About Us

Keep It Spoken is a passionate initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the linguistic heritage of the Philippines. We believe that each of the nation’s languages holds unique stories, wisdom, and cultural value. Our work focuses on creating awareness, fostering appreciation, and supporting efforts to protect these languages for future generations.

Vision

To be a leading force in safeguarding the Philippines’ linguistic diversity, inspiring Filipinos to honor and cherish the wealth of languages that enrich our cultural identity and bridge generations.

Mission

Our mission is to advocate for the preservation of the Philippines' languages by:

Raising awareness about the cultural and historical importance of each language.

Showcasing the unique characteristics and quirks of each of the country's languages.

Encouraging the Filipino people to preserve and pass down their languages to future generations.

About the Languages in the Philippines

The Philippines is a linguistically rich archipelago comprising over 7,000 islands, home to more than 175 languages and dialects. This remarkable diversity reflects the country's complex history, cultural influences, and ethnic groups.

The official languages are Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English, which serves as a second language and a medium of instruction in schools.

Beyond these official languages, regional languages play a vital role in the daily lives of Filipinos. Major languages include Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Waray, and Bicolano, each spoken by millions of people and possessing unique linguistic characteristics. For instance, Cebuano is predominant in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, while Ilocano is the primary language in the northern part of Luzon.

The Philippines is also home to numerous indigenous languages, such as Kapampangan, Pangasinense, and various languages from the Moro and Lumad communities, each contributing to the nation’s cultural tapestry. Many of these languages have rich oral traditions, folklore, and distinct dialects, showcasing the cultural identities of their speakers.

They're Languages NOT Dialects

Many Filipinos fall for the misconception that tongues aside from Tagalog and English are "dialects." This leads to the development of a skewed and biased viewpoint against this country's great linguistic diversity. So, let's distinguish the two.

Languages in the Philippines are typically recognized as distinct systems of communication that have their own grammatical rules, vocabulary, and phonetic characteristics. Major languages include Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English, which serve as official languages. Other significant languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Waray, etc.

Dialects, on the other hand, refer to regional or social variations of a language that share a common linguistic foundation. For instance, within the Cebuano language, there are various dialects, including those spoken in Cebu, Bohol, and Mindanao, each exhibiting slight differences in pronunciation and vocabulary but remaining mutually intelligible to native speakers. Similarly, Tagalog has various dialects spoken across different regions, reflecting local accents and word choices.

KeepitSpoken, PH

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Vision To be a leading force in safeguarding the Philippines’ linguistic diversity, inspiring Filipinos to honor and cherish the wealth of languages that enrich our cultural identity and bridge generations.

Mission Our mission is to advocate for the preservation of the Philippines' languages by:

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