As a FirstSecond-generation Canadian, I feel that it’s something of a blessing that my parents made it a point for me to learn Filipino. It’s a good skill to have because it’s a link to my parents’ culture which I wouldn’t normally have growing up here. Even though my hold on the language is pretty loose, I can still get by and have broken conversations. Sometimes I find myself a little embarrassed attempting to converse with relatives though because inevitably they’ll poke fun at a malapropism or say something to the effect of “I love it when you speak Tagalog! It’s so cute!” Blarg. So, I’m not exactly confident.

Lately though, I’ve been kind of getting over my shyness over using the language in public. How? Well, I mean, I encounter Filipinos in a few places from day to day. Most of the time I’ll greet them as I would other people with a simple “hello!” However, sometimes I’ll have the presence of mind to attempt a “kumusta!” When I do though I get a little nervous.

Will they start speaking fast?
Will I be able to understand and come up with good responses?
Am I using the correct honorific particles where needed?

Seriously! It’s hard to get into using respectful forms of Filipino because there sort of isn’t any direct equivalent in English. Now, all I know is that it’s probably a safe bet to throw in a “po” here and there to at least have a semblance of respect. God, the last thing I want to do is offend the people I’m trying to link with in new ways. Do I need my pharmacist thinking that I’m an ass?

Anyway, this is a skill that I want to build on. I wouldn’t have readily pinned the language as part of my identity, but as my parents get older I’m finding that it’s becoming more and more important to me. I may not become proficient at it, but at least I’ll be capable.