Language Ecology and Language Policy

Formulation in an Institution of Higher Learning in a

Multilingual Setting (Progress Report)

BONIFACIO T. CUNANAN, Ph.D.Professor III of LinguisticsAssistant Dean, College of Arts and LettersBulacan State University

3rd International Conference on FILIPINO AS GLOBAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE CSB International Conference Center, Manila August 3-5, 2012

Research Abstract

In a postcolonial era and age of globalization, language planning in the Philippines—as an inevitable corollary of search and assertion for national identity, cultural (re)construction, and language modernization—continues to be very timely and relevant. Yet, having been in existence since 1904, from a primary school to an institution of higher learning, Bulacan State University (BulSU) remains wanting to have a definitive and official document on the determination and implementation of a university-wide language policy. As a point of convergence to its 35,198 students and 1,013 faculty and personnel ( as of June 2012) spread over its five campuses, with the main in the City of Malolos, BulSU serves as the hub to the co-existence of English (the second language), Filipino (the National Language), Tagalog (the regional language and basis of Filipino), and Kapampangan (the language of a relatively smaller but steadily increasing number of students from Pampanga). In this perspective, this paper aims to draw some empirical data and offer fresh insights how the four languages co-exist, simultaneously operate, and compete in a multilingual setting. Also, it intends to document the domains, status, extent of use, functionality, and attitude to the four languages to provide database in drafting a university-wide language policy. The proposed policy will initiate the use of Filipino not only as a tool for teaching literature but as a medium of instruction across the curriculum especially in technology- and knowledge-based disciplines. The initiative aims to contribute to the national effort on the intellectualization, modernization, and globalization of Filipino. Since the case of BulSU cannot be considered unique and peculiar, the researcher believes that the present study will be instrumental in raising the level of awareness of stakeholders of other institutions going through similar language situation.

Abstrak ng Riserts (Filipino)

Sa panahong postkolonyal at ng globalisasyon, ang pagpaplanong pangwika sa Pilipinas—kaakibat ng pagtuklas at paggiit ng pambansang pagkakakilanlan, (muling) pagbalangkas ng kinagisnang kalinangan, at modernisasyon ng wika—ay nananatiling napapanahon at makabuluhan. Magkagayon man, mula sa pagkakatatag nito noong 1904, bilang paaralang primarya at ngayon bilang isang institusyon ng higit na nakakataas na edukasyon, ang Bulacan State University (BulSU) ay nananatiling walang malinaw at opisyal na dokumento hinggil sa determinasyon at implimentasyon ng isang patakarang pangwika para sa buong unibersidad. Bilang kinatatagpuan ng 35, 198 estudyante at 1,013 fakulti at tauhan (Hunyo 2012) na nasa limang kampus nito, ang sangay sa Malolos bilang pangunahin, ang BulSU ay sentro sa paggamit ng Ingles (pangalawang wika), Filipino (pambansang wika), Tagalog (wikang panrehiyon at batayan ng Filipino), at Kapampangan (wikang gamit ng kakaunti ngunit patuloy na dumaraming estudyanteng galing ng Pampanga). Sa ganitong pananaw, nais ilahad sa papel na ito ng mga makatotohanang datos at mga bagong pagkaunawa kung paanong ang nasabing apat na wika ay umiiral nang sabay-sabay sa isang kalagayang multilinggwal. Tatalakayin din sa papel na ito ang mga saklaw, estado, lawak ng gamit, pagkagamitin, at pananaw sa apat na wika bilang batayan sa pagbalangkas ng isang patakarang pangwika para sa nabanggit na unibersidad. Ang nasabing patakaran ang magmumungkahi ng paggamit ng Filipino hindi lang sa pagtuturo ng literatura kundi bilang wikang gagamitin para sa disiplinang nauukol sa teknolohiya at pangkaalaman. Ninanais sa papel na ito na makapag-ambag sa pambansang pagpupunyagi sa intelektwalisasyon, modernisasyon, at globalisasyon ng Filipino. Dahil ang kalagayang nabanggit ay hindi lang sa BulSU umiiral, naniniwala ang risertser na makatutulong ito sa pagpapataas ng kamalayan ng mga kinauukulan ng mga katulad na institusyong nasa gayon ding kalagayang pangwika.

The Philippine Language Scenario

The Philippines is destined to be a multilingual nation because of its archipelagic structure, colonial past, and numerous indigenous languages (7,107 islands; about 168 languages; 333 years of Spanish colonization and half a century of American rule).

