Am Quote by F. Sionil Jose
“I write entirely in English; Tagalog chauvinists chide me for this. I feel no guilt in doing so. But I am sad that I cannot write in my native Ilokano. History demanded this; if it isn't English I am using now, I would most probably be writing in Spanish like Rizal, or even German or Japanese.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Language and Identity, 1990s
The author expresses pride in writing in English while lamenting the loss of native Ilokano expression, noting historical forces that shaped linguistic choices.
In simple terms: Proud of English, sad about losing Ilokano.
Key Takeaway
Embrace multilingual learning to preserve heritage.
Themes
language
identity
colonialism
heritage
regret
Mood
reflective
melancholic
determined
Type
personal
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- personal essays
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
cultural assimilation
linguistic dominance
historical determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you incorporate Ilokano into your work?
- What steps can you take to learn your native language?
A Different Perspective
Language loss can erode cultural nuance.
