english semantic loans in filipino from 1970s
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SociolinguisticsTRANSCRIPT
ENGLISH SEMANTIC LOANS IN FILIPINO FROM 1970S
by
ROSELLE ERICA R. OLAVARIO
In partial fulfillment
of requirements in
Linguistics 180
PROF. MARY ANN BACOLOD
March 2014
1.0 Introduction
Due to language diversity and contact to foreign countries, Filipinos are at the very least
bilingual. One phenomenon that can be observed and analyzed in the forms of Filipino usage of
grammar is Taglish. This is a form of code-switching or switching of codes between two
languages, a by-product of bilingualism. Bautista (2004) described in her study the common
cause of code-switching usage and the patterns of code-switching in her article „Tagalog-English
Code Switching as a Mode of Discourse’. Although not mentioned in Bautista‟s article, Smedley
(2006) analyzed code-switching patterns in Taglish using Muysken‟s Three Way Typology-
insertion, alternation, and congruent-lexicalization.
Meanwhile, semantic change happens to some English loanwords used in Filipino. As
defined by Backus and Tian (2013), semantic loans or loan translation happens by „taking a word
in the base language and extending its meaning so that it corresponds to that of a word in the
other language‟. The original meaning of the word is reproduced with another meaning, which
may be close or not close to the original meaning. This does not happen only from English to
Filipino, it also occurs in other languages. Loan translation also occurs from English to Chinese
and Old Chinese to Japanese. Porciuncula (2012) presented in her study the different semantic
loans used at present. This study, on the other hand, aims to identify how English semantic loans
started and how these words changed overtime. There are no existing studies and literature
regarding this and the researcher aims to give highlight to this wildly occurring phenomenon in
Filipino up to now. Also, the researcher aims to identify the type of semantic change that
happened to each semantic loan and the social and cultural analysis of semantic change that
happened to semantic loans.
2.0 Statement of the Problem and Objectives
The Researcher explored how English semantic loans were used on a specific context and
specific time. Specifically, the researcher answered these questions regarding the mentioned
main problem: (1) what are the English semantic or slang words created and used in 1970s? ; (2)
How are their use and meaning changed? ; and (3) What would be the social and cultural
motivation for the change(s)?
The research questions were accomplished through the following objectives: (1) Identifying
semantic loans or slang words created and used in 1970s; (2) Identifying their present meaning
and use; and (3) identifying the social and cultural motivation for the change(s).
3.0 Significance of the Study
This study contributes to the semantic understanding to changes of meaning of loanwords
in Filipino. As English, is considered one of the Philippine‟s national language along with
Filipino, a large number of words have been borrowed and changed meaning inside the Filipino
context. Study regarding about the meaning change of English loanwords in Filipino is very
minimal, if not non-existent. Most studies on semantic change of English loanwords are
described based only on how it changed from its original English meaning to its Filipino
meaning.
Additionally, this study not only describes their change in meaning, but also, describes
how the change was affected socially and culturally.
4.0 Scope and Delimitation
The study does not include all semantic loanwords used from the 1970s. The semantic
loans used are not categorized into specific context since they were picked from different songs
with pop-rock genre of music. Moreover, the researcher only focused on the sociolinguistic
aspect. In addition, the data elicited came from lyrics of songs from 1970s six (6) bands and one
(1) artist in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the age of the respondents of the survey does not exactly
tell the year of their usage.
5.0 Review of Related Literature (RRL)
The forming of Filipino slangs started after the rise of Pinoy music, a combination of rock,
folk, and ballad written in Filipino (Lockard, 1998). The lyrics were filled of slang Filipino terms
that appealed to the youth. It was an attempt to reflect on social realities combining nationalism
and the art of popular culture. Pinoy rock signifies political expressions of young Filipinos. The
most prominent singers of these time is Rico Puno, a college dropout specializing in Taglish
materials, Florante de Leon, and the Juan de la Cruz Band, composed of Joey Smith, Wally
Gonzales, and the „High Priest of Pinoy Rock‟ Mike Hanopol. Western rock greatly influenced
Pinoy music that it eventually leads to composition of more Taglish songs.
