Filipino, the national language of the Philippines, has borrowed words from various languages throughout its history. These borrowed words are known as loanwords and have been incorporated into Filipino vocabulary to enrich and expand its linguistic diversity. Here are some of the languages that have contributed loanwords to Filipino:
- Spanish: Spanish has had a significant influence on Filipino vocabulary due to over three centuries of Spanish colonization. Many Filipino words related to religion, government, food, clothing, and more are derived from Spanish. Examples include “mesa” (table), “libro” (book), “kamiseta” (shirt), and “reloj” (watch).
- English: English loanwords have become increasingly prevalent in modern Filipino, especially in the fields of technology, business, and everyday conversation. Examples include “kompyuter” (computer), “telebisyon” (television), “silya” (chair), and “pwesto” (post).
- Malay/Indonesian: Given the geographical proximity and historical ties with Malay-speaking regions, Filipino has borrowed words from Malay/Indonesian. Some examples include “bahay” (house), “araw” (sun/day), and “gubat” (forest).
- Chinese: Chinese languages, particularly Hokkien and Mandarin, have contributed loanwords to Filipino, mainly related to cuisine and commerce. Examples include “siopao” (steamed bun) and “tsekwa” (Chinese person or Chinese-style food).
- Arabic: Arabic loanwords have made their way into Filipino, mainly through Islamic cultural influence. Words related to Islamic practices, religion, and governance have been borrowed. Examples include “salaam” (peace), “Allah” (God), and “Qur’an” (Koran).
- Malay/Arabic via Spanish: Some words have been borrowed from Malay/Arabic through Spanish influence. For instance, “almusal” (breakfast) comes from the Spanish “almuerzo,” which itself is derived from Arabic.
- Sanskrit: Ancient Sanskrit words have influenced Filipino through its historical connection to Indian culture. Examples include “dalita” (poverty) and “kalye” (street).
- Japanese: During World War II, Japanese occupation of the Philippines introduced some Japanese loanwords into the language. However, these are not as common or widespread as Spanish or English loanwords.
- Austronesian languages: Given the Philippines’ location in the Austronesian language family, there are shared words and similarities with other Austronesian languages spoken in the region, such as Malay, Indonesian, and various indigenous Philippine languages.
Other languages: Filipino has also borrowed words from various other languages, including French, German, and Portuguese, mainly in specific domains such as science, arts, and sports.The borrowing of words from different languages has made Filipino a rich and diverse language, reflecting the country’s historical and cultural interactions with various societies and civilizations.
