The Case for Speaking in Our Native Language

Posted on February 10th, 2010. Written by Rico.

A couple of years ago, Ms. Nikko Santos made her YouTube debut on Wowowee’s Ms. Fitrum.

The following online video chronicles a white-skinned, scantily-clad woman with a quick mind, “handicapped” by her lack of English proficiency:

Nikko obviously knows what she’s saying, and the audience totally appreciates it. At the same time however, her English (or lack of it) gives her the classic oh-my-god-his/her-English-is-totally-wrong Filipino hilarity.

Why are we so “hard” on people who get English wrong? This sounds like a funny question coming from me, someone whose first language is English. But my lack of proficiency in Tagalog and even Bicolano, which I should’ve picked up from 6 years of studying in Ateneo de Naga, continues to be a source of personal shame. In fact, I think people should be mocking me for not knowing enough of my native language—which is why I’m glad some friends shake consider my English-centric communication skills hilarious in their own way.

I guess the point is that, back in 2008, Nikko Santos felt compelled to communicate in English. Aside from being asked the question in that language, she probably thought speaking in our favorite language (yes, our favorite language) would make a better impression. But perhaps she would’ve made a better impact if she stuck to Filipino? I guess the same applies to Janina San Miguel as well, who became Miss World Philippines despite—or probably because of—her lack of English proficiency.