How long does it take to learn Tagalog?

[Jiri]

This is a very popular question, how long does it really take to learn Tagalog? well it depends on a number of factors, one of which and what I call the most important, how much time do you have to commit to learning? When taking on any language, you must first be ready to commit to the process. After that some will argue what is your native language? is it in the same language family as Tagalog, this will certainly expedite the process and will allow you to learn it at a more rapid rate however this isn’t always the case, some folks just have a talent at learning languages, the problem with this is, you don’t know if you are one of them without going through the motions of learning a language, kind of a catch 22 I guess you can say.

But let’s put all this aside and look at some averages. In order to gain basic proficiency With daily interaction and practice, a learner might achieve basic conversational skills in about 3 to 6 months.
The constant exposure and immediate feedback from a native speaker can help with pronunciation, understanding common phrases, and forming simple sentences more quickly.

In order to gain Intermediate proficiency. The learner could reach an intermediate level in about 1 to 1.5 years.
Daily practice with a native speaker allows for more nuanced understanding of grammar, idiomatic expressions, and the ability to engage in longer conversations.

But hold up, most people who are actively searching to learn a language are generally not thinking ” I wonder how long it’ll take to for me to learn half a language” It’s true, when people want to learn a language they would to know if they can become fluent. well following the same protocol as above Achieving advanced proficiency could take about 2 to 3 years with daily practice.

The constant immersion at home helps the learner become comfortable with more complex aspects of the language, including various dialects, cultural nuances, and sophisticated vocabulary.

The key advantage of having a native speaker to practice with daily is the immersive experience, which helps reinforce learning through real-life usage, making the learning process both faster and more effective.

What if you do not have a native speaker at home to practice with? I think it’s safe to say we all know Filipinos regardless of where we live, don’t be shy, use what you know and I assure you they will help you along and be thrilled that you are making the effort.

What are your thoughts?

Most people who are closely connected to Filipinos or the culture, have at one point or another thought of learning, using silly apps which give you zero support or correction when you are pronouncing something wrong, the app will mark you as correct if you are close enough, which creates bad habits and will eventually set you off on the wrong path.
Why do Filipinos living abroad not put efforts into teaching their kids Tagalog? This is a legacy killer for Mom and Dad, all you have to look at is Caucasians living anywhere but Europe, most have no clue where they originate from and the other half are wrong, their grandparents , great grandparents and culture are completely forgotten, the only real way to find out is through DNA, this is very sad.

Anyone have anything to add? Would love to hear your opinions

[Author]

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