“ANALYSIS ON MUHON AT PASYOK: ANG DISKURSO SA WIKA AT POLITIKA SA UNANG SEKSIYON NG THE LANGUAGE PROBLEM OF THE FILIPINOS MONOGRAPH (1932) NI DR. MANUEL VIOLA GALLEGO OF PROF. R.B. ABIVA” By Katherine M. Gragasin

 Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=785455510265651&set=a.487862376691634

 Introduction:

Dr. Manuel Viola Gallegos’s seminal strip postulation of 1932—“The Language Problem of the Filipinos” explores the intricate web of interrelationships between language and politics during the colonial epochs in the Philippines. Gallegos’s work represents a historical study and criticism on how language could be used for gaining power and establishing identity. This paper brings out Gallegos’s ideas about neglecting indigenous languages, putting forward colonial languages and their deep influence over Philippine society and politics.

Body:

Gallegos begins by contextualizing the Spanish colonial era, where the imposition of the Spanish language was not merely a means of communication but a tool of hegemony. Indigenous Filipino languages were relegated to the periphery, deemed inferior and labeled as “pagan,” while Spanish became synonymous with civilization and governance. This linguistic hierarchy, Gallegos argues, was not just a linguistic phenomenon but a strategic mechanism of colonial control, reinforcing social inequalities and marginalizing native cultures.

The primary language of government and education changed from Spanish to English with the arrival of American colonialism. Gallegos draws attention to the ways in which this shift exacerbated linguistic differences, alienating native tongues like Tagalog and deepening socio-political divisions. During the American era, a new elite that supported the colonial rulers came to power, solidifying English's position as a marker of status and opportunity while simultaneously maintaining the suppression of indigenous languages.

In terms of politics, Gallegos emphasizes how linguistic rules influence the distribution of power. Colonial ideology that employed language as a vehicle of social stratification and cultural assimilation increased the conflict between the ‘’Panginoong Maylupa’’, or governing elite, and the peasant class. As a tool of colonialism, religion served two purposes: Gallegos’s analysis extends beyond mere historical documentation; it critiques the deeper implications of linguistic imperialism. Drawing on Marxist theory, particularly Dialectical Historical Materialism, Prof. R.B. Abiva  exposes how language policies reflect and perpetuate societal contradictions. The imposition of colonial languages not only affected education and governance but also shaped cultural identity and nationalist movements, laying the groundwork for resistance and eventual independence struggles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Manuel Viola Gallegos’s monograph remains a crucial text in understanding the intricate relationship between language and politics in Philippine history. His critique of colonial language policies reveals how linguistic marginalization was a deliberate strategy to maintain colonial dominance and control. Gallegos’s advocacy for Tagalog as a national language in 1937, amidst the tide of English hegemony, underscores his foresight into language as a crucial element of national identity and governance.

Despite his significant contributions, Gallegos’s legacy has often been overlooked in contemporary narratives of Philippine history. The neglect of his scholarly insights into language policy and its socio-political ramifications highlights a broader oversight in recognizing the complexities of colonial legacies and their enduring impacts on Filipino society.

Gallegos’s work challenges us to reconsider how language continues to shape power dynamics and cultural identities in the Philippines today. As debates on language policies persist, particularly in the context of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education, Gallegos’s observations remain pertinent, urging a reevaluation of linguistic diversity and its role in fostering inclusive national development.

In essence, Manuel Viola Gallegos’s monograph serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of language in the struggle for self-determination and cultural sovereignty—a legacy that continues to resonate in the ongoing quest for a more inclusive and equitable society in the Philippines.

 

REFERENCE:

Abiva, R.B. E. (Year). Non Omnis Moriar: Towards a Comprehensive Biography of Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego (A Study in Progress)

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

ANOTHER SOURCE

https://vincemd.blogspot.com/2010/01/manuel-v-gallego-on-stamps.html?m=1

 

About the Author:

 

Katherine Gragasin is a BS- Nursing student of Manuel V. Gallego Foundation Colleges.