya – could not be easily
invalidated. Raymund Williams uses the term “structure of feeling” to describe
how our deep-seated personal feelings have been shaped by history and are
shared by others in our community or society.

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Since the time of Spanish and American colonizations, Philippine languages have been
devalued and mocked in favor of colonial languages. We have been punished for using our own
languages in school because they should not get in the way of learning Spanish or English. We
have been taught that to be “modern” and “enlightened” Filipinos, we should forget (or stop
using) our local languages. While I was growing up in Aklan, we were barred from “speaking the
vernacular” in school and we were fined for doing so.

This is one reason why our Philippine languages have historically been named “dialects”
instead of languages. In the process, we have experienced internal colonization which
continues until now. Even if we have a sympathetic view of our Philippine languages, we still
refer to them as “dialects.”

But Bisaya is not a dialect. My own language, Aklanon, is not a dialect. My wife is from
Pangasinan and she speaks Ilocano, a language not a dialect.
In linguistic terms, a dialect is a variant or variety of a language. So if Aklanon is a dialect, what
is it a variant of? And what is Bisaya a variant of? Of course, the politics of language around
the world differs from one society to another. In many cases, some dialects are called separate
languages because of political reasons. Thus, what I am describing here is specific to how we
as Filipinos continue to participate in the marginalization (and even the mockery) of our own
languages by referring to them as “dialects.”

The impact of this has been to devalue accomplishments, writings and music in Philippine
languages. Many of us continue to associate vernacular languages with backwardness or lack of
education. Just name characters in movies and television dramas who speak local or regional
languages. What roles are usually assigned to them? Which socioeconomic class do they
belong to? In fact, many policy-makers, leaders and even educators today continue to claim that
linguistic diversity or multilingualism is a problem.

But to use today’s language, let us normalize thinking that English, Filipino and all other
Philippine languages are of equal value. Let us start by calling them languages, not dialects. Let
us then normalize using all languages without fear of being judged or mocked.

Multilingualism is the norm

This is why Ken Suson’s unapologetic use of Bisaya in his songs – “Para hindi lang tagalog,
English kanta namin,” he said in an Instagram response to a fan – is significant and must be
viewed positively.
Recently, he has also dropped an original poem, “Palangga,” in Bisaya. I say unapologetic
because he makes it appear that his use of Bisaya is part of his daily communicative routine. No
apologies for using it because his linguistic repertoire is, in fact, translingual where he uses
overlapping languages to say what he wants to say.

Majority of Filipinos are translingual, shifting between and mixing dialects and languages
simultaneously to communicate, except that some would rather highlight their competence in
English (and Filipino) and devalue (or even apologize for their use of) their mother tongues and
regional languages.

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But is speaking in many languages a disadvantage? Will it cause disunity among the people if
speaking in many languages is encouraged?
Very recently, Ken dropped on Twitter a screencap of a conversation he had with his dad who
works and lives in Malaysia with Ken’s mom. At the time of writing, it has generated 15.3K likes
and 1.9K comments, and has been shared 7.3K times.
Ken introduces it in English: “This kind of conversation with your father”:
Ken: Bitaw pa no
Taga bukid ra biya
Dad: Unsa man diay?..huna hunaa gani kon unsa ta ka pobre atong gamay paka
nagsakay tag habal habal nga napaso ko...lisod tag palit ug ginanggang.. Ken:
Kahinumdum jud ko atong natumba ka HAHAHAH
na shoot ta sa kanal hahaha
Gamaya pa nako ato oy HAHAH
Dad: Na kon imong imaginon daw gahapon lang pero wala nato damha nga
naabot naka sa top of the world…hahaha..
Ken: Di pa na top of the world pa uyyy
HAHAHA
sa future papa
i top of the world tana
Ken did not provide the translation and, instead, allowed the criss-crossing exchanges to flow
organically and effortlessly. It is obvious that majority of those who participated in the exchanges
did not understand the conversation, but one senses that the so-called “language barrier” was not
an insurmountable barrier at all.
Many politely asked for translation, others said they would wait until someone dropped a
translation “sa gedli” (“sa gilid” or “in the corner”), while others sought help from those they
knew could understand or speak Bisaya: “ipapa translate ko ito kay mama mamaya”
(@sejunienase); “Asked mom to translate, and I’m literally in tears now” (@_Lei1530). Some
went to Google and tried to get the gist of it: “…lumapit ako kay google translate hahah. Grabe
it melts my heart.”
Many came up with their individual translations, although these translations further evolved into
cultural exchanges as there were shades of meaning that needed to be threshed out. Apparently,
there was a need to explain what “habal-habal” and “ginanggang” are because they are specific
to particular places in the Philippines: “Hindi po pala siya [ginanggang] herbal medicine ano po
ata siya saging daw sabi ng iba hehehe cebuana kasi si mama kaya may mga term na di kami
magkapareha” (@Cute-kay14). Thus, some explanations were accompanied by pictures of these
cultural icons.
Some drew on their knowledge of other Philippine languages to navigate the meanings in the
conversation: “Di ako marunong magbisaya (may similar words yung Bisaya and waray since I’m
fond of speaking waray) pero naiintindihan ko yung convo nila)” (@jah447798). Here is one
exchange that led to an invitation to visit Aklan:
AnneStell: Sweet pud kayo murag mga reminiscing convo with parents.
Nessyl: Teka xanne bisaya ka?
AnneStell: Aklanon ate pero kasabot kog gamay na Bisaya then know man mag Hiligaynon
Nessyl: as in…galing! Yung language niyo hirap aralin…
AnneStell: Yes yes mahirap talaga ang Aklanon dialect [sic] ness ???? sana makapunta ka rin
dito ???? maganda ang Aklan…Pag okay na ang lahat. DM mo tapos ako Nes”) Maganda ang
Boracay at Buruanga.