Particularly, according to Rodell (2001) „Ang Himig Natin’ performed by the Juan de la
Cruz band is the first ever Pinoy rock, where Pinoy is used as slang for Filipino. Other Pinoy
rockers include Sampaguita, and Mike Hanopol (after he left Juan de la Cruz Band). Along with
Pinoy rock in 1970s rose the group Hotdog, who used western pop with Filipino lyrics, which is
later called „Manila Sound‟ . The mixing of Tagalog and English or Taglish became popular in
Manila and other urban areas. In 1980s, Pinoy jazz became the „In‟ music, where Ryan
Cayabyab composed songs that became popular, such as „Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika’ and
‘Tsismis’ .
Most linguists describe semantic change as a phenomenon that is hard to make a theory.
That is because semantic change depends on change in society and culture. Also, Linguists say
that the change between form and meaning is arbitrary, therefore many changes are possible. On
the other hand, the Inviting Inference Theory of Semantic Change (IITSC) by Traugott and
Dasher (As cited by Stevens, 2008) suggests a meaning that is cancellable or changeable
depending on the meaning the speaker wants to infer to the listener. This occurs through
metaphoric and metonymic processes, where the speaker invites inferences similar or slightly
associated to the meaning carried by the form used. These can almost successfully lead to
change- talk in such a way you are noticed and talk in such a way that you would not to use so
much energy.
Regarding language change, Landsbergen et. al. (2010) tried to identify tendencies of
semantic change by using a cultural evolutionary perspective. They used patterns such as
language of population caused by interactions between individuals, population-level process and
random drift. This reflects Keller‟s (as cited by Landsbergen et. al., 2010) idea of Invisible Hand
Theory, which states that group behavior results to individual behavior. Language change is,
therefore the unintended result of intention individual behavior. They use „maxims‟- speak in
such a way that you can successfully communicate and talk like others talk.
Meanwhile, the researcher was able to find the traditional types of semantic change that
served as guide to analyze the changes that happened to the semantic loans elicited from the
survey. O‟Grady (2005) described in his book Contemporary Linguistics the different kinds of
semantic change. Semantic broadening is the process of changing the meaning of the word to a
more general and inclusive one. The signifier is attributed to a more specific meaning, which is
something similar to the original form. Semantic narrowing refers to the type of change where,
unlike semantic broadening, the meaning of the original word becomes less inclusive or more
exclusive. Meanwhile, the signifier undergoes amelioration when its meaning becomes more
positive than its original form. The opposite of amelioration is pejoration, where the meaning
becomes more negative. The signifier‟s becomes less forceful when it undergoes weakening.
Signifier undergoes semantic shift when it loses its meaning and forms a new one, but the new
one is often related to the original. Lastly, the signifier can be affected by metaphor, in which the
characteristics of objects and actions are attributed to abstract words.
6.0 Methodology
6.1 Data Collection
6.1.1 Data Collection Sources
The researcher collected semantic loans from the lyrics of songs of six (6) Filipino bands
and one (1) artist, namely The Hotdog Band, Cinderella, Hagibis, Juan Dela Cruz, Kapatid, and
Sampaguita. The following are the songs included listed according to the artists: The Hotdog
Band- Beh, Buti Nga ; Cinderella- Sana’y Maging Steady Mo, and Ikaw ang Idol Ko; Hagibis-
Bintana, and Macho; Juan dela Cruz- No Touch; Kapatid- Hanggang Magdamag; Sampaguita‟s
Bonggahan and; Mike Hanopol‟s Jeproks.
6.1.2 Survey
In order to identify the changes in meaning and use of the identified semantic loans in
each song, the researcher conducted an online survey where the semantic loans are listed and
each respondent are asked to define each semantic loan according to their usage. The
respondents are divided according to four (4) age groups, mainly born on 1960s, 1970s, 1980s,
and 1990s. Each age group have five (5) respondents, summing up to a total of thirty (20)
respondents.
6.2 Data Analysis
The data from the respondents are divided according to the semantic loan. Each semantic
loan is given a table showing the difference of usage in each age group, the Standard English
definition based on online merriam-webster dictionary and the type of semantic change
according to O‟Grady. The results will also be compared according to its usage on the lyrics
where the data were extracted. All data will be socially and culturally analyzed according to the
data gathered and initially analyzed.
7.0 Results and Discussions
7.1 Type of Semantic Change in Each Semantic Loan
The following tables show the changes that happened to each semantic loan from the
usage of the 60s generation to 90s generation. The words in bold and uppercase letters are usages
that have been added to each semantic loan. Each of them is also identified with their Standard
English definition and with the type of semantic change they undergone.