The Postcolonial Philippines is on the road of cultural re-engineering and linguistic reconstruction (Faelnar & Soriano, 2003).

Language problem in the Philippines is about reconciling ethnicity, nationalism, and modernization (Bautista, 1996).

Philippine language policy, since its inception, has favored the English language ( Sugbo, 2003).

The power of English can be seen through its range and depth, spread across cultures, access to scientific and cultural domains, neutrality, liberalism, progressivism, accessibility, assimilation across cultures (pluricentricty), economic gains, and social status (Kachru, 1986 in Tupas 2009).

The Philippine Language Scenario

Multilingualism in the Philippines is not something new. Teaching of English, Pilipino, and the Vernaculars was nearly fulfilled in 1973 and was supported by the most general population (Sibayan, 1978).

Many Filipinos consider the importance of English but it cannot be the main language of the [Filipino] people (Sibayan, 1996).

Educational systems in multicultural globalizing environments need to understand and explore the intellectualization of bilingual language skills (Bernardo in Tupas, 2007).

Multilingualism and Language Planning

Multilingualism is a common phenomenon. There are almost no monolingual territories in the world (Donnelly, 2003).

Language Planning is the implementation of statements of intent to influence—if not to change– ways of speaking or literacy practices within a society ( Fishman, 1968 in Rubin & Jernudd, 1971; Fox, 1975) .

Language Planning is an attempt to modify the linguistic behavior of a certain group for some reasons (Kaplan & Baldauf, 1997).

Language Policy is an issue of considerable ethical, political, and legal importance in jurisdiction around the world (Patten, 2001) .

Rationale

Survey the co-existence of English, Filipino, and other regional languages in a multilingual setting

Establish baseline data on language attitude and awareness of stakeholders in an academic environment

Draft a language policy to raise level of awareness on the vitality of language planning

Ventilate new breeze of nationalism: intellectualization and modernization of Filipino

Contextualize the place of Bulacan literary and cultural heritage in the development of Filipino

Develop Filipino from being language of literature to language of intellectual discourses

Profile of the Respondents

RESPONDENTS

CAMPUS f %Malolos 83 79.0Bustos 7 6.7Hagonoy 5 4.8Meneses 4 3.8Sarmiento 6 5.7

TOTAL 105 100.0

A. Administrators, Faculty and Personnel (AF&P)

B. Students (SRs)

COURSE (across Five BulSU Campuses) f %AB Legal Management 26 6.2BS Architecture 24 5.7Bachelor in Information Technology 54 12.8Bachelor in Physical Education 25 5.9BS Psychology 25 5.9BS Business Administration 24 5.7BS Biology 25 5.9BS Education 50 11.8BS General Education 24 5.7BS Home Economics 26 6.2BS Information Technology 25 5.9BS Nursing 19 4.5BS Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, and Mechatronics)

50 11.8

BA Mass Communication 25 5.9 TOTAL 422 100.0

RESPONDENTS

A. Administrators, Personnel, and Faculty (AF&P)

B. Students Respondents (SRs)

  SEX f % Male 49 46.7 Female 56 53.3 TOTAL 105 100.0

AGE Min Max Mean SD21 72 40.65 11.143

LANGAUGE FREQUENTLY USED f %English and Filipino 93 88.6Filipino Only 5 4.8English Only 2 1.9English, Filipino, and Cebuano 2 1.9English, Filipino, and Kapampangan 1 1.0English, Filipino, Kapampangan, and Itawis

1 1.0

English, Filipino , and Ilocano 1 1.0 TOTAL 105 100.0

NATURE OF WORK

f %

Non-Academic 9 8.6Faculty 78 74.3Administrative 18 17.1TOTAL 105 100.0

LANGAUGE FREQUENTLY USED f %English and Filipino 249 59.0Filipino Alone 109 25.8English, Filipino, and Kapampangan 40 9.5English Alone 6 1.4Kapampangan Alone 6 1.4English, Filipino and Kapampangan, and Cebuano

5 1.2

English, Filipino , and Nihongo 2 .5Filipino and Kapampangan 2 .5English, Filipino and Chavacano 1 .2English, Filipino and French 1 .2English, Filipino , and Ilocano 1 .2TOTAL 422 100.0

