Translation

[Skeeter211 2]

I am not trying to start a fight and I am definitely not trying to say that "English is a superior language", so please don't misunderstand me.

I come to these boards, an American who speaks only English, and find that many of the posts are in the OP's native language from the Philippines. It's hard to keep interest in something when I open the topic and find that I cannot understand what it says. On the contrary, I think most Filipinos that are in a relationship with a USC can understand at least a fair amount of English already without having to learn anything new. I know that maybe those people feel more comfortable in their own language and don't mean any offense by what I am saying. I also don't mean any offense in asking if people can post in English too so that the USC here, most of whom speak English I would assume, could participate in the conversation as well and possibly provide some help/information. Even if it is not the intent, it makes me feel like those posters want to talk amongst only Filipinos, knowing that most Americans don't understand them. I realize that is probably not the case and its more of a comfort level, but I hope those others can realize its very exclusionary. I also realize that not every post is in the languages of the Philippines. I am just asking as a courtesy that you at least consider using English when posting if possible.

Thanks for the time in reading.

Scott

[AbbynSheryl 0]

i agree with u bcz it is so annoying when u can not read the post. abby n sheryl

[RDDIXON 0]

I always use English when my husband is around and even when I'm chatting on Yahoo with family in the RP for, in my opinion, it is the most respectful thing to do. Sad to see so many posts in Tagalog when much of the audience are English only.

A lot of Filipinos are afraid to speak in English and write in English when other Filipinos can hear or read, because they are afraid they will judge their English (and laugh at them.... even if it is a silent laugh).

[thepizzadude 26]

Its actually not allowed EXCEPT in the regional forums, it won't change. BUT I do agree sometimes its frustrating to read 10-12 posts in a thread and then the thread takes off in a different language. I just call my wife over to interpret or start typing in SPANISH

[Skeeter211 2]

Thank you for all of the replies and understanding. As I said before, I really think it is a matter of comfort level and not an intention on anyone's part to exclude people from the conversation. I know my wife speaks very good English for someone that learned it as a third language. Even so, she is also shy to speak in English when she is with people she doesn't know, so I understand the feelings. However, I personally would never make fun of someone on these boards for their English, no matter how imperfect it might be. I have never seen anyone here do anything like that as well, but I admit I don't read every posting. I would encourage those that feel self-conscious about their English skill to use it more and read it here for as they say, practice makes perfect.

Thank you again for all of your understanding responses.

Scott

[Loolie 56]

I am not trying to start a fight and I am definitely not trying to say that "English is a superior language", so please don't misunderstand me.

I come to these boards, an American who speaks only English, and find that many of the posts are in the OP's native language from the Philippines. It's hard to keep interest in something when I open the topic and find that I cannot understand what it says. On the contrary, I think most Filipinos that are in a relationship with a USC can understand at least a fair amount of English already without having to learn anything new. I know that maybe those people feel more comfortable in their own language and don't mean any offense by what I am saying. I also don't mean any offense in asking if people can post in English too so that the USC here, most of whom speak English I would assume, could participate in the conversation as well and possibly provide some help/information. Even if it is not the intent, it makes me feel like those posters want to talk amongst only Filipinos, knowing that most Americans don't understand them. I realize that is probably not the case and its more of a comfort level, but I hope those others can realize its very exclusionary. I also realize that not every post is in the languages of the Philippines. I am just asking as a courtesy that you at least consider using English when posting if possible.

Thanks for the time in reading.

Scott

no offense too...

filipinos tried and are trying so hard to learn english language...some fail and some succeed...so i guess its also fair enough for you to learn our language so you can also understand us...right?hehhehehhe

[Completely 3]

Thank you for all of the replies and understanding. As I said before, I really think it is a matter of comfort level and not an intention on anyone's part to exclude people from the conversation. I know my wife speaks very good English for someone that learned it as a third language. Even so, she is also shy to speak in English when she is with people she doesn't know, so I understand the feelings. However, I personally would never make fun of someone on these boards for their English, no matter how imperfect it might be. I have never seen anyone here do anything like that as well, but I admit I don't read every posting. I would encourage those that feel self-conscious about their English skill to use it more and read it here for as they say, practice makes perfect.

Thank you again for all of your understanding responses.