7.1.1 Cheap1
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) OUT OF FASHION Pejoration
Low class
Low Cost/ Inexpensive
70s (44-35 years old) MABABAW/ SHALLOW Pejoration
Low class
Affordable/ cheap
80s (34-25 years old) KURIPOT/ STINGY Pejoration
KALADKARIN/ EASY-TO-GET
Inexpensive
Low quality
Poor
Low Level
90s (24-14 years old) OUT OF FASHION ‘BADUY’ Pejoration
PRIDELESS
Whore
Easy-to-Get
Affordable/ Cheap
Low Quality/ Low Class
In this table, it is shown that to those born on 60s the meaning of the loanword cheap
changed from describing the low value or price of things to describing fashion. The „low‟ value
was attributed to the fashion sense which indicates having „bad taste‟ on clothes. To those born
1 “At minimum expense; not costing a lot of money; of low quality, not worth a lot of money;
charging low prices” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheap
on 70s and 80s the attribute „low‟ is now added to the personality of people such as being
shallow, stingy, and easy-to-get:
(1) Porke type ka,type mo na din? Cheap mo naman!
(You like someone just because they like you? You‟re so cheap!)
In 90s cheap is attributed to having of bad fashion sense and having no pride:
(2) Ang cheap cheap mo naman manamit.
(You dress cheaply.)
In this, we can see that from the lyrics of Beh, Buti Nga (Appendix 1), the loanword
cheap semantically changed from English to Filipino by pejoration. From 60s to 90s, it has
changed to different meaning by pejoration.
7.1.2 Steady2
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic
Change
60s (54-45
years old)
IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE/
TOGETHER/ BOYFRIEND-GIRLFRIEND
semantic shift
Unmoving/ stand-by
70s (44-35
years old)
Mutual understanding/ long-term partners/ committed
relationship
No change
Firm/ unmoving
80s (34-25 TAMBAY ‘FROM ENGLISH WORD STAND-BY’ Pejoration
2 “Firm in position; not easily disturbed or upset; constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or
attachment.” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steady
years old) STABLE/ JUST RIGHT/ FINE
Calm/ Relaxed/
Still/ Unmoving/ Unchanging direction/
90s (24-15
years old)
Relaxed/ slow/ calm Weakening
Stable/ unwavering/ Constant
In this table, it is shown that from the definition of the loanword steady have changed by
semantic shift, or totally changing its meaning. Originally, it means unmoving or still and for
respondents born on 60s, it changed to „having a relationship with a person‟. This is also shown
in the 70s song Sana’y Maging Steady Mo (Appendix 2):
(3) Sana'y ako ang mapili mo, upang maging steady mo
(I wish I would be the one you‟ll choose as your steady)
It changed its meaning to killing some time or being still. And for respondents on 90s, the
concept of steady as having the meaning of being in a relationship and killing some time
weakened.
7.1.3 Jackpot3
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) WINNER Semantic broadening
Lucky
70s (44-35 years old) LUCK/ GOOD FORTUNE Metaphor
Winner
80s (34-25 years old) ACHIEVE EXPECTED RESULT Amelioration
Win something by luck
Ultimate prize
3“A usually large amount of money won in a game of chance; an impressive often unexpected
success or reward” 2014.In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackpot
90s (24-15 years old) EFFORTLESS ACHIEVEMENT Amelioration
AWESOME OUTCOME
Win
Lucky „Suwerte’
As we observe from the song Ikaw ang Idol Ko (Appendix 3), it shows that the meaning
of the loanword jackpot has changed into a form of adjective wherein it serves as an alternative
to the loanword lucky:
(4) Jackpot ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo
(My love for you is jackpot)
It is shown in the table that the respondents‟ born on 60s and 70s definition of jackpot has
been used as a metaphor giving a more abstract definition pertaining to luck and good fortune. In
80s and 90s, the word had undergone amelioration wherein the meaning became more favorable
resulting to „achieving expected result‟ and „effortless achievement‟.
(5) Naka-jackpot siya kay nanay, may dagdag ang allowance niya sa kaunting
pambobola.
(He got a jackpot from mom, she received an allowance by making her flatter a little.)
