Language as a Major Tool in Discourse

Use and development of the Filipino language for psychological research and writing. Proponents noted that (1) the use
of native languages is consistent with the indigenization-from-within approach; (2) native languages are an important
source of indigenous constructs, (3) the development and communication of an indigenous psychological science may
benefit from the use of native languages; and (4) reports written in native languages can reach a wider audience and
contribute toward the development of national identity (Enriquez, 1994b; Enriquez & Marcelino, 1984; Javier, 1996;
Rood, 1985; Salazar, 1982b, 1991; Sibayan, 1994).

When Virgilio Enriquez became Chairman of the Department of Psychology in the University of the Philippines, major
changes were undertaken in the department, the most important of which was the use of Tagalog as the medium of
instruction and in thesis/dissertation writing

Pagkataong Pilipino (Filipino Personhood)

Numerous publications have been written and many studies have been

conducted with the aim of identifying the true Filipino personality. In 1989, Virgilio Enriquez proposed the theory
Pagkataong Pilipina (Filipino Personhood), which describes the personality of the Filipino, with its core values of kapwa,
pakiramdam, and kagandahang-loob.
Pagkataong Pilipino –

The Value System of Philippine Psychology

By: Virgilio Enriques

Colonial / Hiya ( propriety / Utang na Pakikisama

Accommodative Dignity ) (companionship)
Loob (gratitude or
Surface
solidarity)
Value

Associated Biro Lambing Tampo (affective

Behavioral Disapointment)
SURFACE (joke) (sweetness)
Pattern

Confrontative Bahala na Lakas ng loob Pakikibaka

Surface Value (determination)
(guts) (resistance)
 Pivotal Pakiramdam (Pakikipagkapwa-tao)
Interpersonal
(shared inner perception)
Value

CORE KAPWA

CORE VALUE (shared identity)

Linking socio- Kagandahang-loob (pagkamakatao)

Personal
(shared humanity)
Value

Associated Karangalan Katarungan Kalayaan

Societal
SOCIETAL (dignity) (justice) (freedom)
Value
Core Values

Kapwa. This is considered as the core of Filipino personhood Most would think that kapwa refers to the other person,
but it actually means "fellow human being." The ", which refers to the person extends to and includes the other or the
other individual. According to Enriquez kapwa is the "unity of the one-of-us-and-the-other." Kapwa, the recognition of a
shared identity or an inner self shared with others, may also mean "togetherness." This is the core construct of which is
actually in conflict with the common individualist (kanya-kanya self-identity concept of the West.

Kapwa has two categories, ibang tao ("other people") and hindi ibang tao (not other people").

I. Ibang Tao ("outsider" or "other people") - there are five domains in this construct:

Pakikitungo (transaction/civility with) - right demeanor towards authorities (parents, elders, etc.).

Pakikisalamuha (interaction with) - a social value that is primarily communitarian and espouses the ability to adapt. This

Pakikilahok (joining/participating) translates to the participation of the entire community to help a person.

Pakikibagay (in conformity with/in accord with) conformity with the demands of those who are in charge.

Pakikisama (being along with) - empathizing with others.

II. Hindi Ibang Tao ("one-of-us" or "not other people") - there are three domains in this

construct: Pakikipagpalagayang-loob (being in rapport/ understanding/acceptance)

Pakikisangkot (act of joining others) Pakikipagkaisa (being one with others)

Pakiramdam. This is the second core construct of SP. This steering emotion triggers the spontaneous voluntary
actions that come with the sharing of the "self." It is the deep inner feeling that initiates all deeds. Filipinos are good in
sensing the feelings of other individuals and non-verbal cues are enough for us to know who are in need, to sense the
feelings of other individuals, or to discern how other people perceive us. Filipinos use damdam or the inner perception
of others' emotion, as a tool to guide their interactions with others.

Kagandahang-loob. This is a Filipino value that nudges a person towards genuine acts of generosity and towards a
nurturing that has its origin in having genuine feelings for others (i.e., a sense of empathy).

Surface Values

The accommodative surface values include hiya, utang na loob. pakikisama, and pakikipagkapwa.

Hiya (propriety). Although it has been loosely translated as "shame" by most Western psychologists, "sense of
propriety" is actually a more accurate way of defining this term. In the Western perspective, this refers to the "sense of
shame" and often has a negative connotation. However, in the study of Bonifacio, as cited by Pepua (2000), this is not
the only interpretation of the word. The term changes depending on the affix attached: nakakahiya (embarrassing),
napahiya (placed in an awkward position), ikinahiya (be embarrassed with someone), or a positive form, e.g., mahiyain
(shy).

Utang na loob (gratitude/solidarity). This is the norm of reciprocity. Filipinos are expected by their neighbors to
return favors- whether these are asked for or not-when such favors are needed or wanted.
Pakikisama and Pakikipagkapwa (companionship). Smooth interpersonal (SIR) is an attitude that is
primarily guided by conformity with the majority.
Meanwhile, the confrontative surface values include bahala na, lakas ng loob, and pakikibaka.
Bahala na (determination). Foreign and even local studies would describe this as a fatalistic
expression that a person feels whenever something does not turn out right or a feeling of resignation over
something that you cannot do something about. However, using the Filipino perspective, bahala na can be
interpreted in a different way. Pepua (2000) cited the study of Lagmay on this Filipino attitude, stating that
bahala na is not all about fatalism and resignation, but can also have a positive meaning of "determination
and risk-taking." In the midst of problems and difficulties, such an attitude can give courage to move on
and do the task whatever it takes. Literally, bahala na translates to "leave it up to God (Bathala)" and it is
used as an expression, almost universally, in Filipino culture. Filipinos engage the bahala na attitude as a
culture-influenced adaptive coping strategy when faced with challenging situations.
Lakas ng loob (guts). This attitude is characterized by being courageous in the midst of problems and
uncertainties.
 Pakikibaka (resistance). Literally means "concurrent clashes." This refers to the ability of the Filipino to
undertake revolutions and uprisings against a common enemy.

Societal Values
Karangalan (dignity). Loosely translated to "dignity," this actually refers to what other people see in a person
and how they use that information to make a stand or judge that person's worth.
Katarungan (justice). Loosely translated to "justice," this refers to the principle of equity in giving
rewards to a person.

Kalayaan (freedom). This refers to both "freedom" and "mobility" and may clash with the less
important value of pakikisama or pakikibagay (conformity).
Filipino personality is actually a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. The external aspect is the
influence of the West (the way we guided dress, the type of music that we prefer, the food that we eat), whereas
the core of our personality is Asian as reflected in the values that we uphold.