Language is truly fascinating and interesting to explore in depth. Based on the readings, language learning, and language acquisition are different from each other. Taking a general closer grasp, language learning depends on one’s interest and is a deliberate process that follows certain instructions that may be learned formally or informally. On the other hand, language acquisition highlights how the language is "picked up" naturally based on exposure without studying it. Certainly, discovering language acquisition is important as people can comprehend how they are able to articulate language by obtaining it in a natural manner. While language learning is definitely complex considering a lot of processes, just like how the theories of the nature of language support various perspectives on learning a certain language. Moreover, taking into account, language acquisition and language learning theories, we can distinguish the difference between the two concepts as they assist us in understanding the nature as well as the principles for better assimilation and application of language.

Withal, the abovementioned theories of language learning and acquisition are integral concepts that assist language majors in being enlightened from various perspectives. It allows us to comprehend different propositions on how language can be acquired and learned with the support of the collective studies of language practitioners. Moreover, having coherent foundations definitely aids our presumptions of an in-depth exploration of nature as well as the principles of learning and acquiring language. Likewise, these concepts facilitate distinguishing the difference between language learning and language acquisition. Thus, it is significant to be acquainted with various theories as part of a venture in the field of studying language.

       Moreover, Philippines has a lengthy, rich history and an array of cultures, which certainly contributes to the nation's linguistic diversity. Accordingly, there are about 170 languages spoken by various ethnic groups; but only eight regional languages are recognized by the government, while Filipino and English are both designated as official languages (Wordspath Team, 2023). Looking back, the discourse concerning Tagalog as the national language, it has been subject to number of objections before proclamation in 1937 and officially declared as official language in 1946 (Temelkova, 2022). Aside from Tagalog, there are other regional languages such as Bikolano, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Ilokano are some acknowledged and widely used languages. Considering Philippine has several languages, it is impossible to accept all at once, thus there is a need to have particular language to exist as the standard. 

      Nevertheless, choosing a standard language is difficult to put into action; it takes extensive preparation to formally adopt it as language policy. Filipino, a Tagalog-based language, has, for example, received such contrasting viewpoints. Likewise, the primary source of criticism was due to the conflicting views of the people living outside of Manila, the country's capital, which ultimately led to differing attitudes on the use of language. Interestingly, despite the fact that the two languages differ, Tagalog and Filipino were used interchangeably. Notwithstanding that Filipino is the standard form of Tagalog, there are several differences in the alphabet: Tagalog has 20 letters, whereas the Filipino alphabet has 28. It also derives heavily from localized versions of a wide variety of other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and English (Temelkova, 2022). Indeed, it is plausible to doubt Tagalog's standing as the national language given the initial thrust of opposition. However, it is also supported by the general perception that people are unable to distinguish the difference between Tagalog and Filipino, which has a negative impact on both speaking and writing in spite of the speech communities to which group belongs.

            Withal, the opposing views and attitudes towards standardization of Filipino as the official language hugely influenced the delayed declaration of national language way back when Philippines was colonized by Americans. Eventually, through the collective efforts of government and language scholars they painstakingly work in language planning, making and implementing policy to have standard language. Filipino language as standardized language prominently spoken by about 87% of Filipinos (Wordspath, 2023). Besides, like the other developing countries, Philippine has an immediate urge to attain national development goals. Correspondingly, it was regarded that a cultivated standard language was one of the most effective approaches to achieve these goals, along with the cooperation of different speech communities. On top of good intentions as well as the advantages of standardizing the Filipino language, it serves as a lingua franca and symbolizes identity. Yet there are also underlying drawbacks. Ramlan (2018) asserts that it fosters elitism among the majority of speakers and establishes an inferiority complex among the minority who use non-standard forms.

      Afterall, standardizing a language is necessary as it facilitate uniformity of standard particularly in writing aspect. In a standardized writing system, it will have a huge impact in conformity regardless of cultural and social diversity. Certainly, it will produce formal and permanent framework in writing, which also influence in speaking in widely understood grammar. Hence, having standard language accommodate and build a common ground towards efficient communication, highlighting also the equal opportunities provided to minority. Thus, the standardization of the Filipino language fosters a sense of shared identity.

References

Padre, J., & Anaheim, C. A. (2006, July 21). Towards the standardization of the Filipino writing system: Spelling rules and guidelines on the use of the eight new letters of the Filipino alphabet. Filipino: 2001 Alphabet Revision & Spelling Guide. https://2001revisyon.blogspot.com/2006/07/towards-standardization-of-filipino.html

Ramlan, R. (2018). Language Standarization In General Point of View. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329967792_Language_Standarization_In_General_Point_of_View

Temelkova, K. (2022, April 29). Languages of the Philippines: Everything you need to know. Milestone Localization. https://www.milestoneloc.com/languages-of-the-philippines/

Wordspath Team. (2023, January 12). How many dialects in the Philippines? [2023]. Wordspath.
https://www.wordspath.com/how-many-dialects-in-the-philippines/