Archive for March 2014
Filipinism - Words That Must be Avoided to Improve English Proficiency
Have you ever heard of the word “filipinism”?
English proficiency has become an essential requirement in both work and education nowadays. The use of the English language has spread all over the globe as more and more nationalities study English for their careers and studies. In the Philippine setting, English is used almost every day in formal and even informal situations. Thus, it is easy to say that Filipinos are quite accustomed to using the language. However, though Filipinos sound professional once they converse in English, there are some minor problems with their construction and even in some phrases that they use.
Filipinism – these are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually grammatically incorrect and are a result of transliteration. These filipinisms are commonly heard in conversations and even some in writing. This is alarming since they contain grammar errors and should be corrected. Here are some filipinisms and their correct usage:
1. Come again?
This is a common expression Filipinos use to say “could you repeat that?” Instead of saying “come again”, it is better to say “I am sorry I didn’t get that”, “Excuse me?”, “I am sorry, would you please say that again?”
2. It’s for free!
It should be “It’s free!” or “It’s free of charge!”
3. Open the light/computer/TV
Might as well get a screw driver and start “opening” that thing. Instead of the verb “turn on”, use the verb “switch on/ff.”
4. He/She was salvaged.
The word “salvage” means “to save somebody or something.” Filipinos have another meaning of it which means “to kill”. To make this correct, it should be said as, “He/She was assassinated.”
5. Where are you studying?
This question can be answered by simply telling a place where you study – library, bed room, or even coffee shops. But some use this expression to ask about “the school” where one is enrolled. Hence, it should be corrected by saying, “Where do you go to school? or Which school do you go to?”
6. Aircon – air conditioner
7. Fall in line – stand in line
8. For a while – please hold; hold on
9. Ref – refrigerator; fridge
10. Rubber shoes – sneakers; trainers, running shoes
Because of its constant usage within conversations, these filipinisms have started to be acceptable; however, in English proficiency training, this should be greatly avoided. These expressions have to be used in their correct usage to avoid confusion and errors in both speaking and writing English.
Source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/FilipinismPhrase/wkxcw/post.htm
Filipinism – these are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually grammatically incorrect and are a result of transliteration. These filipinisms are commonly heard in conversations and even some in writing. This is alarming since they contain grammar errors and should be corrected. Here are some filipinisms and their correct usage:
1. Come again?
This is a common expression Filipinos use to say “could you repeat that?” Instead of saying “come again”, it is better to say “I am sorry I didn’t get that”, “Excuse me?”, “I am sorry, would you please say that again?”
2. It’s for free!
It should be “It’s free!” or “It’s free of charge!”
3. Open the light/computer/TV
Might as well get a screw driver and start “opening” that thing. Instead of the verb “turn on”, use the verb “switch on/ff.”
4. He/She was salvaged.
The word “salvage” means “to save somebody or something.” Filipinos have another meaning of it which means “to kill”. To make this correct, it should be said as, “He/She was assassinated.”
5. Where are you studying?
This question can be answered by simply telling a place where you study – library, bed room, or even coffee shops. But some use this expression to ask about “the school” where one is enrolled. Hence, it should be corrected by saying, “Where do you go to school? or Which school do you go to?”
6. Aircon – air conditioner
7. Fall in line – stand in line
8. For a while – please hold; hold on
9. Ref – refrigerator; fridge
10. Rubber shoes – sneakers; trainers, running shoes
Because of its constant usage within conversations, these filipinisms have started to be acceptable; however, in English proficiency training, this should be greatly avoided. These expressions have to be used in their correct usage to avoid confusion and errors in both speaking and writing English.
Source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/FilipinismPhrase/wkxcw/post.htm
