Ambagan: Conference on enriching Filipino to be held in UP

Enriching Filipino with words from the country's many languages is the reason for Ambagan, the biennial conference on languages, education and culture held by The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the Filipinas Institute of Translation (FIT).

"Ambagan 2015: Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Paglikom ng Salita Mula sa Iba’t ibang Wika sa Filipinas" will be held later this month at this month at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

According to the KWF, the conference's aim is in accordance with Article 14, Section 6 of the Constitution: "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."

This year's Ambagan will feature the following languages: Ibanag, Ilokano, Tagalog-Talim, Tagalog-Tayabas, Bikol, Waray, Binukid, Blaan, Tiboli, Subanon, Sama Bangingi, and Hiligaynon-Mindanao.

Speakers will discuss their research into why certain words from these different ethnolinguistic groups must be incorporated into the national language.

The conference will also have a demo on how these different languages can be taught in class.

The conference will be held in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). — BM, GMA News

"Ambagan 2015: Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Paglikom ng Salita Mula sa Iba’t ibang Wika sa Filipinas" will be held at Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, UP Diliman from November 25 to 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The non-refundable registration fee of P3,000 will entitle attendees to a kit, lunch and snacks, a certificate, an ID, and handouts. 547-1860 ambagan2013@gmail.com. Visit the KWF website for more information.