Epifanio San Juan, Jr. and Maranan Established literary critique methodologies demonstrate that Filipino writers employ English for two primary reasons: to represent realities that are beyond the lexical capacities of Tagalog, and to capitalize on the melodic aspects of the foreign language.
Filipino writers have used English to express ideas and emotions that could not be conveyed in Tagalog because of its limitations as a language. For example, Filipino does not have any word for "love" so writers have used an English translation (i.e., "kagalaran") instead. Also, the Filipino language lacks the necessary consonant sounds required to produce some musical notes, so writers have used English to capitalize on its melodic qualities. For instance, E. San Juan wrote poems using assonance (the repetition of sound patterns without meaning) because Tagalog has no vowels that sound like the English words "noise" or "voice". Thus, Epifanio San Juan was able to express these ideas through rhythmic variations of consonants in his poems. Similarly, F. Montero used alliteration (the repeated application of initial letters) to create aesthetic effects in her writings.
Writers have also employed English to attract readers who may not have understood Tagalog. For example, M. Established that Philippine literature is popularized through newspapers and magazines which usually use easy-to-read translations of authors' works.
Influences of Spanish Literature on Philippine Literature European mythology and customs that were brought here got incorporated into our songs, corridos, and moro-moros. Antiquity was gathered and translated into Tagalog and other dialects. Many grammar books were published in Filipino dialects such as Tagalog, Ilocano, and Visayan.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the Philippines led to a rapid expansion of knowledge about their world. As they traveled around the islands, they wrote down what they saw and heard about from the indigenous people. The notes that they took along with drawings made by some of them are still available for study today.
Filipino writers used these documents as inspiration for their own works. Some of them were very successful so much so that they are considered important pioneers in the evolution of Philippine literature.
They included Pedro Chirino (c. 1510-1570), an Augustinian priest who is credited with writing the first book in Tagalog, Gramatica de la Lengua Tagala. It contained instructions on how to speak, write, and conduct oneself with dignity and honor.
Jose Rizal (1860-1913) is known all over the world for his novel Noli Me Tangere which was written in Latin but was widely read by students in the Philippines because of its simple style and attention to detail like no other book at that time.
Philippine English literature flourished as a result of these efforts. Filipino authors excelled in writing English short tales. It was at this period that Filipinos felt more at ease utilizing English as their medium of communication. They took the text in English and turned it into an artistic statement. These stories were then published in British magazines at that time.
After the Revolution, many new writers came out to voice their opinions. Some of them were Apolinario Mabini, José Rizal, and Dr. Carlos P. Garcia. Mabini and Rizal wrote about their experiences during the revolution. Dr. Garcia wrote about social issues such as racism and poverty. All three men were instrumental in forming the modern nation of Philippines by advocating for its independence from Spain.
Since then, Filipino writers have continued to flourish. Today, you will still find many new authors who want to share their views on society. This country has also produced famous poets such as Pablo Neruda, Cesar A. Hidalgo, and Nazario Jose.
Filipino poetry is unique because of its use of colloquial language. Most poems are written in classical form but with popular words instead of sonnets or villanelles. This allows the poet to express themselves freely without worrying about following a strict rule set down by others.
The modern novel is also becoming popular among Filipino writers.
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