Basic Tagalog for Foreigners and Non-Tagalogs: (MP3 Audio CD Included)

by Paraluman S. Aspillera, Yolanda C. Hernandez, Leo Alvarado

Basic Tagalog takes a friendly and innovative approach, emphasizing the structure of the Tagalog language rather than just vocabulary.

This user–friendly Tagalog textbook teaches more than 2,000 Tagalog words and expressions with over 500 being added for this new edition. These are spread throughout 44 lessons, the Appendices and the exercises as well as in the Tagalog–English and English–Tagalog vocabulary lists at back of the book. The added Tagalog vocabulary is meant to keep learners abreast of changes that have occurred in the language since the first edition of Basic Tagalog which was published. This edition has retained all the grammar lessons and the tried–and–tested teaching methodology developed b the author, Paraluman S. Aspillera, for the original version. Her method has proven to be extremely effective for tens of thousands of foreigners and non–Tagalogs who have used this book to lean to learn Tagalog, including many who have successfully learned to speak Tagalog, read Tagalog and write Tagalog through self–study on their own without a teacher. An audio CD has also been added to facilitate the correct pronunciation of Tagalog words and phrases. A succinct introduction to the language and a description of the character of Filipinos will hopefully provide learners with a better understanding of the language they are learning.

The lessons in Basic Tagalog are intended for a three–month period of intensive study followed by another three months of applied oral communication. In six months (or about 250 hours), it is expected that an average learner should be able to speak, write and understand simple, everyday, conversational Tagalog as spoken by most Filipinos.

Highlights of this book include:
-Over 2,000 Tagalog words and expressions.
-44 lessons organized by organized for efficient language absorption.
-Extensive exercises and activities to reinforce the lessons.
-Vocabulary lists serve as comprehensive English–Tagalog and Tagalog–English dictionaries.
-Completely updated and expanded with new materials.
-Includes accompanying MP3 Audio CD.

Using Basic Tagalog to study the Tagalog language will further encourage both non–Tagalogs and non–Filipinos to speak Tagalog better. Only then will they appreciate the individuality of the language that reflects the resilience and flexibility of Filipinos all around the world. In the end, such learning will improve daily interactions and communications between non–Filipinos and Filipinos—whether in business, education, tourism, social or civic endeavors.

Genres: Language, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Paraluman Aspillera, author, teacher, and newspaper journalist, specialized in the teaching of English and Tagalog. She was director of the Institute of Filipino Language and Culture at Philippine Women's University and a professor of Pilipino and Philippine Literature at the Institute of Asian Studies, University of the Philippines. She wrote the popular daily column "Your Tagalog Column," which appeared in the Manila Times, and authored many books and articles in both English and Tagalog. Mrs. Aspillera dedicated herself to promoting the national language and culture of her country through extensive travel in North America, Europe, and Asia, and served as executive secretary and director of the UNESCO-sponsored Akademya ng Wikang Pilipino.

Reviews

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty useful for grammar to supplement programs such as L-Lingo or Rosetta Stone; however, it lacks answer keys for all the exercises except for the final assessment.

[J]

Finally

[Michael David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was particularly surprising for its succinctness, especially because Aspillera was the daughter of Lope K. Santos, who wrote the bloated and overrated Banaag at Sikat. Even the limpid translation of Prof. Danton Remoto could not salvage the bloated novel of ideas. In contrast, this is a most effective guide of basic Tagalog that remains relevant even today!

I learned about 1,000,000 being known as angaw, and the cute expression Kahimanawari! meaning hopefully so. It's an excellent starter for those who are totally ignorant of the Tagalog language, and as a refresher of sorts to me, was an easy and excellent read.

[Zach Usi · Rating 3 out of 5]

required text for my semester of Tagalog 1. I got a B, and I remember nothing. Well I do remember my pinoy relatives questioning the book in a handful of sections. from what I know from studying foreign languages in school is you're not going to learn a language all that well from a book. travel and immerse yourself in the language

[Kristiyana Hary Wahyudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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