English: One Ticket to Many Opportunities

If you could travel anywhere in and out of the country, where would you go? For me, if it was in the Philippines, I’ve always wanted to visit some friends over in Cebu, and if it were outside the country, China would probably be an interesting place to explore. Now, what if I told you that you only needed one ticket to travel anywhere in the world for the rest of your life? How valuable would that ticket be? Having learned the English language is similar to possessing such a ticket. English, being a universal language, not only helps Filipino youth connect with people around the world but also opens up numerous career opportunities.

I like how Christopher Porter puts it in his study on Philippine regionalism and nationalism; he explains that while the Filipino language is the bridge that connects all Filipinos from different cultures and regions in the Philippines, English language is what connects Filipinos to the rest of the world. Many Filipino youths from our study expressed that English, being a universal language, motivates them to continually improve their proficiency. They see it as a means to understand the “language of the world” and communicate effectively with people from different countries.

Youth less dominant in the English language expressed a desire to enhance their proficiency, recognizing English as an international language. Many are interested in learning from other cultures, evident in their consumption of international mass media. Our study found that a significant number of youth are more exposed to international media than local media, appreciating the broader range of topics and higher production quality offered by international content. Besides staying updated on global trends, they are keen on understanding diverse perspectives from various cultures.

Kristina Temelkova, an author at Milestone Localization, points out that with millions of Filipinos capable of speaking English, the Philippines is one of the best hubs in Asia for business process outsourcing (BPO), frequently communicating with countries like the United States. English is regarded as an essential language alongside Filipino, seen as a gateway to future career opportunities. Beatriz Lorente, in “The Politics of English South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific,” emphasizes that English’s high status in the country is due to its significance for foreign employers seeking workers proficient in the language.

While the Philippine workforce is highly desirable to foreign employers, proficiency in the English language is a distinguishing trait that Filipino workers possess, giving the Philippines an edge over other countries like India. According to Filipino youth, their future careers or professions are among the main reasons for learning the English language. It offers an elegant mode of communication in formal or professional settings, especially with work coming from international employers or companies where Filipino is not the primary language. English’s universality makes it a valuable asset, opening doors to opportunities worldwide and not confining them to the Philippines.

English has become the standard language of communication worldwide, facilitating understanding of diverse people and cultures globally. This not only helps foster connections worldwide but also makes it easier for Filipinos to find friends and pursue professional careers, thanks to English proficiency.