Date of Award

1950

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

English

First Advisor

Clair C. Olson

First Committee Member

Fred Farley

Second Committee Member

Frederick Steinhauser

Abstract

This Master Thesis aims to discuss the language mix-up in the Philippines. Originally, the people speak different dialects because of the lack of interaction due to geographical isolation. The Spaniards brought Spanish to them, which became the official language of the government until the Americans came and made English the medium of instruction in the school.

The trouble lies in the fact that English-speaking-and-loving Filipinos want English only, Spanish-speaking-and-loving Filipinos want Spanish only, Tagalog-speaking-and-loving Filipinos want Tagalog only while non-Tagalog-speaking Filipinos are either indifferent or prefer their respective dialects. This is the uncomfortable mess created by the principles of democracy and should be solved through democracy also by Filipino citizens who can sacrifice regional interest and personal preference for the sake of national unity and honor.

The three languages can co-exist harmoniously together in the Philippines if the people can be tolerant, just as the various dialects too can live as long as they are needed and used.

Pages

99

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