Appreciating Filipino Language and its Survival among Filipino Masses

Abstract

This study examined the enduring relevance and survival of the Filipino language among the Filipino masses in the face of English dominance in academic, professional, and media contexts. Employing an exploratory qualitative design, twenty (20) natural-born Filipinos from diverse socioeconomic, educational, and regional backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns in language attitudes, cultural connections, and usage across domains. The findings revealed that Filipino functioned as a vital cultural anchor, a primary medium for emotional expression, and a unifying bridge across linguistic diversity. However, situational code-switching to English was common in formal settings, reflecting its perceived prestige as linguistic capital. The study also highlighted the pivotal roles of educational institutions, media, and government in shaping language vitality, alongside the influence of intergenerational transmission within families. Integrating frameworks such as Bourdieu’s Linguistic Capital, Social Constructionism, and Critical Discourse Analysis, the research underscored the Filipino language as both a symbol of identity and a site of negotiation within the Philippine sociolinguistic landscape. Practical recommendations were proposed for language policy, education, media engagement, and community initiatives to strengthen Filipino’s role in modern society.