Language & Landmarks: Mayon Volcano

Kumustá, and welcome to the Mayon Volcano on Luzon, one of the Philippine Islands in the Asian “ring of fire”. Mayon’s symmetrical cone distinguishes it as the world’s most perfectly formed volcano. Located just 200 miles southeast of the capital of Manila, it is one of 18 active volcanoes in the island chain. A recent candidate for the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Mayon Volcano has erupted over 47 times in the past 325 years, most recently in 2006! Although the Filipino’s live in fear of the volcano’s pyroclastic eruptions, they appreciate its gifts which enrich the soil and contribute to the agricultural economy of the flat lands that ring the mountain. There are several legends about the volcano told in a variety of languages and dialects, mostly describing the romance of a beautiful woman (Daragang Magayon) and a lover forbidden by her family. Often called the place where East meets West, this archipelago is home to people with a mixture of Malay, Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. In the 16th century the country was named to reflect the rule of King Philip II of Spain, and for more than three centuries the official language of the country was Spanish. Now the official language is Filipino (formerly Pilipino) which is based on Tagalog one of 170 native languages. Only about 55% of the people speak Tagalog, and English is used for educational, government, and business purposes. In daily conversation people often use “Taglish” a combination of English and Filipino (Tagalog) for convenience and familiarity. The language itself mirrors the history of the country. For example the greeting Kumustá closely resembles the Spanish Cómo está. The word for child, Anak is identical in Malay, and the word for grandfather, Ingkong, is similar to the Fukien Chinese Ang-kong. The demeanor and values of the people also reflect this amalgam of cultures where Latin warmth, exuberance and hospitality meet Asian modesty, courtesy and respect for elders. Becoming familiar with foreign languages can reveal so much about the past, inform us about the present, and give us insight about the future.

– Mary Beauregard, Global LT Intercultural Consultant

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