Pinoy Polyglots and Linguaphiles on How to Learn a New Language

Before his fateful demise, Jose Rizal was a celebrated Filipino polyglot who spoke over 20 languages. His portfolio included Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. This is in addition to him being an activist, a novelist, and an ophthalmologist during his time.

If my computation is correct, Rizal had conversed in thousands of different words in the short 35 years he’d lived — a feat that would be near impossible to accomplish in a generation dominated by a few ‘universal’ languages and overwhelmed by a fresh breed of learning distractions.

Next to the Philippine national hero, it’s a known fact that most Filipinos are polyglots or capable of speaking several languages by nature — growing up with English, Tagalog, and a local language as their mother tongue.

Some, whose parents and ancestors hail from Philippine provinces or countries, also tend to have an upper hand. Among them is a good number of Chinese-Filipinos who are taught to speak Mandarin, Fookien, or Cantonese from a young age. This makes Filipinos in general one of the more multilingual nationalities in the world.

Also read: 13 Easy Tips To Conquer The Language Barrier Abroad

Modern-day Filipino polyglots and linguaphiles amongst us and their language learning tips

In an interview with Filipino polyglots, most of which I’ve gotten in touch with language learning and travel communities, we look closely into the lives of these individuals. They also impart language learning tips to help others on their journey to multilinguality.

Peer Kortenjan, 20

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, German, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

I started becoming interested in language learning when I was a little kid. I was born in Germany, then my family and I settled here in the Philippines because my mother is a Filipina. I’ve slowly forgotten how to speak in German; so today, I am learning it again. This is because I want to go back to my roots.

Since 2017, I’ve also been studying Japanese, which was an additional subject offered by the senior high school department at my university. Then, I started studying Latin about six months ago. This is because studying Latin can help you understand other Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, and many more.

How did you learn the languages you know?

Except for Japanese, which I started learning in school, I am learning these languages by myself. For German, sometimes I practise with my mother who also speaks German. I use Duolingo and other language teaching apps and websites daily. I take additional lessons and read stories and e-books translated in German and Latin. Because of the huge amount of spare time I have right now, I also take additional lessons.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

My biggest challenges up to this day are balancing these languages and losing interest in learning. We will always get this rush of interest when we study a language. After a few weeks or months, you will slowly lose interest in learning.

The answer to this challenge is to take things slowly rather than stopping. This happened to me last year when I stopped for a week in learning German. Then it became a month, six months. Once you stop for a week, you will continue building this habit and stop for a longer period of time. The solution here is to not stop and try to learn less. This will slow the progress, which is better than stopping it.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

You may take breaks, but don’t stop the progress and never stop learning. Also, join different Facebook groups. This is because you can join a community in which will help you learn and influence you on continuing learning. You can also find language exchange or practise buddies which can help you develop skills. Finally, watch foreign-language movies to understand the countries’ culture and how the natives speak and construct sentences.

Mike Lewis, 31

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

My passion for learning foreign languages started when I was still in college. We had a mandatory foreign language course (Spanish) and it became one of my favourites, and one I easily aced in class. I was so into it that I took Saturday classes at Instituto Cervantes to learn more than what was taught at school.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I then enhanced it further by enrolling at an intensive Spanish lesson at ICM and attending a summer class at the University of Castilla La Mancha in Spain. As for Portuguese, I studied it out of necessity. I planned to live in Brazil for six months, so I had to push myself to learn the language.

I initially studied it as a hobby. I always find it super cool when I hear someone speak a foreign language. But career opportunities presented themselves later on once I became more fluent, and I used it as a stepping stone to build my career portfolio. I managed clients from both Latin America and Spain, and I was also tasked to interview applicants for Spanish-speaking accounts in my former company.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

It has to be the accent and colloquial terms for me. Every time I move to a different country or city, I have to relearn certain aspects of the language. For example, Cubans, Costa Ricans, Argentineans, and people from Southern Spain are notorious for having a difficult-to-understand Spanish accent. Meanwhile, Chileans, Colombians, and Mexicans are notorious for having many colloquial terms!

As for Portuguese, Cariocas (people from Rio de Janeiro) and Mineiros (people from Minas Gerais) are the most difficult to understand. They pronounce words so weirdly that some locals can’t understand them, either!

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

I suggest listening to songs in the language you are learning and also watching undubbed films from those countries (but with subtitles). This is a good way to practice your listening skills and also learn new vocabulary.