CURRICULUM LEVEL

f %

First 167 39.6Second 172 40.8Third 29 6.9Fourth 30 7.1Fifth 24 5.7

TOTAL 422 100.0

AGE Min Max Mean SD

15 39 17.62 2.297

SEX f %Male 185 43.8Female 237 56.2TOTAL 422 100.0

Choosing the Respondents

2 3 5 6 8 9 11

12

14

16

17

18

22

23

25

26

27

28

35

37

38

39

40

41

43

44

45

53

57

58

Random Numbers in identifying the AF&P

Random Numbers in identifying the SRs

02 07 11 16 19 21 23 25 31 32

Language Preferences of the Respondents

Language Preferences of AF&P

Task Mean SDAsking favor from colleagues or co-workers 4.18 .791Addressing a crowd to discuss matters affecting the interest of teachers and students

4.03 .746

Talking to subordinates when having parties and extra-curricular programs 4.00 .768

Asking favor from superiors or administrators 3.94 .882Addressing a crowd during sports fests 3.84 .879Writing memos and short notices to subordinates 3.84 .888Speaking to a crowd during cultural presentations 3.72 .845Conducting meetings, seminars, and workshops 3.70 .893Participating in religious activities 3.67 .932Participating during organizational meetings 3.62 .839Admonishing and encouraging colleagues to achieve the goals of the organization

3.58 .889

Filipino

English

Task Mean SD

Reprimanding and disciplining students 4.27 .859Talking to students when giving tasks 3.92 .717Reading scholarly or academic papers in scientific or technical gatherings 3.77 .719

Talking to students outside the class when they ask for help 3.09 .839

3.09 .839

Filipino and English

Language Preferences of the SRs

Filipino

English

Task Mean SDTalking to friends, classmates, and peers outside the class 4.53 .748Discussing lessons with friends, classmates, and peers in the class 4.34 .823Talking to instructors/professors 4.11 .789Asking assistance or help from security personnel 4.06 .987Participating in sports and other co-curricular activities 3.96 1.074Brainstorming with classmates when doing research or group activities 3.91 .988Talking to school personnel like librarian, nurse, registrar, cashier, or

guidance counsellor 3.88 1.014

Having official transactions with school administrators 3.80 1.057 Participating in literary or cultural activities 3.71 1.131Disseminating information or announcements on social networks and

weblogs 3.44 1.088

Writing academic papers or course requirements 3.31 1.127

Task Mean SD

Surfing the net for relevant information 3.88 1.123Writing excuse letters to professors 3.84 1.190Discussing technical or scientific matters with peers or friends 3.37 .996

WRITING  f %English and Filipino 85 81.0English Only 12 11.4Filipino Only 4 3.8Undecided 2 1.9TOTAL 105 100.0

In what/which language can you express yourself best?

SPEAKING f % English and Filipino 75 71.4Undecided 15 14.3 Filipino Only 9 8.6 English Only 2 1.9 Cebuano 2 1.9 Itawis 1 1.0Kapampangan 1 1.0 TOTAL 105 100.0

AF&P SRs

WRTING f %English and Filipino 313 74.2Filipino Only 80 19.0English Only 23 5.5Undecided 6 1.4TOTAL 422 100.0

SPEAKING f %English and Filipino 296 70.1Filipino Only 100 23.7Undecided 18 4.3English Only 7 1.7Kapampangan 1 .2TOTAL 422 100.

0

What/which language do you find most effective in learning or studying?

SRs

LISTENING f %English and Filipino 326 77.3Filipino Only 59 14.0English Only 31 7.3Undecided 5 1.2Kapampangan 1 .2TOTAL 422 100.0

READING f %English and Filipino

331 78.4

English Only 56 13.3Filipino Only 29 6.9Undecided 6 1.4TOTAL 422 100.0

ON-LINE/VIEWING f %

English and Filipino 273 64.7English Only 97 23.0Filipino Only 38 9.0Undecided 14 3.3TOTAL 422 100.0

Should English and Filipino be given equal importance in the academe in terms of time allotment, quality and frequency of use?

