Word Check: "Suppose" In The Pinoy Context

 A comment from JC:

You should also write about another pinoy-ism - "supposed to be".  I love how everyone uses it nowadays in lieu of "dapat".  Haha.

"I thought you were on vacation."

Response:  "Supposed to be but my boss said I had to finish my project first."

What exactly does the word suppose mean?

It is a verb. When used with an object, it can mean any of the following:

-to assume (something)
Suppose my explanation was not accurate.

-to consider (something) as a possibility
Suppose we don't call. Do you think he'll get mad?

-to believe or assume something as true
It is supposed that many words have been misinterpreted over the years.

-to think, or hold as an opinion
What do you suppose will happen in the future?

-to require logically, or imply
The letter supposes the veracity of his statement.

However, the function of the word has often been misconstrued to mean "dapat" in the Filipino context.

Technically, if one were trying to express an expectation, a requirement or permission, then it should be used in the passive form followed by an infinitive:

e.g. (is/was + supposed) + (to eat / sleep / read / leave)

This post is supposed to explain why "suppose to be" is incorrect.

It is not equivalent to a singular expression, e.g. "Supposedly."  Rather, it is a word that shows an action.

Just like the word "actually", it essentially has no real meaning unless it is used in a complete sentence.

The Doubting Thomas' reference: www.dictionary.com

Grammar Check: "It's So Traffic Today."

We complain about traffic in Manila all the time.  However, the way we express disdain and frustration can be grammatically analyzed:

“I didn’t pass through Edsa because I knew it was so traffic.”

“It’s a good time to go to Tagaytay because it is not traffic.”

“Why is it so traffic on a Friday?”

Friends and I have bantered about this and agree that the comments above are quite commonplace.  Pause for awhile and think about it.  I noticed that we have come to use the word traffic as an adjective describing a condition of vehicular congestion on the road.  I’m not sure, but maybe the reason behind this is the way we have adopted it in Filipino as “trapik” for lack of a direct translation.  For example:

“Ma-trapik sa Edsa kaya hindi ako dumaan doon.”

“Dapat tayo pumunta ng Tagaytay dahil hindi ma-trapik.”

“Bakit ba ma-trapik kapag Biyernes?”

According to the English dictionary, however, traffic is not a descriptive word but a word that refers to a situation, an event or a movement --- a noun.  Therefore, as a noun, it functions like so:

“I didn’t pass through Edsa today because I knew traffic was bad.”

“It’s a good time to go to Tagaytay because there is no traffic.”

“Why is traffic so horrible on a Friday?”

The Doubting Thomas' reference:  Meriam-Webster.

Cheers!

Lexical Vexation

Since the inception of this blog, people have expressed their sentiments about words and phrases that get under their skin or consider misused due to a glitch in translation.  Here's an animated clip I found about lexical peeves, entitled "The Words You Love To Hate".

Source: CNN

Why Not Choose Filipino?

(This video was sent by Cherry.)

The whole scenario is just very disheartening.

About the judge:

Was it necessary to patronize the contestant and use her flawed answer as a follow-up question even after realizing that she is blatantly not proficient in the language?


I do assume the judge was wise enough to see a problem staring all of us in the face. Would it have been possible for him to ask her to repeat what she said and translate it in Filipino, instead of asking her to explain her grammatically-challenged statement?

About the audience:

What merits the hysteria?

Perhaps the one who can laugh that much possesses far greater abilities than hers to have the audacity to mock this woman.

About the contestant:

Why didn't she choose to speak Tagalog even if she was already given the liberty to do so?

Surprisingly, if one pays very, very close attention to the details and content of her answer, and if one has the patience to make sense of her overall message, it was rather sensible and definitely more than acceptable. Seriously. Try listening again.

However, I am not certain if she is aware of the reality of her own proficiency in English as she fumbled with an American accent she seems to be confident in. The situation, sadly, made her a quick target of ridicule due to sub-par articulation, diction and syntax in English.

