Debunked: English language myths in the Philippines

Ever heard of grammar nazis? Or those people who pay attention to your English language fluency and proficiency? There are a lot of terminologies to call these ‘grammar nazis,’ which can also be called the ‘keeper of punctuation,’ or the ‘corrector of wrongly placed apostrophes.’ (Mantri, 2017)

In the Philippines, a lot of misconceptions are thrown, specifically for people who are using and are trying to learn the English language.

1. First of the common misconceptions of Filipinos is that people who speak in English are from higher class and prestigious universities only. In this way, those who are from lower to middle class families and ordinary institutions are affected, especially in their confidence. This is like disregarding or excluding people from middle to lower classes to use the English language because they are hindered or humbled by these nazis and perfectionists in using the said language.

2. The second most common misconception in the country that some Filipinos would say in using the English language is that; American English is the only correct way to use the English language, no more and no less.

3. Third, people or Filipinos that are fluent and more knowledgeable in using the English language are always considered smart, excluding those who are learning and paving their way to be fluent.

4. Fourth, the common myth that Filipinos believe upon using the English language

   is that it is the only way we can solve problems or issues that are experienced economically. Though it is really considering that the language is a very helpful tool in terms of communication, that is why Filipinos choose leaders that are competent within the language but not as competent as serving the country. By this, it brings us to the myth that Filipinos who speak and do well using the English language are considered as smart and knowledgeable than those who are not.

These misconceptions, beliefs or myths from our fellow Filipinos is what hinders people to use the English language in their everyday lives. By that, people also miss big opportunities like studying abroad or working abroad just because of these misconceptions and myths.

The English language is considered as the universal language, and when you travel, study and work abroad, this is the only way you could communicate and connect to other people not even in America but all the countries globally.

It is only in the Philippines where most people pay attention and watch other people's mistakes in using the English language, without recognizing and knowing that English is not our original language, and it is not the first language Filipinos used as a child and throughout.

Additionally, these misconceptions and myths hinders us to really understand what language is really used for. For communication, connection and building relationships.