ANALYSIS ON “ARTIKULONG MUHON AT PASYOK: ANG DISKURSO SA WIKA AT POLITIKA OF PROFESSOR ABIVA” BY NEDIE VILLANUEVA
Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego's monograph, "Muhon at Pasyok: Ang Diskurso sa Wika at Politika," published in 1932, stands as a seminal work that continues to resonate in contemporary Filipino society. Gallego's exploration of the relationship between language and politics offers a profound insight into the enduring struggle for cultural identity and political autonomy. Through a detailed analysis of language policies, Gallego unravels the intricate web of power dynamics that shape the linguistic landscape of the Philippines. By examining how language has been historically employed as a tool of colonization and resistance, he exposes the ways in which language both reflects and shapes societal hierarchies. Gallego's work not only uncovers the mechanisms through which language can be used to assert dominance but also emphasizes its role in fostering collective resistance and preserving cultural heritage. Gallego's monograph serves as a critical intervention in understanding how language policy influences identity formation among the Filipino people. By elucidating the multifaceted ways in which language intersects with politics, Gallego invites readers to reflect on the ways in which linguistic practices can either uphold or challenge structures of power. In doing so, Gallego's work continues to inspire critical inquiry into the complex interplay between language, politics, and cultural identity in Filipino society.
One of the key themes addressed in Gallego's monograph is the concept of "muhon" and "pasyok" as linguistic markers of authority and resistance. "Muhon" represents the dominant language imposed by colonial powers, while "pasyok" stands for the marginalized vernaculars that have been suppressed in favor of the former. Gallego argues that the imposition of a colonial language such as Spanish or English serves as a form of linguistic imperialism, erasing the cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the Filipino people. To support his claims, Gallego provides historical evidence of how language policies have been used as tools of oppression throughout Philippine history. The implementation of English as the medium of instruction in schools, for instance, was a deliberate strategy employed by American colonizers to assert cultural dominance and control over the local population. This linguistic hegemony not only marginalized indigenous languages but also reinforced social hierarchies based on linguistic proficiency. Furthermore, Gallego highlights the role of language in shaping political discourse and power dynamics within Filipino society. He argues that the choice of language used in official documents, media, and public discourse reflects the underlying power structures that influence political decision-making. By privileging one language over others, the ruling elite perpetuate inequalities and exclude marginalized communities from participating in the political process.
In conclusion, Gallego's monograph also underscores the importance of language as a tool of resistance and cultural preservation. Despite the oppressive language policies imposed by colonial powers, Filipino intellectuals and activists have mobilized linguistic resources to articulate their demands for self-determination and decolonization. Through the revival of indigenous languages, the promotion of Filipino as a national language, and the recognition of linguistic rights, a vibrant movement for linguistic justice has emerged within Filipino society. Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego's monograph "Muhon at Pasyok: Ang Diskurso sa Wika at Politika" provides a compelling analysis of the intricate interplay between language and politics in the Philippines. By emphasizing the concepts of "muhon" and "pasyok" as symbols of authority and resistance, Gallego highlights the ways in which language shapes identity, power relations, and political discourse in Filipino society. Through a nuanced examination of historical evidence and contemporary developments, this monograph offers valuable insights into the enduring legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggles for linguistic justice and cultural empowerment in the Philippines.
REFERENCES:
Reid, L. (2018). Modeling the Linguistic Situation in the Philippines. National Museum of
Ethnology. Retrieved from https://typeset.io/papers/6-modeling-the-linguistic-situationin-the-philippines-13ubeo2tkm
Galang, Marilyn. (2019, June 24). Nueva Ecija village celebrates ‘Taong Putik’ Festival.
Philippine News Agency. Retrieved from
Abiva, Rene Boy E. (2023) Non Omnis Moriar. Order of the Knights of Rizal. Retrieved from
https://poetreneboyabiva.blogspot.com/2023/01/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html
About the Author:
Nedie Villanueva is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student of Manuel V. Gallego Foundation Colleges.
Comments
Post a Comment