AF&P f %

Filipino Only 73 69.5 English Only 27 25.7

English and Filipino 4 3.8

Undecided 1 1.0

TOTAL 105 100.0

SRs f %

Filipino Only 335 79.4 English Only 59 14.0 English and Filipino 25 5.9 Undecided 3 .7 TOTAL 422100.0

Language Attitude of the Respondents

AF&P SRs

f % f %

Yes, I know that BulSU does not have an existing official document on language policy. 34 32.4 19 4.5No, I do not know that BulSU does not have an existing official document on language policy. 26 24.8 67 15.9I am not sure if BulSU has an existing official document on language policy. 39 37.1 159 37.7

TOTAL

Are you aware that BulSU does not have an existing official document on language policy?

Do you believe that Filipino is already modernized and intellectualized such that it can be used as the language of science and technology?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Yes, it is modernized. 43 41.0 188 44.5I am not sure. 34 32.4 77 18.2No, it is not yet modernized. 26 24.8 157 37.2Undecided 2 1.9 157 37.2TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

Should English and Filipino be given equal importance in the academe in terms of time allotment, quality and frequency of use?

AF&P SRsf  %  f  %

Filipino Only 73 69.5 335 79.4English Only 27 25.7 59 14.0English and Filipino 4 3.8 25 5.9Undecided 1 1.0 3 .7TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

ReasonsIn Favor of FilipinoEnglish is required in getting a job, but Filipino is our National Language.Filipino ang ating wika kaya dapat itong pag-aralan (Filipino is our language and we need to study it).Using Filipino is a sign of nationalism.We should love our own.We should not forget our own language.There are things that are best expressed in Filipino.We use Filipino more often than English.Prioritize our language.Mas nakakapagbahagi ng ideya kapag gamit ang Filipino ( Ideas are better expressed in Filipino).

ReasonsIn Favor of EnglishEnglish helps us to be globally competitive.English is a universal language.English is more widely used and more appropriate in teaching many subjects.English gives us more advantages in getting a job.English is important but we need to give importance to both English and Filipino.English is needed to compete globally.We already know Filipino but we need to learn English more.We need to give equal importance to English and Filipino because the Philippines is a bilingual country.English is more difficult.Many of our graduates are not fluent in English. Promote higher English competency.We are already comfortable with Filipino.Most students can not speak well in English.Our medium of instruction is English. We have foreign students.

AF&P SRsf % f %

Yes, but it needs political will to do it. 51 48.6 92 21.8Yes, but it will take very long time; perhaps, not even during this generation.

51 48.6 274 64.9

No, it will never be because the problem is too complex.

2 1.9 49 11.6

TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

Can Filipino be modernized and intellectualized, standardized?

Should the non-Tagalog groups be allowed to use their native languages (Kapampangan, Ilocano, Cebuano, etc.) when talking to their peers within the premises of BulSU?

AF&P SRs f % f %

Yes, but they should be careful not to offend those that do not speak their language/s.

63 60.0 236 55.9

Yes, it is their linguistic right to use their native languages.

22 21.0 101 23.9

No, they should use only the languages understood by the majority.

17 16.2 84 19.9

TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

Should the non-Tagalog groups at BulSU be allowed to use their native languages (Kapampangan, Ilocano, Cebuano, etc.) hen talking to their peers within the premises of BulSU?

AF&P SRs f % f %

Yes, but they need to exercise restraint and observe guidelines set by school authorities.

55 52.4 225 53.3

Yes, it is their linguistic right to be heard. 29 27.6 141 33.4No, they constitute a minority and they have to submit to the majority.

20 19.0 56 13.3

TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

f % f %Code-mixing should be allowed because it is more student-friendly and easier to understand.

56 53.3 263 62.3

Code-mixing should be regulated, that is, concepts should be taught first in Filipino and then in English.

35 33.3 103 24.4

Code-mixing should be prohibited because it will delay the development of competence in English or Filipino.

12 11.4 56 13.3

TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

What is your opinion about code-mixing (using English and Filipino) in class?

In holding special events like commencement exercises, celebration of founding anniversary, and recognition day, which language should be used?

AF&P SRsf % f %

Both English and Filipino should be used because the two languages are both useful.

67 63.8 244 57.8

Only English should be used because it is a language of wider communication.

34 32.4 167 39.6

Only Filipino should be used because the BulSU should take the lead in showing pride in using the National Language.

4 3.8 11 2.6

TOTAL 105 100.0422 100.0

 What should be the official language in writing memos, school policies, school regulations, and other related correspondences?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Only English should be used because the technical terms are easier to use if written in English.

53 50.5 159 37.7

Either English or Filipino may be used, but technical terms in Filipino should be standardized.

