Mabuhay! Tagalog, also known as Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines.
Related: Yuchengco Philippine Studies ProgramIt is widely spoken in the Philippines and overseas, both by immigrants and overseas workers. Tagalog belongs to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages. The language is syllabic and focuses on aspect (whether an action has been completed) rather than tense (when an action has happened). Reduplication, affixation, linkers, and noun markers characterize the language. Because of trade and colonization, there are influences of Chinese and Spanish. Some English words have also crept into the language because of U.S. occupation and world influence; interestingly, the words “boondocks” and “amok” both have their origins in the Filipino language. In studying Tagalog at the University of San Francisco, (USF) you can fulfill the University language requirement, study abroad in the Philippines, and enhance your personal knowledge of Filipino culture and heritage.
