Within the Journalistic Hub: Online Platform in Native Philippine Lingo
In the heart of the Philippines, a news website is making waves by focusing on content in the Filipino language rather than English. This decision is based on the belief that Filipino, the national language and a unifying language for the Filipino people, is more culturally relevant and accessible for the local population.
The website's commitment to Filipino language content allows it to better represent and connect with the diverse linguistic groups across the country. This inclusivity is a significant factor in fostering stronger identification and engagement from readers compared to English, which, while widely understood, is not the national language and often seen as more formal or foreign.
The choice of Filipino over English in content production reflects an emphasis on national identity and inclusivity. Filipino represents the Filipino people as a whole, beyond just the Tagalog speakers. It is an amalgam of native languages, not exclusive to Tagalog, making it more widely spoken and flexible than English in the local context.
In addition, using Filipino provides a wider local reach and cultural connection. Filipino is more widely spoken than English among everyday Filipinos, providing accessibility to a larger audience. By using the national language, the news outlet strengthens cultural resonance and authenticity for local news consumption.
The website's efforts to promote Filipino language content are evident in various projects, such as poetry contests, video series, podcasts, and election battle cries. The website's managing editor, Miriam Grace Go, is a testament to the commitment, as she can write, edit, and speak in Filipino.
The website also employs AI-assisted translations, which are reviewed and edited by the writers and their minder-editors to ensure accuracy and faithfulness to the voice of the authors. This approach allows the website to cater to a broader audience while maintaining the quality of its content.
In other news, the website is currently discussing the implications of the Supreme Court's new ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. Meanwhile, the role of whistleblower Julie Patidongan is being highlighted in the missing sabungeros case.
Subscribers can manage their newsletter subscriptions on the website and receive Inside the Newsroom, a newsletter delivered straight to their inboxes every week. The website also offers a variety of topics, such as indigenous women telling the stories of their communities, redefining Philippine agriculture, Cebu as a culinary destination, and legal victories of Cebu delivery riders vs Foodpanda, among others, but these are not currently in focus.
The website's dedication to the Filipino language and its people is evident in its commitment to promoting and enriching the national language through its content and initiatives. This approach aligns with the language policies and audience preferences in the Philippines, making it a significant player in the national news landscape.
[1] For more information on the Filipino language, please refer to the official definition since 1987, which describes Filipino as an evolving language based on Tagalog but inclusive of words and elements from other Philippine languages and foreign languages, making it more widely spoken and flexible than English in the local context.
- The website's decision to focus on Filipino language content better represents and connects with diverse linguistic groups, fostering stronger identification and engagement from readers compared to English.
- By using Filipino, the news outlet strengthens cultural resonance and authenticity for local news consumption, providing a wider local reach and cultural connection.
- The website's projects, such as poetry contests, video series, podcasts, and election battle cries, are an evident effort to promote and enrich the Filipino language.
- The website's managing editor, Miriam Grace Go, is a testament to the commitment to the Filipino language, as she can write, edit, and speak in Filipino.
