The significance of the almost vanishing language-Old Tagalog
In many parts of the Western world, there is a commonly held belief that the native peoples who inhabited lands before European colonization were uncivilized savages, creating an unfortunate and prevailing bias that views native peoples and their languages as inferior and primitive. This leads to the undervaluing and neglect of various indigenous languages, resulting in their gradual extinction. According to the National Geographic Society, a language disappears every two weeks, with no means of preservation, indicating the urgent need for greater recognition and support of the linguistic and cultural diversity of indigenous communities to prevent the loss of invaluable knowledge and heritage. The root cause of this issue lies in a lack of accessible information regarding native peoples and their cultures. The failure to educate the public and the persistent disregard and dismissal of indigenous cultures can have dire consequences, including the loss of linguistic diversity and the erasure of an essential part of human history, leading to the extinction of languages, which is not merely a loss of vocabulary and grammatical structures, but also a loss of cultural identity, knowledge, and heritage. One example of such a language at risk of being lost is Old Tagalog. This language, spoken by the indigenous people of the Philippines, has already experienced significant decline and is currently considered endangered. It is only by recognizing the inherent value of these languages and the importance of preserving them for future generations that we can work towards maintaining linguistic diversity in an increasingly homogenous world.
Old Tagalog, also known as Classical Tagalog or Batangas Tagalog, has a rich history in the Philippines, dating back to the pre-colonial era before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. This language was used in a variety of texts, ranging from love songs to epic poetry and philosophical works. It reflects linguistic influences from China, Malaysia, Spain, and America, and is the product of the occupation of the Philippines by several other nations throughout its history. The earliest known example of Old Tagalog is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, a legal document discovered in 1989 and dated to 900 CE. The document suggests that Old Tagalog was used in official transactions and legal proceedings during this time period, indicating its importance as a means of communication and governance. Moreover, Old Tagalog's enduring legacy is exemplified in works such as "Florante at Laura", a pre-colonial masterpiece that tells the tale of a duke's exiled son who battles oppression to reclaim his rightful place in the kingdom, while also falling in love. This literary gem remains a celebrated and studied work in schools across the Philippines, highlighting the enduring significance and beauty of Old Tagalog as an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.
The arrival of Spanish Conquistadors in the Philippines in the 16th century marked the beginning of the gradual decline of Old Tagalog. As Spanish became the dominant language for administration, education, and religion, Old Tagalog gradually lost its convention and fell out of use among the native Filipinos. Restrictions were imposed on the language, and its use became increasingly rare. In the 20th century, the modernization of the Philippines further marginalized Old Tagalog as many Filipinos adopted a standardized version of Tagalog based on the language spoken in Manila, the capital city.
Today, reviving Old Tagalog proves a daunting challenge, as it was primarily an oral language with few surviving written records. Nonetheless, the ancient language of Old Tagalog remains an essential part of Philippine cultural heritage, and ongoing efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize the language. Scholars and linguists are working to reconstruct Old Tagalog by analyzing historical records, such as early Spanish colonial documents, and cross-referencing them with modern-day Tagalog. Successful revitalization of Old Tagalog could raise awareness and help to preserve the language for future generations. Old Tagalog's oral traditions have allowed older generations to pass down stories, songs, and poems that reflect the identity of the Tagalog people. As one of the few surviving languages that existed prior to the colonization of the Philippines, Old Tagalog serves as a symbol of the country's traditions and cultural heritages.
As time passed, Old Tagalog gradually became obsolete, leading many families to cease speaking and passing it down through generations. For many Filipinos, especially immigrants, Old Tagalog is a language that has not been encountered or heard before, but research on this language can provide valuable insights.Through studying the origins of Old Tagalog, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of Filipino culture, which includes the existence of indigenous tribes, linguistic diversity, and a unique writing system. Additionally, researching this language is essential for those studying cultures, as it highlights the significance of acknowledging native cultural practices and traditions that may have been lost due to modernization.
Language diversity has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of human civilization. It is a testament to the many unique cultures and traditions that have flourished across the world throughout history. Beyond its cultural and historical significance, however, language diversity also has practical applications in the modern era. By embracing and celebrating linguistic differences, we can foster greater cultural understanding and mutual respect between people of different backgrounds. This, in turn, can help to break down prejudices and stereotypes, creating a more inclusive and harmonious society. Moreover, learning different languages offers numerous cognitive benefits, including improved memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills. As society becomes increasingly globalized, multilingualism has become an increasingly valuable asset in the business world. Companies that can effectively communicate with clients and partners in their native languages can develop stronger relationships and expand into new markets. Overall, the benefits of language diversity and multilingualism cannot be overstated. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing and interconnected world, embracing linguistic differences can help us to build more inclusive, prosperous, and harmonious societies.
Works cited:
"Old Tagalog". Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Tagalog
"Old Tagalog". Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Old_Tagalog