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What these intercultural and multilingual exchanges show us is that meaning-making is a group
effort. There was a genuine desire from everyone to navigate the message of the conversation
between Ken and his dad. There was no hate or disappointment over the use of a language which
many did not understand. Instead, there was mutual support to translate and recreate the
meaning of the conversation.
The language used by Ken, in other words, did not serve as a barrier to communication; in fact, it
opened up conversations about languages, dialects and establishing personal relationships. The
presence of many languages and dialects in the exchanges did not become a liability but, in fact, it
facilitated exchanges of meanings and cultures. In the end, what started as mutual struggle to
understand because of the initial challenge of language led to conversations about Ken and his
dad and how the story connected with the stories and lives of others. The languages we speak are
resources through which we can strengthen our bonds with each other. We do not need to choose
one and mock a hundred others. P-Pop in Philippine languages
 Sejun, Justin, Ken, Stell and Josh sing in Korean, and they do so with beautiful melodies and
stories. Why not SB19 songs in multiple languages? I do not simply mean Ken singing in Bisaya.
Josh or Stell can also choose to sing in Bisaya, which Maris Racal speaks. We have more
than one hundred languages from which we can learn different cultural practices and local
histories. One song need not be in one language only, and it does not need to exclude
English, Filipino or any other language for that matter.
This is a generation of young people who transcend languages in order to appreciate music.
During the times I spend in different fandoms, especially that of SB19, I see and read fans talk
about and debate on music without hating the use of particular languages. I do acknowledge the
presence of internal colonization – for example, in the use of “dialects” to refer to Philippine
languages. The reason that Ken’s songs in Bisaya are underappreciated or underrated could
precisely be because of hidden bias against our local languages. But if there is something to learn
from Ken’s conversation with his dad, and the exchanges that followed, it is that languages are
not the real reason why we cannot understand each other. It is that usually we refuse to spend
time figuring out how to understand each other. I go for Aklanon for Sejun, Chavacano for Ken,
Tausug for Justin, Bikol for Josh, and Ivatan for Stell, or a mix of all these languages in a song.
Or better yet, I go for all languages spoken in the Philippines for P-Pop. Let us normalize
creating music in these different languages, not simply because it is aesthetic or sexy to do so
(I read some tweets saying this), but especially because it could put a spotlight on the country’s
rich local musical traditions and practices. This is one way P-Pop can take on a unique identity
of its own. Let P-Pop be a multilingual genre.

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REFERENCES

Madrunio, M. and Martin, I. (2018). Purposive Communication: Using English in

multilingual contexts. C & E Publishing. Philippines. Pp.1-29

Tampus, D. and Carnazo, MJ. (2016). Oral Communication in Context. Kampana

Publishing House. Philippines

Philstar (2020, August 28). Buwan ng Wika: Filipino scholar analyzes SB19 Ken
Suson, P-Pop as multilingual
genre.https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean
wave/2020/08/28/2038458/buwan-ng-wika-filipino-scholar-analyzes-sb19-
ken-suson-p-pop-multilingual
genre?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook
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