STUDENTS strongly support the preservation and promotion of the Filipino language, a recent survey by De La Salle University’s newly established language center Sentro sa Pagsasalin, Intelektuwalisasyon, at Adbokasiya (DLSU Salita) showed.
While 64 percent of respondents to the “Survey on the Linguistic Situation at DLSU” said they were proficient in both Filipino and English, a significant majority (83 percent) believed it was important to actively develop and promote Filipino, especially in a university setting.
Interestingly, the study revealed that both students and professors are open to using Filipino as a language of instruction in graded subjects, even within the core curriculum, despite 67 percent of respondents preferring to answer the survey in English due to greater familiarity.
The findings highlight a crucial need addressed by DLSU Salita, the university’s central hub for all matters related to the Filipino language, the center said.
DLSU Salita aims to empower younger generations to embrace their linguistic heritage, driven by the awareness of the challenges facing Filipino and other Philippine languages.
DLSU Salita Director Raquel Sison-Buban said, “Our goal is to make Filipino a language of aspiration, confidently used in academic discourse, research and daily life.”
“It carries the stories of our ancestors and the wisdom of generations. The future of our language rests in the hands of the youth, and we are committed to empowering them to become the stewards and advocates this linguistic heritage deserves,” Sison-Buban added.
DLSU Salita operates under the Office of the Associate Provost and offers a range of language-focused initiatives: providing professional translation services, fostering Filipino language education and spearheading various translation-related activities. From translator training and language editing to advocacy programs, DLSU Salita is actively engaged in creating a supportive ecosystem for the Filipino language.
One of its key focuses is elevating Filipino as “a language of intellect and culture,” which involves “translating significant literary works, developing specialized terminologies within different fields, and encouraging research conducted entirely in Filipino.”
To ensure high standards, DLSU Salita said it was also involved in editing, evaluating and certifying translations, further solidifying the use of Filipino in academic and professional spheres.
The center’s commitment extends beyond a single language in recognizing the many Philippine dialects facing extinction and taking action to preserve this vital linguistic heritage. This includes expanding its translation services to encompass endangered languages, promoting research and documentation efforts, and advocating for policies that champion mother tongue-based multilingual education.
The impact of DLSU Salita is already evident within the university and beyond. The Language Proficiency Program, for instance, has blossomed into a sought-after experience, attracting even international students who are increasingly advocating for Filipino language learning.
“We must move away from the belief that Filipino is inferior to English,” Sison-Buban said, emphasizing the need to shift societal perceptions and highlight the economic, cultural and historical value of Filipino languages.
“Eventually, once we strengthen our pool of translators, we hope to offer translation services for English and Filipino and, ideally, for all major languages used in the country,” she said.
Source:
journal.com.ph
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