Language and Identity

Language is vital for the use of human beings as well as its function in the
society. It does not only apply to communication purposes but it affects directly on how
and what becomes of the society in a sense that it is intertwined with the observation of
aspects such as culture, religion, evolution, etc. But more importantly, as elaborated by
various sources (Bruce Stokes 2017 in Language: The Cornerstone in National Identity,
Feargus O’Sullivan 2017 in What Defines National Identity?, Kamila Ghazali 2010 in
UNChronicle’s National Idetitiy and Minor Languages, Andres Cristobal Cruz in National
Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Language and Culture, and Henry F. Funtecha,
Ph. D. 2008 in The Filipino Language as Spirit of National Identity), language shapes
identity, national identity on that note. Collectively, language defines people and thus
identifies and establishes the society one belongs to. And as this is true, the same goes
with minor languages and groups which emanates the diversity of language as it
challenges and brings about criticality with the balance and dominance of national
language which directs to national identity.

In Robert Robas’ The Filipino Language and Culture, he inferred to Klainerman’s

idea,

“Language is a symbol, of nationality, of the people, of its suffering, of its

destiny, its grandeur, its triumphs, the primary instrument of conception,
expression, assimilation and communication of these experiences
therefore ends up being considered as their very sum and substance.”
(Klainerman, 2008)

Next to a flag or any object of patriotism, a firm and enduring national language is a
nation’s anchor. Furthermore, this quotation emphasized that language is a single entity
that encompasses a whole entirety. Language as a part of something becomes its
steering wheel and essence by inculcating its purpose deep within. It embraces
differences and variations as it connects one part to another through experiences and
the translation and implication of these experiences.

In the Philippine perspective, language is of great vitality as it is inseparable as to

who and what the Philippines is. Filipino language long persisted and endured from
times of colonization and today’s globalization, therefore, it reflects the people’s
(Filipinos) reverence and value of their own. Many significant people in Philippine
history has founded the pedestal of the nation’s language. From then on, there is a fiery
entanglement and preservation of the language observed in the progression of times.

As the Philippines is critical in preserving and maintaining its national language, it

does not alleviate the fact that this nation has an extreme diversity of language. The
Philippines is a multi-lingual country and aside from the major languages, there is an
abundance of minor languages and dialects. This from which is the richness and
intricacy of the country’s culture is emphasized. Languages’ transformation through
culture is highlighted through the presence and prevalence of indigenous groups and
long observed culture and traditions. And from the implications on culture of the
Philippines, it is generally interpreted that the country is that of “humanizing culture”
(Cruz, Language and Culture). Reflecting this characteristic of their culture, the way
Filipinos communicate in any language, in any part of the land, the respectable tone is
distinctive as that of an identity of Filipinos. This is only one proof that language and
culture is inseparable that, “Akin to national identity, without human language, human
culture would not exist.” (Robas, The Filipino Language and Culture).

But in reference to an article of the UNChronicle by Kamila Ghazali entitled

National Identity and Minority Languages, where Malaysia’s preservation and
endurance of national language has been featured, Philippines is in quite a dire
situation in preserving the minority languages and dialects and wholly integrating its
national language. Because in comparison to Malaysia, which is a less densely
populated and notably smaller in territory than the Philippines, it has proven that
simultaneous integration and preservation of a national and official language,
international/universal language, as well as the respective languages and dialects
spoken every group/region is possible and be highly observable if done with a full force
and yet subtle implementation. This is what the Philippines lack, proper integration and
critical preservation of minor languages in lieu with the improvement in the national
language. Due to this, Malaysia has been a subject of research and study of various
groups and countries to examine and probably adapt their way of maintaining
sustainability of their languages.

Language is the soul of human interaction and societal function. It is progressing

and influenced by various factors but more importantly, it affects and influences people
and how he/she stands out/presented in a variety of identities. And as discussed
previously, language cannot stand alone nor can people or society can stand without
language. Not just language of any sort, but a fully established and integrated language
that observes interconnectivity with culture. In this context, language not only shapes
identity, be it national or cultural one, but it is a natural obligation and response that
people, society, culture then language that identity is shaped, formed, and evolved.