Why So Many Filipino Americans Don't Speak a Filipino Language
Many Filipino Americans grew up understanding their lola but unable to answer back. If that's you, it's not a personal failure. It's history.
1. English was forced into schools
A 1901 colonial law built the Philippine public school system around English, and American teachers — the Thomasites — were sent to teach it.
2. Local languages were punished
For generations, students were penalized for speaking their home languages at school. In 2013, students in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, made headlines when they were reportedly disciplined for speaking Ilocano.
3. English meant success
Colonial schooling tied English to jobs, status and power. Many families learned that the way up was through English.
4. Immigration ran on English
Many Filipinos came to the U.S. through professions like nursing, where English fluency was the ticket in.
5. Accents cost jobs
Parents who faced discrimination for their accents often wanted their kids to sound "American."
6. Banned at work
In 2012, Delano Regional Medical Center in California agreed to a $975,000 settlement after Filipino nurses said they were banned from speaking Tagalog at work.
7. Bad expert advice
Parents were often told that raising kids with two languages would confuse them. Research shows that's a myth — bilingual kids do fine.
8. School takes over
Once kids start school in English, they switch — and parents often switch with them.
9. Many languages in one home
The Philippines has more than 180 languages. An Ilocano mom and a Bisaya dad may end up speaking English to each other — and to their kids.
10. Shamed from both sides
Kids get called "FOB" at school and teased by titas for not speaking. Many just stop trying.
Why it matters now
Language carries stories, humor and ways of seeing the world that don't translate. In the Philippines, a 2024 law ended the use of mother tongues as the main language of instruction in early grades, raising new concerns about heritage languages at home too.
It's not too late
Ask your elders to speak to you. Take a class. Watch Filipino films with subtitles. Learn the songs your parents sang.
But it can't all be on you
Telling every Fil-Am to "just learn it" puts a system's failure on individuals. In 1965, the Manongs walked out of Delano's grape fields and fought for what their community needed. We can do the same for our culture: push school districts to fund Tagalog, Ilocano and Bisaya classes, back community language programs and teachers, and show up at school board and budget meetings. Collective problem, collective fix.
Which language did your family speak?
Sources
Shop the story
Wear the history. These Ugat pieces carry the roots behind this post:
Know History, Know Self. No History, No Self.
Ugat means root. We design Filipino streetwear rooted in our history, from Baybayin tees to our oversized barong-style jerseys. Follow us on Instagram at @ugatclothing.
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