Balancing Global and Local: English Language Policy and Cultural Preservation in the Philippines

Abstract

The language policy in the multilinguals societies tends to show the contradiction between global communication and local culture maintenance. This paper addresses the impacts of prioritization of the English language in the Philippines on the socio-cultural activities and preservation of indigenous languages. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, which forms the basis of the study through the use of interviews as a source of research data. The data offer an understanding of how the participants perceive the prioritization of English language and their competency and level of language use. The results will endeavor to point out the influence of the increased focus of the English language on individual identity, education process and socializing among the Filipino communities. Concurrently, the paper also looks into issues touching on the maintenance of local languages and cultural heritage in the context of the growing globalization of language. Through the study of these dynamics, the research is relevant to the debate on the policy of languages as the researchers highlight the importance of a moderate means of strengthening the English language at the expense of the local languages and cultural backgrounds. Finally, the research provides information to policy makers and educators when developing policies in education and linguistics that address the dynamics of multilingual societies such as the Philippines. The results aim to encourage more inclusive language use, which facilitates the global interaction as well as maintenance of linguistic and cultural diversity.