According to the 2021 Census, around 222,048 people in Australia speak Filipino or Tagalog at home. As the community grows, preserving the Filipino languages is crucial.
Language is more than communication—it encompasses history, culture, and identity. Without efforts to maintain it, younger generations may lose the connection with their roots. One effective way to support language preservation is by providing access to in-language resources in Australia. To do this, organisations wanting to reach the Filipino community can commission community translation services for their most important content.
The Role of Language in Cultural Identity
Language plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining cultural identity. For Filipino Australians, the ability to speak and understand their native tongue fosters a sense of belonging within their community. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and other Filipino languages contain expressions, proverbs, and concepts that are deeply rooted in Philippine history and traditions.
However, as younger generations grow up in an English-speaking environment, many lose fluency in their heritage language. This shift can create a disconnect between older and younger family members, making it difficult to pass down traditions, stories, and values. Encouraging bilingualism or multilingualism ensures that Filipino Australians can engage with both their Australian and Filipino identities.
Challenges in Maintaining Filipino Languages
Despite the importance of language preservation, several challenges make it difficult for Filipino languages to thrive in Australia:
Dominance of English in Everyday Life
Schools, workplaces, and mainstream media primarily operate in English, making it easy for younger generations to prioritize English over their native language. For example, children might prefer watching English-language TV shows or reading English books, which can lead to a gradual decline in their proficiency in Filipino languages.
Lack of Institutional Support
While some community organisations and cultural groups offer Filipino language classes, these programs are not always widely available. For instance, a family living in a rural area may not have access to any nearby institutions offering Filipino language education, limiting opportunities for structured learning.
Social Factors
Some families prioritize English to help children integrate more easily into Australian society, believing that strong English skills will lead to better academic and professional opportunities. This can result in less emphasis on speaking Filipino languages at home. For example, parents might encourage their children to use English during family conversations to improve their fluency, inadvertently leading to the erosion of their native language skills.
How Community Translation Services Can Help Preserve Filipino Languages in Australia
Community translation services play a crucial role in maintaining Filipino languages among migrant communities. These services ensure that important information, such as government communications and health promotion materials are accessible in Filipino languages. This is particularly helpful for older generations who may not be fluent in English, allowing them to stay informed and engaged in Australian society.
Additionally, translation services help bridge the language gap between generations. When young Filipino Australians see official materials translated into their native language, it reinforces the importance of their linguistic heritage. It also provides opportunities for them to engage with their language outside the home, strengthening their fluency and appreciation for their cultural identity.
Ultimately, by commissioning Filipino translation services, organisations would also be supporting Filipino translators as community translations are usually done locally within the different multicultural communities in Australia. Let’s take an active approach to preserving the Filipino linguistic and cultural heritage in Australia.
