Ma. Minella Christine R.

Sandoval (Mine)

15 February 2016

EN11 E15

Ms. C. Suarez
Stitching the Gap

Filipinos expressions have been part of colloquial Filipino conversations that are only
commonly understood by Filipinos. They express themselves through expressions which help
them articulate what they wish to say. In line with this, these expressions are made up of
Filipino and English words which Filipinos are comfortable speaking in. However, many find
trouble speaking in fluent English and even in fluent Filipino which creates a gap among
them. Because of this, Filipinos are divided by language, however, Filipino expressions unite
Filipinos in understanding each other as well as revealing certain qualities Filipinos have..
These expressions help them say what they want to express and the same time, show a
common characteristic between Filipinos.
Because of language, Filipinos have different interpretations over certain ideas which
create a gap between them. For instance, phrases such as Like, parang are commonly used by
conyo Filipinos or Filipinos who were raised and was used to speaking the English
language at home. Through this expression, they are able to express what they want to say in
both languages. However, Filipinos who are used to speaking the language find the statement
humorous for its redundancy. The gap between Filipino and English causes them to avoid the
language, however, through Filipino expressions, Filipinos are able to add humor while being
able to use both feared languages. Through the constant switch of language, it enables
Filipinos to add humor while comfortably expressing themselves. Thus, fear of the language
is ignored once these expressions are used. Due to this, the languages expand which result to
new interpretations of certain terms and phrases. For instance, homaygad, from the phrase oh
my god, implies a reaction to intense feelings and situations. The Filipino version, however,

connected the three words and spelled the words in a Filipino way such that it is more
comfortable for them to type and say with peers. Both words show the same idea, however, in
the context of conversational Filipino, the phrase could be used to add humor to what one
stated. This expression, like other expressions, is used by many Filipinos regardless of social
status. It connects different class and unites Filipinos in to a common understanding.
Filipino expressions serve as a bridge in expressing and expanding both languages. It
creates new meaning to commonly used words and also reveals several qualities a Filipino
has. These qualities rise from Filipinos expressing their feelings in languages they are
comfortable with. Certain unique qualities of Filipinos arise from these expressions.
Moreover, both English and Filipino are completely unrelated languages, but if combined
together, share common an understanding. Due to this, it creates ways to not only allow one
to be understood, but also to belong. Filipino expressions, despite being a mix of two
unrelated languages, connect and unite not only a language, but also a nation.