Scott

Good point Scott. Some Filipinos think that because it is a regional forum, they can post topic in our own language.. It does not mean to offend anyone, but basically sometimes it is just a non sense topic, and some filipino does not want anybody from other country to participate on the particular topic or they maybe shy on their grammar, whatsoever. I can totally understand your point, as sometimes there are some member of VJ posted topic in Spanish in Philippine forum, it does not make any sense at all.. But all you have to do is just ignore that topic.

Edited August 26, 2009 by Completely

[bowgirl 8]

I am not trying to start a fight and I am definitely not trying to say that "English is a superior language", so please don't misunderstand me.

I come to these boards, an American who speaks only English, and find that many of the posts are in the OP's native language from the Philippines. It's hard to keep interest in something when I open the topic and find that I cannot understand what it says. On the contrary, I think most Filipinos that are in a relationship with a USC can understand at least a fair amount of English already without having to learn anything new. I know that maybe those people feel more comfortable in their own language and don't mean any offense by what I am saying. I also don't mean any offense in asking if people can post in English too so that the USC here, most of whom speak English I would assume, could participate in the conversation as well and possibly provide some help/information. Even if it is not the intent, it makes me feel like those posters want to talk amongst only Filipinos, knowing that most Americans don't understand them. I realize that is probably not the case and its more of a comfort level, but I hope those others can realize its very exclusionary. I also realize that not every post is in the languages of the Philippines. I am just asking as a courtesy that you at least consider using English when posting if possible.

Thanks for the time in reading.

Scott

anyone in particular you're referring to for posting tagalog posts/replies? i agree with you that english should be used when posting but we are in filipino forum.. i think that's the reason why they have the regional forums so that those in the same region can gather together and share views whether in tagalog or english and visitors should deal with it..when you enter Philippines forum, you should expect that most of the posts (if not all) will be in our native language because it's"ours"..hey, not trying to be selfish here, hehehe..that's just my opinion for what its worth. btw, have you seen tagalog posts in other forum?

Edited August 26, 2009 by chris@beth

[Tahoma 2,292]

Why don't you simply ask your wife to translate for you. It is an activity that you two can do together. She may appreciate your interest in her language and culture, and you may enjoy free Tagalog lessons.

~ Tahoma

[muñequita linda 0]

Good point Scott. Some Filipinos think that because it is a regional forum, they can post topic in our own language.. It does not mean to offend anyone, but basically sometimes it is just a non sense topic, and some filipino does not want anybody from other country to participate on the particular topic or they maybe shy on their grammar, whatsoever. I can totally understand your point, as sometimes there are some member of VJ posted topic in Spanish in Philippine forum, it does not make any sense at all.. But all you have to do is just ignore that topic.

¿Y qué? No hay ninguna razón aquí que no podemos usar la lengua de Ibarra y Maria Clara. Por lo tanto, favor de callar.

[Skeeter211 2]

To answer the questions above.....

Tahoma....I do ask my wife to translate sometimes, but she doesn't really like to do it. She is also busy with school so I hate to bother her just to read the internet for me. I know that is my problem and not yours. I am just saying that it's not always as easy as having someone else translate it for you or learning Tagalog myself. On the other hand, I would bet that most people that post in Tagalog here already know a bit of English and just prefer to use their native language. I don't believe either position is incorrect. I was just asking for a little help for those of us that don't, from those of you that do.

Chris@Beth....no, I am not referring to anyone, but just the situation itself. I guess it was prompted when I was reading the post from Xylide in the thread about the ticket scam and wanted to understand her response to the "alleged offense". No such luck and I still don't know how she explained it. Can you translate that for me? hehehe (Joke!) As I said though, this is not an issue referring to Xylide, but the situation of English vs. Tagalog itself. I understand your point of this being a regional forum for Filipinos to gather and talk and I am glad it's here for that. I think its important that Filipinos stay in touch with each other. Just understand that husbands (or wives in some cases) of Filipinos are interested in your lives, your culture, your jokes, your fears, your questions and your needs too but we get excluded by the language barrier sometimes. I don't expect my request to have a big impact on what people post here. I understand there are those that will say, "Why should I?", and I respect that opinion. I was merely asking for some consideration to those of us that follow these forums that are only English speaking. As you asked, I have not seen Tagalog posts in other forums, but another poster said its not allowed outside the regional forums.