47 44.8 246 58.3

Only Filipino should be used because it is easier to express one’s ideas or concepts in Filipino.

5 4.8 16 3.8

TOTAL 105

100.0 422 100.0

Should halls, offices, and academic units be labelled in English or Filipino?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Both should be used, with Filipino over English equivalent/translation.

51 48.6 274 64.9

English alone is enough and it is cost-efficient because most of the halls and offices are labelled in English.

49 46.7 96 22.7

Filipino alone should be used but there should be standard usage like in the case of kagawaran or departamento.

5 4.8 50 11.8

TOTAL 105 100.0

422 100.0

What is your idea about language policy and nationalism?

  AF&P SRs  f % f %

Becoming globally competitive and nationalistic should be well-balanced considering who we are and what we want to be.

59 56.2 116 27.5

Nationalism has nothing to do with language policy, but the latter is important for our people to become globally competitive.

25 23.8 273 64.7

A language policy is part and parcel of nation building, cultural reconstruction, and national pride.

20 19.0 31 7.3

TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

Do you consider Bulacan State University to be one of the leading institutions in the country that initiates the modernization of Filipino?   AF&P SRs

  f % f %Yes, it is a great honor for BulSU and the Province. 58 55.2 317 75.1BulSU should establish linkages with other institutions because BulSU cannot do it alone.

40 38.1 1 .2

No, the BulSU community needs more time and resources to realize such plan.

6 5.7 63 14.9

TOTAL 105 100.0 40 9.5

What do you think is the most crucial factor in having a university-wide language policy formulation?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

The right attitude, vision, and mind-set of the people.

81 77.1 293 69.4

Financial constraints and resources. 11 10.5 112 26.5Man power and expertise. 13 12.4 12 2.8Undecided 0 0.0 5 1.2TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

Should the University include in its list of priorities the preservation and protection of the minority and indigenous languages?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Yes, the University needs to reach out. 59 56.2 210 49.8The University alone cannot do it. We need to tie-up with other institutions.

44 41.9 156 37.0

No, the University lacks financial means and logistics. 2 1.9 56 13.3TOTAL 105 100.

0422 100.0

Should the University provide grants and financial incentives to faculty members to do research on the modernization and standardization of Filipino?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Yes, the University needs to reach out. 71 67.6 59 14.0The University should look for grants and subsidies from outside sources.

29 27.6 154 36.5

No, the University lacks financial means and logistics. 5 4.8 207 49.0Undecided 0 0.0 2 .5TOTAL 105 100.

0422

100.0

Which academic unit should take the lead in the formulation of a university-wide language policy?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

The College of Arts and Letters 41 39.0 59 14.0All colleges and academic units handling the humanities

23 21.9 154 36.5

All colleges and academic units 41 39.0 207 49.0Undecided 0 0.0 2 0.5TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0Do we expect immediate changes in the co-existence of English, Filipino, and the regional languages as they are used in the University?

  AF&P SRsf % f %

Yes, there should be immediate results 12 11.4 88 20.8The changes should be based on realistic data of research.

82 78.1 257 60.9

No, it will take time to see the changes in the University.

11 10.5 75 17.8

Undecided 0 0.0 2 .5TOTAL 105 100.0 422 100.0

The Proposed Language Policy of Bulacan State University

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State UniversityPRELIMINARIES

Having regard to the preamble and second article of 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights which expresses its “faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women”; and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms” regardless of “race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”;  Having regard to Article 27 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which, in their preambles, state that human beings cannot be free unless conditions are created which enable them to enjoy both their civil and political rights and their economic, social and cultural rights;  Having regard to the 1990 Universal Declaration of the Collective Rights of Peoples, which declares that all peoples have the right to express and develop their culture, language and rules of organization and, to this end, to adopt political, educational, communications and governmental structures of their own, within different political frameworks;  Having regard to the Final Declaration adopted in 1991 by the General Assembly of the International Federation of Modern Language Teachers, which recommended that linguistic rights be considered as fundamental rights of the individual;  Considering that, in order to ensure peaceful coexistence between language communities, overall principles must be found so as to guarantee the promotion and respect of all languages and their social use in public and in private; 

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

PRELIMINARIES (continuation)  In view of the language provisions of the Philippine Constitution of 1987 in Article IX that declares:  “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages. Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.”  “For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English. The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein. Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.”  “The Congress shall establish a national language commission composed of representatives of various regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.”  In view of Sec. 7 of RA 7665, the Charter of the Bulacan State University, states that, “The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared state policies on education and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports.”

