THE PHILIPPINES ENGLISH ACCENT

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The official language of the Philippines is English, alongside the Filipino language. Naturally, the Filipino accent has variations in the pronunciation of some sounds, as well as the use of some words derived from both Filipino and Spanish.

Today you will find Filipinos all over the world, as they have emigrated for commerce, business, and studies. For this reason, learning to understand the English of the Philippines with ABA English will be very useful to you.

PHILIPPINES ENGLISH ACCENT

The Filipino accent has influence from Spanish and the Filipino language. Why? Well, Filipino is the original language of the Philippines, but during its history, the country was also a Spanish colony. This is the reason why you will find many Spanish words mixed with English, as well as personal and place names.

And due to this influence, it might sometimes be difficult for you to understand, not only because of the specific words but also due to the variation of some phonemes. However, it is also very likely that you will get familiar with it quickly. Whether you travel, do business, or study in English, it will be very valuable to know this accent.

HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE PHILIPPINES ENGLISH ACCENT?

Now, let’s see how the English pronunciation of Filipinos is. First, we will talk about the most characteristic sounds and then, we will cover some words you might hear from a Filipino friend.

First of all, you will be surprised to know that in the Filipino accent you will never hear the sound /f/, it will always be replaced by the sound /p/. For example, follow will be pronounced /pɒloʊ/, first /pirst/, fact /pakt/, family /pamli/, find /pɐjnd/.

The sound /v/ does not exist either, it will be always replaced by /b/. For example, victory will be /bɪktri/ and value /bælyu/. This might be due to the influence of Spanish, since in many Spanish-speaking places this pronunciation difference is not made either.

Another feature in phoneme production is that the sounds th /θ/ and /ð/ do not exist and are replaced by /t/ or /d/. So, thumb will be /tʌm/, that will be /dət/.

Now, let’s move to some words that are part of the Filipino English vocabulary. And don’t be surprised to find some related to Spanish!

Carnap = To steal a car.

Estafa = To cheat or deceive someone.

Gimmik = To go out at night with friends.

Barangay = A small neighborhood of a city.

Mabuhay = Welcome, goodbye.

LEARN THE PHILIPPINES ENGLISH ACCENT WITH ABA ENGLISH

As you can imagine, learning the Philippines English accent will be very useful, especially if you need to speak English with Filipinos. The ABA English course is designed so that it will allow you to learn to differentiate and understand the different accents of English, because with the ABA Films you will see and hear actors from different countries. Also, learning with movies will help you improve your English level naturally and through context.

Explore other accents:

WHY ABA ENGLISH?

ABA English is your best option if you want to learn English at your own pace through an online course. You can use the device you prefer – computer, mobile or tablet – and follow a study plan made for you. Set a goal and go for it. A teacher will accompany you from day one to help you achieve it.

Your level does not matter. You can start from the beginning, at Beginners level, and reach the Business C1 level. Every time you pass a level, you will receive an official ABA English certificate that you can share on LinkedIn.

We have for you an exclusive and effective method, based on an engaging and exciting learning experience. We know if there is no interest, there are no results. That is why all our units start with watching a short film, the ABA Films.

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