Why Spanish language is still alive in the Philippines

Refuting the Claim: The Philippines as a Non-Spanish-Speaking Country

The Philippines is not a Spanish-speaking country and my goal is to refute the same claim by Esquire Philippines writer Angelica Gutierrez. She claim that the Philippines is the only former Spanish colony not speaking Spanish and they keep on posting on social media. It is true in terms of the widespread and daily usage of the language, but it ignores the subtle ways Spanish language and culture have deeply embedded themselves in Philippine society. We have to look at history, linguistics, and the lingering cultural imprints that prove Spanish lingers, subtly, in the Philippines.

1. Historical Legacy and the Spanish Language Among the Elite

Spanish did indeed become the language of the elite, the educated, and the political class in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. For centuries, Spanish was taught in schools and was the primary language of government and literature. True, the Spanish friars focused on learning local languages like Tagalog and Cebuano to spread their religious teachings, but Spanish was adopted by the upper classes and those involved in governance.

Prominent Filipino writers like the works of José Rizal, "Noli Me Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo," to name a few, used their language to awaken national consciousness. The Spanish language came not only as a shadow of colonial power but in the very mouth of how resistance, reform, and an identity would be expressed: though the use of it declined, especially after its colonization by the Americans but never fully disappeared.

Also, most of the 82 provinces in the Philippines are named in Spanish language. The notable provinces with names ending in Spanish words like del Norte, del Sur, Occidental, and Oriental. My home province of Isabela was even named after the Queen Isabella II of Spain, the name of our country which is the Philippines is named after the King Philip. Another example is the municipality of Reina Mercedes which is also in Isabela is notably the most royal address in the world.

2. Integration of Spanish in Filipino Languages

No one can deny that the legacy left by the Spanish is very strong when it comes to the languages used in the Philippines. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and the regional languages are so filled with Spanish loan words that hundreds of words spoken every day in the country come from Spanish. The following are some examples of words used daily in the Philippines: mesa (table), silla (chair), kutsilyo (knife), gatas (milk), sapatos (shoes), and even numero (number).

Apart from basic words, some Filipino cultural practices retain a system of idiomatic phrases, counts, and other linguistic tools brought about by the Spanish that remained intact to this very day in certain circles such as among the elder ones or those who grew up within some parts of Zamboanga City. There is also the case wherein younger generations, without the actual knowledge of the subject matter, use Chavacano, the locally-influenced version of the Tagalog that blends local with Spanish tongues for people of their area. Being this type of Creole proves itself as evidence of how effective it is for Spanish not only in being retained over generations but also as able to integrate with native tongue even further.

3. The Position of the Spanish Language in School Education and in the Religion

Even though the Spanish Language is no longer prevalent in this country, which had been occupied by the Americans, it was studied in schools for centuries until, as recently as in the middle of the last century. In fact, until constitutional revision in 1987, there was, in the Philippines, an obligatory Philippine curriculum subject and, therefore, most of those living today have retained at least some familiarity with Spanish as part of their education.

In religious activities, influence from Spain is also strongly displayed. Their language in praying, hymns sung, and even terminologies used in religious gatherings were still derived from prayers through Santo Niño or the Holy Child, Nuestra Señora, the Our Lady, or terms like Hermanos (which means Brothers). It presents historical assimilation of Spanish to Filipino spirit under the tradition of Pasyon, which is a chant describing how Christ suffered during the Passion observed during Holy Week.

4. Revival and Modern Interest in the Spanish Language

In fact, recent developments showed the renewed interests about the Spanish language among the people of the Philippines. Various educational institutions, private schools that teach languages, and organizations in culture offer their course programs in Spanish for, apart from historical, cultural, and economic purposes, these are important relations for the two nations involved: the Philippines and Spain. Ties of Spain with the Philippines have been promoted through bilateral cultural programs as this will help to rejuvenate common heritage shared between two nations.

The boom in globalization and the increasing significance of Spanish as a global language is also a reason behind this resurgent interest. For a vast Hispanic market has started opening up, along with much economic potential related to countries speaking the Spanish language. Many professionals now consider it their advantage to be conversant with Spanish.

Conclusion: Spanish is Not Yet Over as a Lingua Philippines

Indeed, Spanish is no longer the lingua franca of the Philippines, unlike in other former Spanish colonies in Latin America. But to dismiss the Philippines as a non-Spanish-speaking country is to miss all the linguistic and cultural subtleties that continue to tie the nation to its Spanish past. From the rich blend of Spanish vocabulary in everyday speech to renewed interest in language learning and cultural programs, part of the Filipino identity is Spanish but not at the helm.

This would essentially oversimplify the case, claiming that the Philippines is now free of all of its Spanish roots. Of course, it runs much deeper and is wedged into the very fabric of culture, history, and even modern consciousness. Left, it may no longer be as dominant as once viewed and felt, but this lives on in constant repetition across generations, reminding the Filipino of a shared past, which defines their country's future and present.