I also suggest learning how to pronounce words well and aim to neutralise your accent. If not, locals will not understand you. The best accent to imitate in Spanish is Mexican, Central Spain, Colombian, and Guatemalan because they are the most neutral. As for Portuguese, Paulistas (from São Paulo) tend to have a more neutral accent than the rest of Brazil.

Yrwin Ty, 29

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

My interest started from having diverse friends from different countries since I studied at an international school. I became even more interested in languages when I lived in the US for a year as an intern for a multinational hotel. I got motivated to learn different languages after being exposed to different cultures abroad. I wanted to travel to their countries, connect with people, possibly date some of them, and form meaningful relationships as well as get access to many things that are local and native.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I took language classes in school and in language centres in Manila, and also watched many video guides and phrasebooks on YouTube and Duolingo. I lived in Taiwan before for a month so I learned essential or survival Mandarin before going and learned so much more as I stayed there. I lived in the US for a year as a culinary intern, and my boss was from Peru originally, so I really got the chance to develop my Spanish there along with the fact that most of my coworkers had a Latino or Hispanic background.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

It’s trying to remember the writing, if it’s a different writing system such as Japanese and Mandarin. It’s a lifetime dedication, and it’s impossible to remember all of it, but you eventually will know enough to survive.

Also, there’s the tonal aspect of it. Tonal languages are more difficult because sometimes certain words can sound the same if you don’t use the proper tone. Thank goodness for Google translate to correct this, though! I continue to manage it through motivation from nice people and the things they have to offer from unique and memorable cultural experiences to the beautiful landscapes in their given countries.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

Take every opportunity you get to learn the language. If you can afford to travel to the country and live in a local household like an exchange student or something similar to an Airbnb or Couchsurfing local experience, then go for it.

If travelling abroad is too much, there are so many online access guides on YouTube for learning basics to actually talking like a local online, and even phone apps such as Phrasebook and Duolingo. There are even local communities here in Manila that can help you learn the language and make friends here such as the Japanese expat community and even the Spanish and Latino community here!

Val Vestil, 24

Languages spoken

Bisaya, Chavacano, Tagalog, English, Korean, and Spanish.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

I consider myself a 21st-century amateur nomad. I say this because in my 24 years of existence, I’ve been moving a lot! When someone asks me where I am from, I have a difficult time answering that question.

I was born in Cebu, but then I grew up in Cagayan de Oro, then I went to college in Dumaguete, participated in an exchange program in South Korea, interned in Manila, went around four ASEAN countries and Japan for a cultural program, stayed for a month in the USA, and then worked in Zamboanga City. Just recently, I decided to come back home to my mother here in Cagayan de Oro and work full time on managing my NGO.

How did you learn the languages you know?

Because of my year-long academic exchange program in South Korea, we were required to enrol in the Korean Language Institute Program. It was a daily class on reading, writing, and speaking in Korean with a Korean language teacher and other international students. Since that was five years ago, my Korean is a bit rusty so that’s why I’m re-learning the language by going over my old Korean textbooks and even tutoring a friend to read and write Korean.

A good friend of mine is also teaching me the basics of Thai since I’m head over heels on Thai drama. But I have a long way to go. I also have a few comprehension skills in Spanish because my family on my mother’s side is of Spanish descent. I also took up Spanish in college and worked for a year in Zamboanga City, where people spoke in the local language of Chavacano, which is a Spanish-based creole.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

While it’s noble and amazing for some people to teach themselves how to learn a new language, I feel that the most effective way for me to learn a language is by actually living in a foreign country or staying there for a while, or at least have a face-to-face learning session with actual language teachers.

If I’m at home here in the Philippines busy with work and other engagements, I cannot bring myself to prioritise learning a new language so that’s very difficult for me especially because I want to develop learning other languages. It’s as if I need an iron hand to force me to be consistent and be committed to learning a new language.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

First, your foundations of “why” need to be very clear at the onset because your “why” will actually motivate you to see you through. There are very many levels of learning a language and there are many aspects of learning it so it’s bound to get more difficult as you climb the ladder. But if your intentions are genuine and clear from the beginning, you will want to endure to finish the course.

Second, I love watching foreign films with closed captions or subtitles (and not the English-dubbed ones) because I get to hear how the language is actually used in conversations. Maybe this practice can help you as well. Third, find a buddy to speak with. It’s best if it’s someone who has time for you and someone who actually resides in the country of the foreign language you are trying to learn.

Jann Caitlin Jao, 26

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, Hokkien, Mandarin, and Korean.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

I was born in a Chinese-Filipino family and I studied in a Chinese-Filipino school from pre-school to high school. That said, my schoolmates and I had to learn Filipino, English, and Mandarin.