One glaring mistake she made that day was not in her grammatical errors but in choosing to speak a language that is not her strongest suit.

Speaking in English doesn't guarantee a sure win nor does it put one on a pedestal. Again, I do not promote one language over the other. Rather, my underlying message is this: treat whatever language you speak with great respect. Good speech, whether in Filipino or English (or any language/dialect for that matter), is something to be admired and could have been this aspiring beauty queen's crowning glory had she chosen to express her thoughts in the mother tongue.

Grammar Check: "Do You Have A Scissor?"

Many times, I encounter people who ask: "Do you have a scissor?"

Although it refers to borrowing one thing, it is wise to remember that it should always be said in the plural: scissors.

When this noun is used on its own within a statement, it uses the plural verb "are". Thus said, it means the article "a" is not required:

My scissors are in the red box. (one item)

However, when it is said in a way that you can count the items, it receives a "noun phrase" or "measure word", such as "a pair of":

I bought two pairs of scissors from the supplies section. (more than one item)

The measure word can also be used to refer to specifically one unit and a singular verb "is":

There is a pair of scissors somewhere on the desk. (one item)

To ask, "Do you have a scissor?" is just as awkward as saying, "Do you have a jean?".

I guess the best rule is to always use the word in the plural form and let it function as a plural noun.

Cheers!

What Mark Says

From Mark, an entrepreneur and car enthusiast from Manila. He says:

"The Grammar Project is essential for today's workforce. Today's technology makes it so easy for us that we tend to forget basic grammar. TGP reminds us that good grammar is still very important in our day to day dealings and will help seal that very important business deal."

Grammar Check: Language Teaching Ad on Facebook

Here's something that popped up on my Facebook screen:


I'm not entirely sure what this is trying to say: "Any languages are available to teach".

To begin with, the word "any" can refer to:

1. one, some or more: "If you have any books on Peru, let me know"; or

2. every or all: "Any employee will enjoy a generous bonus for Christmas".

The more important concern is what the sentence in this English teaching ad means.

Two thoughts on the matter:

1. Does it mean people who apply on the site can teach any language?, or

2. Does it mean all language classes are ready for teaching?

What I'm certain about is language (the subject) cannot do the teaching (the verb), as the advertised sentence implies. It can, however, be taught by those who will be speaking and teaching it.

Perhaps tighter editing or a final grammar check could be considered to prevent any mix-up in the offing.

Cheers!

Say: "Guitarist"

It was only when my husband corrected me that I realized my pronunciation of this word was off. DJs, celebrities and musicians in Manila have long been saying, "GUI-tarist" the way one would say Gatorade. It seems to have been configured to our own interpretation so much so that the oversight has become the acceptable and what is perceived as correct. When you really think about it, the root word is "gui-TAR".

The musician who plays the guitar is called a "gui-TAR-ist".

The doubting Thomas' reference: www.dictionary.com and www.meriam-webster.com.

Cheers!

Word Check: "Actually" In The Pinoy Context

What exactly does the word "actually" mean?

According to www.dictionary.com, it is an adverb that means "in fact", or "in reality" and it is used to express wonder, surprise and incredulity. Granted that it is an adverb, then it should never be used alone because an adverb only makes sense when it is used for a purpose. In this case, it is to stress a fact. In other words, it's like saying "really" within a sentence to emphasize a statement. For example:

"I actually finished the whole pizza by myself."

"That song was actually written by brother."

"The embassy actually finished my documents on time."

"We actually got to meet Tita Cory back in '89."

I often wondered how the Pinoy culture has come to like this seemingly all-occasion expression:

A: "This is such a cool film"
B: "Actually." (in pensive thought)

A: "Hey! Did you know SM is on sale?"
B: "Actually!" (in excitement)

A: "There was such a huge crowd at the funeral!"
B: "Actually." (in agreement)

A: "I can't believe Tita Cory is gone!"
B: "Actually." (in sorrow)

It has become so flexible that the meaning and the purpose for which it stands has morphed into a mere expression whose meaning changes depending on the tone.

