Filipinism and Transliteration-3

Filipinism refers to the process of contextualizing thoughts, ideas, and life experiences in
Filipino ideal. These are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually
grammatically incorrect and sometimes are a result of transliteration. Transliteration is the
process of transferring a word from the alphabet of one language to another. (ex. cake vs keyk;
candy vs keni; teacher vs titser)

Most Filipinos are quite proficient in English since it has become a prerequisite in both work
and school. It is used in almost every day, and in different situations. Thus, resulting in most
Filipinos to be accustomed to the language. However, a few grammatical errors here, and there
cannot be avoided no matter how professional it sounds.
Unusually, Filipinos have their own way of adding a personal touch to every language. And if
there’s American and British English, the Philippines has also the Philippine English. These terms
are commonly used in casual conversations and have become a huge part of the country’s
English-speaking habit. It is not entirely unrepairable because habits can be changed over time.
In business-related matters, these Filipinisms is intolerable because it can cause
miscommunication, especially to foreign clients. Native English speakers might also find it hard
to understand your message.
Practice makes perfect
What could be a better way to improve your English-speaking skills than to keep on practicing?
Enhancing your language skills would help you in many areas, most especially because English is
a universal tongue. Mastering it might be a little far-fetched but frequent usage of the perfect
grammar and pronunciation could get you a long way.
Regular reading and watching English movies are also some effective tips to further develop
your vocabulary. Sometimes, exposing yourself to anything that might help strengthen your
English skills is effective.
Most jobs nowadays, regardless if it is a voice account or not, requires good English-speaking
skills. The BPO industry in the Philippines (Links to an external site.) expects outsourced
customer support agents to be fluent in English. It is both a requisite and an emphasis on the
nature of their job.
Filipinisms can be used in a few situations excluding the formal or business-related ones.
However, continuously using it in daily conversations can cause too much familiarity that might
not be modified. So, this loosely translated English phrases called “Filipinisms” should be
recognized and corrected earlier.
We have compiled a number of popular Filipinisms (Links to an external site.) that will guide
Pinoy employees of foreign-owned entities (and even students enrolled in international
schools) when it comes to minimizing errors and being more familiar with how the Americans
and Brits express the same thoughts in English for a more professional approach.

FILIPINISM WHY IT’S WRONG IT’S BETTER TO SAY…

Free subscription of Preposition use Free subscription to
I’m sorry I didn’t get quite get
Mistaken as a sexually that / Excuse me? / I’m sorry
Come again?
explicit term (‘cum again’) would you please say that
again?
It’s free. / It’s free of
It’s for free Inappropriate word use (for) charge. / We’re sending it to
you for free.
Sounds absurd (Hold your
Would you mind if I put you
line), Caller would expect a
Hold your line/For awhile… on hold for a second? /
longer waiting time (for a
Please hold
while)
Open/close (for appliances, It’s like referring to an item
Turn on/off
office equipment, and lights) for repair
Yes, I’ll wait. (in response to Confusing mainly because of No, not at all. / No, I don’t
“Do you mind waiting?”) the “YES” word mind at all.
Is there anything I can do for
Anything? Sounds vague
you? / How may I help you?
 I’ll apologize to her. / I should
I’ll ask her an apology. Confusing/illogical
make an apology.
Sounds unprofessional, too This shop repairs
We accept repairs.
inviting cars/cellphones.
Term not recognized in
Tuck out Untuck
American/British English
Misuse of the word
“salvaged”, which means
He was salvaged. He was assassinated.
saving something from being
destroyed
She had her baby
She delivered her baby
Subject-verb confusion yesterday. / Dr. Smith
yesterday.
delivered her baby.
It’s a brand of a
Xerox (action word) Photocopy
photocopying machine
Term not recognized in
Oppositor Opposition member
American/British English
Term not recognized in
Hand carry Carry-on luggage
American/British English
It’s traffic today. Misuse of the word “traffic” Traffic is heavy.
Term not recognized in
Senatoriable Senatorial candidate
American/British English
I failed in Accent training. Inappropriate use of “in” I failed accent training.
My brother is taking law. /
My brother is taking up law. Use of “up” – too casual
My brother is studying law.
Word choice (“studying”) is Where do you go to school? /
Where are you studying?
too casual What school do you go to?
Pass by my office before you Inappropriate word choice Drop by my office before you
go. (“pass”) go.
We have one participant
Redundant term (“one only”) We have one participant.
only.
Misplaced adverb, used as a
I already spoke to her. / I
I talked to her already. filler and “talked” sounds too
have already spoken to her.
informal
Word should be used to
explain justification of a
Commonly used filler, or different thought or a known
Actually (Links to an external
used as an answer to replace fact – The boss is actually
site.)
“yes” very lenient. / Nobody knows
what actually caused the
fight at the party.
As per Paul, all request forms Incomplete sentence As per Paul’s instructions, all
should be signed by him. request forms should be
 signed by him.
Term not recognized in Tailor (male) or seamstress
Sewer
American/British English (female)
Dine in/Take home (when
Term misuse For here/To go
ordering food)
Inappropriate term (“kind
I felt kind of tired. I felt rather tired.
of”)
As to the project… Inappropriate term (“as to”) Regarding the project…
Sounds confusing and Thank you for the
Thank you for that/this one.
impolite information. / Thank you.
Currently, I live there right Redundant (“currently” and Currently, I live there. / I live
now. “right now”) there right now.
Redundant (“repeat” and
Could you repeat that again, “again”), inappropriate use of
please? “please” in a sentence that is Could you repeat that?
obviously a command
Term not recognized in
Bottomless Refillable
American/British English
restroom, powder room,
Word not found in the
C.R. / comfort room bathroom, shower room,
English dictionary
toilet
Misuse of the word
I commute to work every
“commute”, which means to
day. Getting a car is just too I commute to work either by
travel to a certain place on a
expensive, not to mention car or bus.
regular basis regardless of
fuel too.
the vehicle
Term not recognized in Get into line / Line up / Make
Fall in line
American/British English a line
“Fill up” means pouring
Fill up this form something until completely Fill out this form
filled