Preservation habits towards sustainable use of the Filipino language

Abstract

As English becomes more prevalent in education, media, and social interactions, the use of Filipino is gradually diminishing, especially among younger generations, who are more exposed to English in these domains. This shift often leads to the erosion of linguistic diversity, which many view as a threat to the cultural fabric and heritage of the nation. This paper explored the preservation habits of Filipino adults in ensuring the sustainable use of the Filipino language. Filipino adults (n=24) were purposively sampled to be interviewed about preservation habits that enabled the preservation of the language. Participants identified positive preservation habits, including practices such as setting aside specific times for speaking Filipino and engaging with Filipino media like movies, music, and radio. These behaviors were essential in maintaining language use in daily life, with participants emphasizing the role of positive reinforcement and supportive environments in encouraging continued language engagement. Cultural practices and family traditions were also essential, with Filipino language being prioritized during meals, bedtime, and family gatherings, thus encouraging a sense of connection between language and cultural identity. Participants shared how their parents actively instill the importance of speaking Filipino both as a cultural preservation mechanism and a means of honoring their ancestors. This modeling behavior created a connection between language and cultural identity, encouraging children to value Filipino as an integral part of their heritage. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to integrate intentional language preservation habits, family traditions, and supportive environments in sustaining the use of the Filipino language across generations.