Language classes were my favorite in high school, but I never really imagined learning an additional language until I entered college. All students in Ateneo were required to take a Foreign Language Class (FLC) during their sophomore year. I could’ve chosen Mandarin and stuck to what I already knew but after 13 years of learning the language, I wanted to learn something else.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I was a Communications student and I really wanted to go on an exchange programme in South Korea to learn what made their media and entertainment industry so successful. As early as the second year, I decided to take Basic Korean as my FLC class. I thought to myself, “Just in case, at least I’m prepared.”

A year later, as if by fate, I was awarded a scholarship to study in Korea for a year. There, I continued to learn the language and I appreciated it even more because I could really practice it. Even after coming back, I continued to learn the language. It became much more difficult, though, without being able to practice it as much.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

What are your biggest challenges in learning a language?
Not having enough people to practice it with is my biggest challenge. I’ve already stopped learning Korean, but occasionally, when I do miss it, I use language apps to brush up on it. Learning or re-learning a new language is easier now with all these apps.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

Download apps, watch movies in the language you’re learning, memorise the lyrics of a song, and find friends who speak it as their language. There are many ways to learn a language. Personally, what helps me is finding similarities between the foreign language and the language I already know. That way, I can easily remember words and grammar patterns because they’re close to what I already know.

Louie Ngo, 26

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, Hokkien, and Mandarin.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

As a typical Chinoy here in the Philippines, I was required to speak Hokkien, which was one of the main languages of the province where our ancestors came from. Learning Filipino and English is really just part of the language environment here in the Philippines. Learning Mandarin, however, was really just part of a need that I had to address.

Since I came to China in 2017, I haven’t stopped studying Mandarin even when I’m here in the Philippines. Mandarin is such a vast language. You can always learn new things whether it be Chinese idioms, news, and even business vocabulary words. My main push is the thought that I don’t want to just learn it, I want to be different and really achieve a high proficiency level with my Mandarin.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I came to China for my overseas studies last 2017. Currently, I am taking my master’s degree in broadcasting in Guang Xi, Nanning. However, because of COVID-19, all our classes and requirements are just to be performed online. This doesn’t stop me from continuously learning, as everything is accessible through the Internet and from books which I invested in when I was still in China.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

Learning a language is difficult. There are no shortcuts to learning a language as you really need to invest time and perseverance in order to master any language. The personal challenge for me is with learning the tones, writing, and grammar structure as Mandarin has a totally different language system from the languages I was used to growing up.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

If you’re really serious about learning a new language, my only advice is to invest time, time, and more time! There are absolutely no shortcuts in learning any language. Take one to two hours each day in learning. Make sure to maximise the resources available on the Internet. Another key is learning the country’s culture, as it will help you gain a better understanding of how to communicate better using the language.

Jean-Claude Bardinat, 20

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

My mother is from Manila and my father is pure French from Paris, France. At an early age, I lost contact with my father. Since then, I’ve been wearing my Filipino identity. I have only spoken straight Filipino and English until my linguistic journey began in 2016.

It was when I was enrolled by the Embassy of France to a French learning institution called Alliance Française De Manille. After that, I commenced having a linguistic curiosity with European languages and some Asian languages like Japanese and Korean.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I enrolled myself in various cultural and literary institutions. I also took online free and paid classes, and took advantage of mobile applications. I utilise Duolingo, Memrise, Rosetta Stone, Beelinguapp, to name a few. I also downloaded some podcasts like Pimsleur and other specific language learning podcasts like Yes Japan, Deutsche Welle, Talk in French podcast with Frédérick Bibard, and many more. The online community is part of the reason why I can speak better and more confidently, so I also use Tandem Community to talk to people who fluently and natively speak the lingo I am presently learning.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

Between practical priorities and linguistic passions of mine, I really have to choose the former one. Time is more valuable to spend on something profitable but we are not limited to the financial needs of our lives. I really exercise my wisdom and strength in balancing my time by removing some of the things that have no great value for my whole day like laying in bed for a long time and doing nothing in front of social media.

I also changed the language of my phone to my target languages to make sure that whenever I do emails, take a phone call, or take notes, I am practically learning with real-life experience.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

Don’t forget your motivations and don’t be discouraged by your mistakes. To stay motivated, find a partner in learning. When I was starting to study, I grabbed my closest friend to join me and be my accountability for language exercise and exploration.

Motivation and partnerships are great in learning as you commence doing it, but it is the kind of fun that will drive you crazy and you will find true purpose and joy in this great adventure of ours. As you gain this over time, do not stay in your comfort zone, and remember development and progress doesn’t look the same in the time of hardships and asperity.

