Would You Like to Learn Tagalog?

The most common language in the Philippines is Filipino Tagalog, but most of the locals simply call it tagalog. Many of the Filipinos on the island speak at least a little bit of basic English. So, when I go to the store or ride a trike, for example, I can communicate with whoever is helping me in English.

While I am here, however, I am taking advantage of the opportunity to learn some tagalog. It is not easy for most people to learn another language, especially when you are an adult. If you are a kid reading this, I would encourage you to begin learning another language as soon as you can because it is easier to learn a new language when you are younger.

My roommate, Carla, and I have been taking some tagalog lessons with Aileen, one of the Filipina friends we have made. We write down what she teaches us on notecards and quiz each other. Even when you are a teacher, you still have to work hard to learn new things! Tagalog has many unique sounds and some really long words. One of the letters in this language is "ng" and you basically use your throat to make the sound for this letter.

I thought I would give those of you reading my blog the opportunity to learn some tagalog, too. I thought learning the numbers 1 through 10 would be a good place to start. I asked a couple of my friends, Ajay and Yon-Yon, to help me make a video to show you how to prounounce these numbers. The words are typed below and the pronunciation video is underneath.

Start Counting!

                                       
 1 Isa (one)         2 Dalawa (two)         3  Tatlo (three)

                                   
4 Apat (four)      5  Lima (Five)           6 Anim (six)

                                        
7  Pito (seven)      8 Walo (eight)            9 Siyam (nine)

  
10 Sampû (ten)

More to come soon from Boracay Island...