Languages Spoken and its Influence to the Lexicons and Language Perspectives of ESL Students

Abstract

The linguistic relativity of Sapir-Whorf hypothesis posits how language influences a person’s view of the world. This is where this study is entrenched and attempted to investigate the extent of influence of English language on the vocabulary of the selected English Education major students from a state university in Mindanao, Philippines. Employing survey for their profile, picture-lexicalization, and focus group discussion, data disclosed that roughly 70% perceived themselves to be very proficient in their native language; proficient in Filipino, which is the country's official national language and somewhat proficient in English language. Despite these perceptions of their proficiency in the languages they speak, picture-lexicalization method yielded practically 80% of the respondents use the English language compared to their native and Filipino languages. The participants disclosed that familiarity with the language played a major part in their picture-lexicalization. Finally, the FGD further revealed the respondents’ view that their native language is a reflection of their identity. The Filipino language makes them “real” Filipino or their national identity, while English language is a language of prestige and education that they can use to communicate with other nationalities.