Completely....thanks for the understanding. As you pointed out....I hope people can try and understand how it would feel to them if two people came in here and started speaking Spanish all the time. Wouldn't someone ask that they speak either Tagolog or English so that people knew what was being said? I actually think some might be offended and ask them not to post in those languages. True, this is a Filipino forum, but nothing would prevent someone from posting here in Spanish, French, Russian, or whatever language. You could just ignore the threads they were posting in, but what if they posted all over this regional forum. Or what if your spouse was from Japan and you wanted to visit a Japanese regional forums, but every third post was in Japanese. I guess what am trying to say is that since English is a common language that most of us can speak and understand to some degree, why not use it when possible? I know I will not change many minds here, but at least I feel better having said it.

bmtrrt.... I totally understand what you are saying. I did try and learn some Tagalog from my wife and online, but I am hopeless. It's hard teaching an old dog new tricks. hehehe But I say that with the understanding that I am asking people to speak a language they may also not be totally comfortable with. Having said that, I would guess a majority of people here visiting this website from the Philippines are immigrating to America, which is an English speaking country, so getting comfortable with English can only be helpful to them. I have also never read any post here that has made fun of or criticized anyone for their English skills and if it happened, that person wouldn't be around long. I'm sure if it.

To all replies.....I respect all of your feelings on the subject and I don't expect you to change your ways if its not something you feel comfortable with. I was just asking for some consideration to those of us that don't understand, Tagalog, or Bisaya, or Ilocano, or whatever Filipino dialect that is used. If you can help out this American a little, then great. If not, then so be it. I understand that I will probably just have to live with understanding only half of what I read here.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and letting me vent.

Scott

[Completely 3]

To answer the questions above.....

Tahoma....I do ask my wife to translate sometimes, but she doesn't really like to do it. She is also busy with school so I hate to bother her just to read the internet for me. I know that is my problem and not yours. I am just saying that it's not always as easy as having someone else translate it for you or learning Tagalog myself. On the other hand, I would bet that most people that post in Tagalog here already know a bit of English and just prefer to use their native language. I don't believe either position is incorrect. I was just asking for a little help for those of us that don't, from those of you that do.

Chris@Beth....no, I am not referring to anyone, but just the situation itself. I guess it was prompted when I was reading the post from Xylide in the thread about the ticket scam and wanted to understand her response to the "alleged offense". No such luck and I still don't know how she explained it. Can you translate that for me? hehehe (Joke!) As I said though, this is not an issue referring to Xylide, but the situation of English vs. Tagalog itself. I understand your point of this being a regional forum for Filipinos to gather and talk and I am glad it's here for that. I think its important that Filipinos stay in touch with each other. Just understand that husbands (or wives in some cases) of Filipinos are interested in your lives, your culture, your jokes, your fears, your questions and your needs too but we get excluded by the language barrier sometimes. I don't expect my request to have a big impact on what people post here. I understand there are those that will say, "Why should I?", and I respect that opinion. I was merely asking for some consideration to those of us that follow these forums that are only English speaking. As you asked, I have not seen Tagalog posts in other forums, but another poster said its not allowed outside the regional forums.

Completely....thanks for the understanding. As you pointed out....I hope people can try and understand how it would feel to them if two people came in here and started speaking Spanish all the time. Wouldn't someone ask that they speak either Tagolog or English so that people knew what was being said? I actually think some might be offended and ask them not to post in those languages. True, this is a Filipino forum, but nothing would prevent someone from posting here in Spanish, French, Russian, or whatever language. You could just ignore the threads they were posting in, but what if they posted all over this regional forum. Or what if your spouse was from Japan and you wanted to visit a Japanese regional forums, but every third post was in Japanese. I guess what am trying to say is that since English is a common language that most of us can speak and understand to some degree, why not use it when possible? I know I will not change many minds here, but at least I feel better having said it.

bmtrrt.... I totally understand what you are saying. I did try and learn some Tagalog from my wife and online, but I am hopeless. It's hard teaching an old dog new tricks. hehehe But I say that with the understanding that I am asking people to speak a language they may also not be totally comfortable with. Having said that, I would guess a majority of people here visiting this website from the Philippines are immigrating to America, which is an English speaking country, so getting comfortable with English can only be helpful to them. I have also never read any post here that has made fun of or criticized anyone for their English skills and if it happened, that person wouldn't be around long. I'm sure if it.