Chiekie Agngarayngay, 26

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, Fookien, Mandarin, and Nihongo.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

Growing up in a Filipino-Chinese community and studying in a Chinese School, being multilingual comes naturally for me. We speak Tagalog, English, Mandarin, and Fookien in natural conversations; it just depends on who we are talking with.

Last year, I took a basic Nihongo class to also learn the Japanese language. Because I was applying for work in Japan, I figured that learning basic vocabulary words could help me with my daily living. Living as a foreigner in Japan, you can’t always use your “foreigner card” or the “English-speaker card” to get by.

How did you learn the languages you know?

When I was still studying, we took Mandarin classes for almost three hours every day. We also learned about the culture, teaching philosophies, and beliefs of the Chinese. We had oral and written examinations for it, so studying the language is needed.

But I could say that having conversations with people is what retains the language. For Nihongo, watching series, asking my Japanese colleagues, and trying to speak the language is how I’m trying to reach a conversational skill level.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

In my experience, learning Nihongo is a bit of a challenge. They have complicated sets of alphabets – Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. So, learning them could really be tough. But I’ve been trying to overcome it by trying to read as many words as I can, may it be on the streets, in the restaurants, or in the mall to help me gain my speed in reading.

As for speaking, I try to converse in the Japanese language with my colleagues or when I buy my stuff in groceries, or even when I order food in the restaurants.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

Make sure that you passionately want to learn the language and know why you are pursuing it. It may be as simple as wanting to watch a Korean drama without reading the subtitles or just wanting to travel alone to a foreign land where English is not a common language.

Learning a language could be extremely challenging and frustrating at first, but your passion for it is what will make you keep going. Also, just have the confidence to speak the language. You may sound funny, you may say the words in a different accent, or you may commit a lot of mistakes, but just always remember to keep on trying until you make yourself proud.

Ryan Santiago, 29

Languages spoken

Tagalog, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Why the interest in learning new languages?

My appetite for life and learning has always been inexplicably strong. I was lucky that basic French was offered in our high school. I also studied as an exchange student in the US for a year, and this exposed me to a multitude of cultural experiences that further amplified my passion for languages.

Learning Spanish began my love affair with languages. Besides its influence on the history of the Philippines, I honestly adore the way it sounds. It’s a perfect combination of romantic, intelligent, and daring. Japanese, on the other hand, is playful-sounding and impressively intricate. Nothing pushed me to learn it. It just happened so naturally that, one day, I found myself browsing a Japanese learning material.

How did you learn the languages you know?

I learned both Spanish and Japanese on my own. I always start a language project by following a textbook as a guide while also using a plethora of resources (podcasts, writing exercises, music, etc.).

I also talk to myself a lot in the beginning stages. It’s important to be free to make mistakes without being judged, so self-talk is absolutely helpful. Once I’m confident that I have a substantial grasp of the basics, I intersperse my learning routine with conversations with native or higher-level speakers either through Skype or meet-ups.

What are your biggest challenges in doing so?

Finding native speakers who speak passable English can still be a challenge even in a cosmopolitan city like Manila. Language exchanges can be ineffective if your language partner can’t explain to you why your last phrase was grammatically incorrect in a language that you understand (e.g. English) especially in the initial stages.

A worthwhile workaround for me is to find Filipinos who have achieved a high level of proficiency in my target language. They may not be native speakers but, more often than not, they can satisfactorily describe the usage of certain words and phrases or expound a grammar point you’ve been struggling with.

Any language learning tips you’d give to aspiring Filipino polyglots?

I say master pronunciation first before learning to construct sentences. One of the major mistakes of beginner language learners is galloping through sentence formation with little emphasis on proper pronunciation. Prolonged mispronunciation can be very difficult to unlearn, and it can stunt our other linguistic abilities. From the point of view of listeners, language is sound first before it is meaning. You can only make sense of words if you hear them properly even if sometimes, they’re incorrectly positioned within a sentence.

But the same is not true for words that have not been captured because of bad pronunciation. Take your time and work on the pronunciation drills in your book. Listen to podcasts in your target language. YouTube has a wealth of pronunciation training videos that are aimed at beginners. Once you’re comfortable pronouncing at a moderate pace, you can dive into grammar and sentence formation.

Note: This is the first of a three-part article series on Filipino polyglots, their journeys, and language learning tips. Keep following TripZilla Philippines to stay updated!

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The quotes above have been edited for grammar, clarity, and flow. Illustration by Kevin Romas.