Do People Speak English in The Philippines? – Reveal The Truth

Do people speak English in the Philippines? The quick answer is that English is one of the official languages of the Philippines.

This article will explore different reasons and factors as to why English is widely spoken in the Philippines. So let us dive in!

Do People Speak English in The Philippines?

Most of the time, people in The Philippines speak English. That’s because The Philippines is a former American colony. Hence, English is one of the official languages.

However, many other languages are also spoken in The Philippines. These include, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, and Kapampangan.

In the Philippines, communication in English is easy. There’s a good chance you can speak English with someone.

However, Tagalog is the most commonly spoken language. So you may need to learn some basics before communicating with locals.

But don’t worry – they’re used to tourists and are generally patient with language barriers.

While in the Philippines, be able to find someone to chat with in English. 

Languages Spoken In The Philippines

The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia. The official languages of The Philippines are Filipino and English.

However, there are more than 180 different languages spoken throughout the country. Of these, more than 80% get classified as local Philippine languages.

While the rest are foreign-based, including Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and Tagalog.

English is not the most widely spoken language in The Philippines. It is still used regularly by a significant portion of the population.

In addition, English is also one of the country’s official languages. That means it gets used for government and educational purposes.

As a result, people who visit The Philippines will likely encounter English speakers.

What Percentage Of Filipinos Speak English?

The Philippines is second in Asia for English proficiency. And it is in the 27th spot out of 99 countries worldwide.

Over 90 million people can speak English in The Philippines. That is up to 80% of the population.

It is the 4th largest English-speaking country in the world.

That is also why English is one of the official languages there. Even in rural areas, many Filipinos have at least a basic understanding of English.

How Widely Is English Spoken In The Philippines?

English has been one of the country’s official languages since 1987. That is partly due to the Philippines‘ colonial history.

The country was a Spanish colony for centuries before the United States took over in 1898.

As a result, many Filipinos have a strong grasp of English and Spanish.

In addition, English gets taught in all Philippine schools. So even young children are proficient in the language.

Consequently, travelers to the Philippines will have no trouble communicating with locals.

Language Diversity In The Philippines

According to Ethnologue, more than 190 languages get spoken in the Philippines. That’s a lot of diversity for such a small country!

The official language is Filipino. But many regional dialects are also spoken throughout the islands.

English is also widely spoken and used in education, business, and government.

So if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, don’t worry about being unable to communicate.

History Of The English Language In The Philippines

The history of English in The Philippines traces back to the 1600s. When the British East India Company first introduced it.

However, in the late 1800s, English began to gain widespread usage. That was partly due to American colonial rule.

That resulted in English becoming the primary language of education and government.

Despite this, Filipino remains the first language for most people in the Philippines.

However, English continues to play an important role in the country. It will likely remain an important part of Filipino culture for many years.

Effect Of English Language In The Philippines

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It has official status in many countries. The same is the case in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, Filipino and English are both official languages.

However, Filipino is the dominant language. While English is primarily used for education and business.

That said, English is still widely spoken throughout the country. Especially in urban areas.

So you may not get by solely speaking English in the Philippines. It’s certainly possible to get by with limited language knowledge.

And if you’re planning to visit or live in the Philippines, learning at least some basic Filipino will go a long way.

Globalization Is Also A Reason

English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, along with Filipino. Plus, there are over a hundred other local dialects.

But why do people speak English in the Philippines? One of the main reasons is globalization.

In a globalized world, English has become the lingua franca. That is the language people from different countries use to communicate.

That is especially true in business and education.

As more and more Filipino businesses engage with international partners. Spoken English has become essential.

Role Of English In The Education System Of The Philippines

The role of English in the education system of the Philippines has changed over the years.

English used to be the language of instruction in all schools, but that is no longer the case.

English is only used as a medium of instruction in some schools. Other schools use Filipino or a combination of both languages.

However, English remains an important part of the education system in the Philippines.

It is still a medium of instruction in many subjects, such as science and math.

Plus, it gets used for all official communications, such as laws and government documents.

As a result, English plays an important role in the education system of the Philippines.

Cities In Phillippines With The Most English Speakers

Since the bigger cities become tourist attractions for foreigners. English is widely spoken in most cities and provinces in the Philippines.

But which cities have the most English speakers? The three frontrunners are Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City.

1. Manila:

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and its most populous city. It’s also home to a large number of English speakers.

The estimated number of English speakers in Manila is 2 million. That’s about a quarter of the city’s population!

So you’ll find that many people in Manila can communicate in English. However, it’s important to note that only some in Manila speak English fluently.

In addition, in some areas of the city, people may only speak Tagalog or other local languages.

But don’t worry, there are still plenty of places where you can practice your English skills.

For example, you can go to one of the many English schools in Manila. Or you can visit one of the city’s many international hotels.

If you’re looking to learn more about the local culture. If or want to practice your English skills, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in Manila.

2. Cebu City:

Cebu City is on the island of Cebu, in the Central Visayas region.

It’s the second most populous city in the Philippines. It has an estimated 1.5 million English speakers.

Cebu City is a popular tourist destination. Many locals there are eager to practice their English with visitors.

In addition, English is widely used in businesses and schools. So you’ll have no trouble getting by even if you don’t speak Filipino.

Whether you’re looking to learn some new phrases or want to chat with the locals. You’ll find that English is alive and well in Cebu

3. Davao City:

Davao City is on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines. It has an estimated 1 million English speakers.

So, if you’re looking for a city with many English speakers, Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City are all great options.

Can You Live By Just Speaking English In the Philippines?

Yes, you can live in the Philippines, speaking only English. A lot of people do!

While learning at least Tagalog (the local language) will make your life much easier. It’s not strictly necessary.

English is widely spoken throughout the country. Especially in tourist areas and among businesses.

In addition, many Filipino people have studied English in school and are quite fluent.

So don’t worry – you’ll be able to get by just fine without speaking any Tagalog.

Of course, there are some exceptions. If you’re planning on living in a more rural area, you may find that fewer people speak English.

Learning at least some basic Tagalog phrases is worth learning in these cases.

And even if you’re living in an area where English is widely spoken. Learning Tagalog will show the locals that you’re interested in their culture.

And that you are willing to make an effort. Learning a little bit of the local language is always a good idea whenever you move to a new country.

However, remember that English may not be as widely spoken in the Philippines. As in other countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom.

Final Thoughts:

Do people speak English in the Philippines? Yes, they do! English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, along with Filipino.

As a result, English is widely spoken throughout the country. It is often used as a lingua franca in tourist areas and business districts.

However, it should be noted that only some in the Philippines speak English fluently.

In rural areas and small towns, you may find that only a few people can communicate in English.

if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines. It’s always a good idea to brush up on your language skills beforehand!