To all replies.....I respect all of your feelings on the subject and I don't expect you to change your ways if its not something you feel comfortable with. I was just asking for some consideration to those of us that don't understand, Tagalog, or Bisaya, or Ilocano, or whatever Filipino dialect that is used. If you can help out this American a little, then great. If not, then so be it. I understand that I will probably just have to live with understanding only half of what I read here.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and letting me vent.

Scott

Skeeter, when I went to Texas for vacation, and my inlaws were talking in spanish, i felt like an outcast..), i felt like they are being rude, because they can speak english and yet they speak spanish in front of me..maybe they dont mean anything, but you know when you dont understand the language, you kinda feel that you are an outcast.. and i realized that this is the way probably my husband feel whenever I was talking to someone in tagalog. Because of that, I put in mind that I have to stop using my native language, when there is other nationality around me..

I can understand your sentiment )

[Zen Den 18]

I am not trying to start a fight and I am definitely not trying to say that "English is a superior language", so please don't misunderstand me.

I come to these boards, an American who speaks only English, and find that many of the posts are in the OP's native language from the Philippines. It's hard to keep interest in something when I open the topic and find that I cannot understand what it says. On the contrary, I think most Filipinos that are in a relationship with a USC can understand at least a fair amount of English already without having to learn anything new. I know that maybe those people feel more comfortable in their own language and don't mean any offense by what I am saying. I also don't mean any offense in asking if people can post in English too so that the USC here, most of whom speak English I would assume, could participate in the conversation as well and possibly provide some help/information. Even if it is not the intent, it makes me feel like those posters want to talk amongst only Filipinos, knowing that most Americans don't understand them. I realize that is probably not the case and its more of a comfort level, but I hope those others can realize its very exclusionary. I also realize that not every post is in the languages of the Philippines. I am just asking as a courtesy that you at least consider using English when posting if possible.

Thanks for the time in reading.

Scott

you're absolutely right. i think it's mostly for the comfort level that some people get in writing in specific languages/dialects, because it enables them to express in the clearest and most specfic manner and obviously hope those who speak in the same language would reply.

let's just be more understanding and ignore what we read that we can't understand...less stress, hehe, or take it as a challenge and learn to translate with the help of our SOs.

[Tahoma 2,292]

To answer the questions above.....

Tahoma....I do ask my wife to translate sometimes, but she doesn't really like to do it. She is also busy with school so I hate to bother her just to read the internet for me. I know that is my problem and not yours. I am just saying that it's not always as easy as having someone else translate it for you or learning Tagalog myself. On the other hand, I would bet that most people that post in Tagalog here already know a bit of English and just prefer to use their native language. I don't believe either position is incorrect. I was just asking for a little help for those of us that don't, from those of you that do.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and letting me vent.

Scott

Hi Scott,

I understand your frustration. It is sad that your wife is not helpful enough in translating the language. I have always enjoyed translating Tagalog/Visayan discussions here with my husband and he learns a lot that way too.

As you notice, most Visa-related topics here are in English. Filipinos understand that they will get more replies that way. Also if someone posts in English, he/she will get a reply in English too.

When it comes to some off-topic discussions, you will see that Filipinas are more comfortable speaking on their native dialect, you also have to understand that most who post here are already in the US and posting in their native language is one way for them to deal with homesickness. I appreciate the fact that my husband has always encourage me to speak or write in Tagalog, he does not want me to forget my language.

I know it can be frustrating because sometimes I see posts here in other dialects and I don't understand them, so I just tend to ignore the thread.

Anyway, don't hesitate to ask people here to translate some specific post for you. They will always be happy to translate it.

Goodluck.

~Chinook

[XR600SM 0]

anyone in particular you're referring to for posting tagalog posts/replies? i agree with you that english should be used when posting but we are in filipino forum.. i think that's the reason why they have the regional forums so that those in the same region can gather together and share views whether in tagalog or english and visitors should deal with it..when you enter Philippines forum, you should expect that most of the posts (if not all) will be in our native language because it's"ours"..hey, not trying to be selfish here, hehehe..that's just my opinion for what its worth. btw, have you seen tagalog posts in other forum?

Native language.......and which one is that? It's funny to be in a room full of filipinos that can't understand each other. My girl hates to talk tagalog and would rather speak english I think. Rather than fight over tagalog and bisaya (and plenty of others), they should have just made english the national language with their fascination of "americans" anyway.