Wikang Filipino
Native Speakers: 29 million; L2 Speakers: 54 million
Philippines
Official: Philippines
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian
Filipino, the national language of the Philippines and based largely on Tagalog, is an Austronesian language with subject–verb–object (SVO) word order in casual speech, though verb-initial structures (VSO) are common in formal or traditional syntax. It features a rich system of focus and voice marking, allowing speakers to highlight different parts of a sentence (e.g., actor, object, location) through verbal affixes. Filipino has a relatively simple phonology, with five vowels and around 16 consonants, and uses reduplication for grammatical and expressive purposes. The language is also notable for its extensive code-switching with English (known as Taglish), a result of historical American influence, and it includes loanwords from Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and native Philippine languages.
The Filipino language, based on Tagalog, has several regional dialects that reflect the linguistic diversity of its native speakers across different parts of Luzon. Major Tagalog dialects include Batangas Tagalog, known for its conservative features and distinct vocabulary; Manila Tagalog, which forms the basis of Standard Filipino and incorporates many Spanish and English loanwords; and Laguna and Quezon Tagalog, which display unique intonation patterns and local expressions. While these dialects are mutually intelligible, they differ in pronunciation, verb usage, and vocabulary. Filipino also incorporates words and influences from other major Philippine languages, such as Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon, especially in media and education, making it a dynamic and evolving standard language.
Latin script
In the United States, Filipino (based primarily on Tagalog) is one of the most widely spoken Asian languages, especially among the large Filipino-American population. It is most commonly spoken in states with significant Filipino communities, including California, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, and New York. California alone accounts for a substantial portion, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Filipino is often spoken at home and within community and religious organizations, while English remains dominant in public life. Despite strong English proficiency among Filipino-Americans, efforts to preserve the language continue through cultural events, language classes, and bilingual media.
At Latitude Prime, we offer Filipino translation, Filipino interpretation, and Filipino localization services in numerous specialized subject areas and multiple dialects. Whether you need to translate legal documents from Filipino into English for an asylum hearing or visa processing, need a Filipino interpreter for a business meeting in Manila, or want to localize your website into Filipino to market your products or services in the Philippines, Latitude Prime has the customized language solution to meet all your Filipino language needs.
