Check out table 1.2 below for more information. The Modern Filipino Alphabet takes the 20 letters from Abakada and adds eight new consonants (c f j ñ q v x and z) for 28 letters. The alphabet is a version of the Latin script specifically created for the Tagalog language, as it represents its sounds. The Abakada alphabet was developed by the writer and senator of the Philippines, Lope Santos Y Canseco. Baybayin Scriptīaybayin is a precolonial and ancient Brahmic writing system that was used in the Philippines until the 17 th century when the Latin script was introduced. The last one is the Modern Filipino Alphabet, which is the same as Abakada, but the letters c f j ñ q v x, and z are added.īelow are examples of the Filipino writing system and Filipino Alphabet: 1. It has 20 letters, including ‘ng,’ and the letters c, f, j,q, v, x, and z are excluded. This writing system was influenced by the former American colonists from their English Alphabet. The second one is the ‘ Abakada‘ or the Pilipinong Alpabeto, used from the 1930s until 1976 when the country was introduced and adapted the Latin alphabet. The ancient people in the country used the Baybayin during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The first one is the Baybayin or Alibata, which is the earliest form of writing and the pre-colonial writing script in the country. There are three Filipino writing systems and alphabets in the country. These dialects may differ in how they are pronounced (also known as ‘ punto‘), but the writing system is still the same. Aside from that, Filipino dialects are also used in different parts of the country. The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino stipulated that the national language of the Philippines is ‘ Filipino‘ and the lingua franca of Filipinos. Aside from them, the Japanese and Americans also played a significant role in conceptualizing the Filipino language.

The Malay, Chinese, and Spanish colonization profoundly influenced the Filipino language. You may listen to a Tagalog word similar to a Malay or Spanish word. Just like the islands of the Philippines, there are also several languages and dialects you can hear when traveling around the country’s regions.

If you are ready for that, then let’s get it on! Filipino Language: Overview

Fortunately, this topic is straightforward to learn. At the end of the day, having the ability to understand at least the basic letters can help you navigate the country in style. There’s more to discover about the Philippines than just its outstanding scenery! Today, let us explore the Tagalog alphabet to help you recognize words instantly and pronounce them like a local.

Abakada tagalog words