Enlightenment came in the form of Butch Dalisay's blog on "Top 10 Irritating Pinoy Expressions" in which he explained the use of "actually" in the Philippine context:

"I suspect that “actually” is the Pinoy’s translation of another phrase revered in showbiz, “sa totoo lang,” mouthing which is supposed to instantly enhance the truthfulness of one’s statement."

And there you have it.

Word Check: In spite of vs. Despite

Students today asked if there is a difference in meaning between the two.

After much debate, I said there is none. The thing is to remember to insert that sneaky and oft-neglected preposition, "of".

What exactly do in spite of and despite mean?

It's used to express contrast between two clauses. For instance:

Despite the rains, people still lined up to pay their last respects to the late President.
In spite of the rains, people still lined up to pay their last respects to the late President.

Note that a comma is necessary to mark the end of the clause with the adverb (adverb clause) if it is positioned before the main clause.

1st: Despite the rains ( , ) = adverb clause
2nd: people still lined up to pay their last respects to the late President. = main clause

If the adverb clause comes after the main clause, then a comma is no longer needed. For instance:

People still lined up to pay their last respects to the President despite the rains.
People still lined up to pay their last respects to the President in spite of the rains.

1st: People still lined up to pay their last respects to the late President = main clause
2nd: in spite of the rains. = adverb clause

I've been using the word "clause" a lot in this entry. To clarify, a clause technically is different from a phrase in the way that is has both a subject and a predicate. Note that the main clause can have meaning and stand alone even without the adverb clause. The adverb clause, however, is considered correct and makes sense only if it is used with the main clause.

Word Check: Craving vs.Craving For

The word "crave" is a verb that is synonymous to need, desire and want. If one says, "I am craving for chocolate cake", then it's pretty much the same as saying "I am desiring for chocolate cake".


If  Meriam-Webster were to be followed, then the proper use of "crave" with an object would be: "I am craving chocolate cake". Drop the preposition "for". If it were to be used in the simple present tense, then it would be just fine to say, "I crave chocolate cake".

On the other hand, "craving" is a noun (although "crave" isn't!). It can be paired with "for" if it is used as an object, not as an action. Hence, "I have a craving for chocolate cake".

I know it sounds awkward, but people get the hang of it eventually.

Cheers!

Real Grammar Breaks Ground

On July 21, Real Grammar broke ground with its pilot class.

An amazing pool of characters make up the class roster with the support of discerning students getting word of the endeavor as well as good friends wishing to brush up on their language proficiency. The group is a hodge-podge of entrepreneurs, housewives and a missionary who all have a goal of using renewed English skills for work, socials and religious ministry.

Recently (and only two weeks after the first batch started), a second class commenced in spite of the odd mid-week hours. A foreign housewife who was a magazine reporter in her homeland, siblings who are mothers who wish to better their skills for the sake of their kids and an employee of one of the leading financial firms in the country --- all came together and made time to replenish their language skills and learn something new (or re-learn something old in a new light).

What I enjoy most in class is feeling good vibes in the dynamics of people coming together for the first time and hitting it off instantly. I believe the blossoming of nurturing friendships in a class is a miracle that makes each day a fruitful experience both on a personal and educational level. Nothing can be more of a damper than having apprehensive people who are uncomfortable with each other. This results in a very quiet group of people who don't interact, leading to insignificant productivity.

All the participants thus far seem to gel very, very well, energize each other, and support each other when it's appropriate. With people whose origins range from Hong Kong, China, Korea and various regions in the Philippines, there are definitely lots of cultural insights and professional opinions to be shared and bounced around.

For all those involved, this is a blessing.

I am grateful.

Today's Amphiboly: Cooking With Dog (How To Make A Bento Box)

Even though its title made me imagine disturbing canine delicacy,
this is one of the best cooking videos I've seen!

Farewell