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

PREAMBLE The Bulacan State University, acknowledging that language is the most distinct human characteristic, the expression of the collective soul of a people, an indispensable instrument in nation building, and a tool for cultural advancement and economic progress, declares this language policy.

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article I. Linguistic Rights

 Section 1. The University shall welcome and embrace language diversity and differences as richness of the cultural heritage of the Philippines. Section 2. The University shall accord equal respect and importance to all languages. Section 3. The University shall encourage and support the publication of literary, scientific, and technical materials in Filipino, English, regional, and applicable foreign languages. Section 4. No school policy or regulation shall be proposed, approved, and implemented abridging the linguistic rights of any person in the University. Section 5. The University shall create an interim body to determine and decide on the domains and the corresponding status of English and Filipino as regards their functions and official correspondences in the university. Section 6. The University shall endeavor to promote an ideal breeding ground for the development of Filipino, English, and other applicable languages.Section 7. The University shall encourage every teacher to become a language teacher.Section 8. No person shall be denied the exercise of his linguistic rights.

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article II. The Filipino Language

 Section 1. The University shall require and promote proficiency in Filipino for national identity. Section 2. The University shall strive to be one of the leading institutions of higher learning known for excellence and scholarship in Filipino language and literature.Section 3. The University shall participate with regional and national institutions in the efforts and initiatives on the globalization of Filipino.Section 4. The University shall support research activities and the publication in Filipino of works in, but not limited to, the humanities, literature, performing arts, pure sciences, social sciences, visual arts, and technology.Section 5. The University shall encourage, initiate, and monitor the translation of relevant and important documents in the University and beyond.Section 6. The University shall encourage, monitor, and support the production o instructional materials in Filipino to provide the corpus of technical terms and pedagogical idioms for the arts, sciences, and technical courses.

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article II. The Filipino Language

Section 7. A center for translation services shall be established by the University through the initiatives of and support from the departments of Filipino and English.Section 8. Initiatives in the modernization and intellectualization of Filipino shall be encouraged and supported by all the academic units of the University.Section 9. Research initiatives and activities for the standardization of Filipino shall be promoted and supported by the University.Section 10. Incentives and research grants shall be made available to encourage the publication of scholarly materials in Filipino in the country and beyond.Section 11. Sharing of best practices, technology, and resources with institutions of higher learning and similar regional, national, and international agencies shall be pursued and promoted.Section 12. The extension services of the University shall be made accessible in Filipino and English, when applicable and necessary.

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article III. The English Language

 

Section 1. The use of English as medium of instruction shall be maintained in teaching the sciences, mathematics, and technical subjects until such time that shifting to Filipino becomes possible because of its modernization and intellectualization.

Section 2. The University shall have the option to continue using English in teaching the social sciences with a nationalistic fervor.

Section 3. English proficiency shall be promoted for global competency without prejudice to Filipino and other Philippine languages.Section 4. The English language shall retain its status both as an international and intranational language in the University until such time Filipino becomes the medium in the study of commerce, computer technology, education, engineering, governance, law, mass media, medicine, and other technical sources.

 

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article IV. The Philippine Regional Language

 

Section 1. The University shall respect and value the use of the regional languages as component and requisites for learning Filipino and English.

Section 2. The regional languages shall be protected for their historical and literary values and their cultural importance.

Section 3. Research studies on the regional languages shall be intensified with financial incentives from the University and other relevant institutions in the country.

Section 4. Regional and national seminars on Philippine languages and literature (like Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicolano, Samar-Leyte, (Waray), Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Kinaray-a, and other regional languages) shall be encouraged and participated in by the University.

Section 5. Research studies on the importance of the linguistic and literary traditions of Bulacan to the development and advancement of Filipino shall be pursued and supported by the University.  

Proposed Language Policy for Bulacan State University

Article V. Foreign Languages and Foreign Students Section 1. The University shall support and continue the study, teaching, and use of foreign languages for wider communication.Section 2. Foreign students shall be given an option to study and learn the Filipino language as an elective subject.Section 3. Intercultural exchanges and understanding shall be promoted through cross-linguistic activities.Section 4. Appreciation of the linguistic and literary traditions of the ASEAN and beyond shall be integrated across the relevant disciplines.