about Liguista Filipino
Our Families journey
My name is Jiri, a proud Canadian married to my wonderful wife of 27 years, Jane. Together, we have three beautiful children who primarily identify as Filipino. Our story is one of love, culture, and the challenges we’ve faced trying to instill the richness of Filipino heritage and the Tagalog language in our children.
The Challenge
From the moment our children were born, Jane and I knew we wanted them to be deeply connected to their Filipino roots. However, the journey was far from easy. Jane, being the only Tagalog speaker in the house, faced immense pressure. With both of us holding down full-time jobs, finding the time and energy to teach our children Tagalog was a daunting task.
Filipino culture surrounded them—during family gatherings, community events, and even within the walls of our home. Yet, the language barrier was a constant reminder that something crucial was missing. Our children could see and feel their Filipino heritage all around them, but they couldn’t communicate or understand the language that is so integral to their identity.
The Heartache
As our children grew older, the inability to speak or understand Tagalog became a significant issue. They struggled to connect with their Filipino-speaking relatives, missing out on the deep conversations and cultural nuances that only language can convey. It broke our hearts to see them on the sidelines during family events, unable to fully engage with their heritage.
Jane and I felt like we had failed them. We had given them everything we could, yet we couldn’t provide them with the gift of language that would anchor them to their Filipino roots. The myths about learning two languages at a young age being confusing or detrimental only added to our hesitation and regret.
The Turning Point
Realizing the profound impact that knowing Tagalog would have on our children’s lives, we decided to take action. We wanted them to embrace their Filipino heritage fully, to understand the stories, traditions, and values passed down through generations. We understood that connecting through language was the key to achieving this.
Why we are here
Liguista Filipino
This is why we started Linguista Filipino, our online Tagalog educational service. We created it with a mission to help as many families as possible bridge the gap between heritage and language. Our goal is to provide children with the tools they need to connect with their extended family, friends, and culture in a meaningful way.
At Linguista Filipino, we dispel the myths about learning two languages. Studies have shown that bilingualism in children enhances cognitive abilities, improves problem-solving skills, and provides lifelong advantages. More importantly, it allows children to understand and embrace their heritage from a young age.
For non-Filipino spouses and partners, learning Tagalog is more than just acquiring a new language; it is a profound gesture of respect and love. It strengthens family bonds, fosters deeper connections with the Filipino heritage, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to understanding and appreciating Filipino culture. By learning Tagalog, non-Filipino partners show their dedication to family unity and cultural respect, enriching their relationships and creating a harmonious, inclusive family environment. Not to mention, you’re the coolest spouse in the room at those famous Filipino parties and get-togethers!
Even for native Filipino parents, balancing work and family often means there’s little time to teach Tagalog, but entrusting Linguista Filipino ensures your children stay connected to their heritage, something they will deeply appreciate later in life.
Vision
Linguista Filipino envisions a world where every individual of Filipino descent reconnects with their heritage through language, fostering cultural pride, unity, and a deeper understanding of Filipino identity across generations, creating a vibrant and interconnected global Filipino community.
Mission
Linguista Filipino’s mission is to deliver the highest quality language instruction, emphasizing personalized learning experience, tailored to each student’s unique abilities. Unlike other language platforms, we specialize exclusively in Tagalog, with a primary focus on mixed- heritage Filipino children and non-Filipino spouses.
Value
Linguista Filipino cherishes family roots, nurturing connections across generations through language. We empower families to rediscover and celebrate their Filipino heritage, fostering unity, cultural pride, and a shared sense of belonging within the global Filipino community.
Linguista Filipino
Our Commitment
We are committed to making Tagalog lessons accessible and engaging. Our experienced native-speaking certified teachers provide personalized lessons tailored to each child’s needs. We use interactive methods to make learning fun and effective, ensuring that each child can confidently speak and understand Tagalog.
Linguista Filipino
What to do?
If you share our desire for your children to connect deeply with their Filipino roots, we invite you to join Linguista Filipino. Together, we can give our children the gift of language and culture, helping them build lasting connections and a strong sense of identity.
Email us at info@linguistafilipino .com to learn more and enroll in our Tagalog lessons today!
Let’s make the journey of heritage connection a reality for your family, just as we are doing for ours.
Reconnect with your roots. Reconnect with your culture. Connect with family.
Frequently asked questions
Linguista Filipino is a tutoring service that offers personalized Tagalog lessons, focusing on mixed-heritage Filipino children and non-Filipino spouses who want to learn or improve their Tagalog language skills.
Our lessons are designed for children and adults, particularly those with Filipino heritage or an interest in the language. We cater to beginners and intermediate learners alike.
Our standard rate is $40 per hour for single lessons. We also offer discounted packages when purchasing multiple lessons.
Lessons are customized to fit the learner’s proficiency level and learning style. We focus on conversational skills, cultural nuances, and fundamental language structures using a blend of structured lesson plans and real-world applications.
Lessons are conducted online via video conferencing platforms, allowing students to learn from anywhere at their convenience.
Our teachers are professional educators with degrees in Filipino, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. They bring extensive teaching experience and a deep passion for Filipino language and culture.
You can sign up by contacting us through our website’s booking form. Once we receive your information, we’ll match you with a tutor who fits your learning needs.
Yes, we consider your preferences and language goals when matching you with a tutor. You can request a specific teacher if they’re available.
We accept payments through major credit cards, PayPal, and other online payment platforms. Detailed instructions are provided when booking your lessons.
Yes, we offer small group sessions for families or friends who want to learn together. Contact us for pricing and scheduling options.
Yes! For every session booked, we donate $1.00 to support educational needs and charitable initiatives in the Philippines.
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson to avoid being charged. Missed lessons without prior notice are non-refundable.
Yes, we share free Tagalog learning content, including videos and worksheets, on our YouTube channel and social media platforms. Stay connected with us for updates and resources.
We’re always looking for passionate and qualified educators. Visit our careers page for current opportunities and details on how to apply.
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