From tech terms to beki-speak, Filipino continues its evolution

Language has a life of its own, fueled and driven by its users. And successful languages grow and evolve to keep up with the times.

For instance, Filipino now has actual words for internet-age terms like email ("sulatroniko") and charger ("pantablay"). It also has words that are so distinct to Philippine culture that they have no exact equivalent in other languages—words like kilig, usog, diskarte, and tampo.

And then there is also Bekinese or gay lingo—often used in conversations among friends and now even used by the spokespersons of the top officials of the country.

"Ang maganda lang sa Filipino ngayon ay hindi na ito iyong dating Filipino na itinuturing na mababang uri. Ginagamit na ito sa matataas na diskurso. Kung magpapatuloy, baka ang hukuman natin balang araw, gumamit na ng Filipino," said Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino director general Roberto Añonuevo in a report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" on Monday.

But while Filipino flourishes, other Philippine languages have not been as fortunate.

According to the report, from an original 170 dialects and languages, there are now only 135 left. The disappearance of 35 languages we will no longer be able to use, hear and appreciate is a big loss to our country's heritage.

"Kapag nawala ang wika ng isang pamayanan, parang nawala iyong kultura ng pamayanan na iyon," said Añonuevo. "Nawawala na rin ang kanilang kasaysayan." — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News