Story of The Official Language of The Philippines

In the Philippines, Spanish was the official language for many years starting from the 16th century until 1973. The Philippine constitution designated English and Spanish as official languages in 1935, but mandated the development and adoption of a common national language based on one of the existing native languages. Due to the American administration during the first half of the 20th century, Philippines has two official languages today which are English and Filipino (derived from Tagalog).

The Filipino language was adopted in 1946 and understood by a majority of Filipinos while English is also widely spoken and understood. More than 80 indigenous languages and dialects (basically of Malay-Indonesian origin) are spoken. Besides Tagalog, which is spoken around Manila, the principal dialects include Cebuano (spoken in the Visayas), Ilocano (spoken in northern Luzon), and Panay-Hiligaynon. The 1973 constitution designated the Tagalog-based "Pilipino", along with English, as an official language and mandated the development and formal adoption of a common national language to be known as Filipino.

The Language provision in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines which are embodied in Article XIV, Sec. 6 and 7 provide the legal basis for the various language policies that are being implemented in the country. The provision are as follows:1. Section 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.2. For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

On the other hand, English serves as the official and national language of Nigeria, serving not only as a contact language between Nigerians who could not interact among themselves, but also between Nigerians and Europeans. English is used as the language of commerce, education, politics, law and administration of the entire country affairs, though in different usages and command (Danladi 2013).

Knowledge of English is therefore an essential requirement for anyone to promote or live in any wider context of the community, no matter the variety of English. It is this convenient texture of the English language that provides the group interaction and group relations varieties for inter-ethnic communication and gives individuals the sense of oneness, unity and loyalty – the few that is accessible. Even the ceremonious English as is taught in the formal settings (school) always support the local texture – not used as an Englishman uses it. English in Nigeria is seen as a weapon because it provides an excellent representation of political supremacy.