Tagalog gains Berlin-born Pinoys’ ears

BERLIN, Germany—Appreciation for the Tagalog language is gaining ground in Germany, as young Filipino-German children get re-exposed to their "native tounge," courtesy of religion-related activities in Berlin. Since late last year, the church-sponsored Filipino Community-Berlin, commonly called Bayernallee has been giving formal language appreciation classes to Germany-born children. Every week for about three hours, children are taught the Filipino language which parents hope their children can use when they get to come back to the Philippines. The lesson, far from taught in the usual classroom setting, takes the language lesson interactive that allows them to enjoy the class while learning the language. "It is part of the integration for Filipinos to the German society and vice versa. We know that with this kind of setting, integration becomes a challenge, especially due to intercultural miscommunication. So given the activities we would like to enhance the chance para sa mas maayos na integration [for easier integration]," said Bayernallee community leader Rey Agana. The program, officially called Projekt Bayernallee, was a brainchild of Agana who himself once experienced a period of adjustment for integration into the Germany community. The lesson, in contrasts to teaching languages in a typical classroom, integrates the use of Tagalog in activities like baking or cooking. “In our research, Filipino language cannot be taught [like] how other languages [are] taught. Kailangan practice-oriented. Pano (sila) ma-encourage mag-aral ng Tagalog [The lessons should be practice-oriented to encourage them to study Tagalog]," Agana said. “We are thinking on ways for making it more appetizing for students," he added. Agana said the first step is to help the children see the relevance of learning Tagalog “when, in fact, ‘di naman nila kailangan dito sa [they don’t need it in] Germany." He said children may be able to use their facility of Tagalog when they go back to the Philippines. “Learning the language may allow them to talk to their relatives and friends in the native tounge," said Mary Gay Dolorfino, another Bayernallee community leader who helps in Projekt Bayernallee. Classes are held every weekend and also accept non-Filipino descent individuals who want to learn Tagalog. Projekt Bayernallee is currently accepting participants for its second batch. The project has begun a trainer’s course to continue the lessons. Complementing Projekt Bayernallee is the periodic Youth for Christ camp where participants talk in Tagalog. YFC leader Carlo Burmeister said that for the past three years participants in these camps were able to “polish" their Tagalog. Camps were already held in Hamburg, Berlin, and Frankfurt. Burmeister said the use of Tagalog resulted from the continuous use of the language in informal gatherings. “Maririnig mo silang nag-uusap sa Tagalog pag naglalaro sila, o kapag kasama nila ang magulang nila [I heard them speak in Tagalog when they play or with their parents]." A long-time resident of the Philippines before he went back to Germany, particularly in Tagalog-speaking Batangas, Burmeister said he was surprised how fluent many of the Filipino-German youth were in Tagalog. Burmeister credits Bayernallee for providing a venue for the youth to speak in Tagalog. -- OFW Journalism Consortium