7.1.4 Dead4
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) HEAD-OVER-HEELS Semantic shift
Lifeless/ energy loss
70s (44-35 years old) Like very much/ so into someone No change
80s (34-25 years old) PATAY/ LAGOT/ BE OUT Semantic shift
4 “No longer alive or living; not able to feel or move; very tired” 2014.In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead
Lifeless/ Power loss/ Energy loss
Having crush on someone
Hopeless
90s (24-15 years old) EMPTY BATTERY Semantic broadening
Lagot/ Patay/ Be out
Crazy In Love/ Attracted to Someone
By semantic shifting, the meaning of the loanword dead from having no life changed to
being „head-over-heals‟ for a person for the respondents born on 60s.
(6) Hinahanap ka na ni Mam Sofia! Dead ka na naman.
(Ma‟am Sofia is looking for you! You‟re dead again.)
And, for 90s respondents, to be dead broadened including devices losing its energy
source. Wherein, being dead has been attributed to losing power even to inanimate objects. The
semantic changes that the loanword dead undergone to from the respondents‟ 70s up to 90s
usage now were semantic shift and semantic broadening.
(7) Dead na phone ko.
(My phone is dead.)
7.1.5 Chicks5
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) BEAUTIFUL/ PRETTY/ SEXY Metaphor
Girls/ Young women
Young chicken
70s (44-35 years old) Beautiful/sexy/ pretty No change
Young chicken
5 “A baby bird; a woman or girl” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014,
from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chick
80s (34-25 years old) A youngster of chicken No change
Girls/ Lady
Sexy ladies/ Pretty Girls/ Beautiful Girls
90s (24-15 years old) Girls/ Young, Beautiful Girls No change
Pretty/ Sexy/ Hot
Young Chickens
On the other hand, the loanword chicks have not changed usage by the respondents born
from 80s to 90s, but has retained its original form from its first semantic change by the
respondents born from 70s. From its Standard English meaning „a young chicken or a girl‟ it has
changed its meaning to describe characteristics of a girl:
(8) Sobrang chicks naman nyan.
(She‟s such a chick.)
7.1.6 Iskor „Score6‟
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) FAVOR/ ADVANTAGE Semantic shift
GET A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING
70s (44-35 years old) STEAL A KISS Semantic shift
Overpower someone
Points
80s (34-25 years old) TIYEMPO/ TIMING Semantic shift
WIN SOMEONE’S FAVOR
90s (24-15 years old) HAD SEX WITH SOMEONE Semantic shift
CHANCING/ SEXUAL TOUCH
6 “The number of points, goals, run, etc., that each player or team has in a game or contest; the
number of points that someone gets for correct answers on a test, exam, etc.; a document
showing all the notes of a piece of music” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18,
2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/score
Impress someone/ Get a girl‟s heart
Was first to do something
Get something you want
Number of Points
From its Standard English definition, the loanword score undergone semantic shift by
changing its meaning to „a favor or advantage‟ and „getting a chance to do something‟. This
loanword has undergone total semantic changes by the respondents born on 60s up to
respondents born on 90s. The changes are seen from the sentences below from the respondents
born on 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s respectively:
(9) Uy nakaiskor ako ng regalo sa ninong ko nuong pasko.
(Hey, I was able to get a gift from my godfather last Christmas.)
(10) Naka iskor ako sa kanya kanina.
(I kissed her earlier.)
(11) Onga eh, naka-score nga ako ng goodbye hug bago ako umalis.
(Right, I scored a goodbye-hug before I left.)
(12) Uy bro, nakascore ako kay *insert name* kagabi.
(Hey bro, I scored from *insert name* last night.)
We can observe that the sentences merely has the same context if we do not know what
specifically what the speaker is talking about. The loanword has been used in different contexts
by respondents born from 60s to 90s. In sentence (9) the speaker used iskor to describe ability, in
sentence (10) iskor pertains „to kiss‟, in sentence (11) the speaker pertained to having the „right
timing‟ to hug another person, and in sentence (12) pertains to having „sex‟ with someone, as
defined by the respondent.
7.1.7 Arbor7
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic
Change
60s (54-45
years old)
BORROW Semantic shift
REQUEST TO OWN SOMETHING
Vine-holder
70s (44-35
years old)
Ask for something No change
80s (34-25
years old)
GET SOMETHING FOR FREE/ GET SOMEONE’S
POSSESSION FOR FREE
Semantic
broadening
Ask for something
90s (24-15
years old)
BORROW WITHOUT GIVING BACK Pejoration
Possession/ Claim someone‟s belonging as yours
Ask for Something
From its Standard English definition, the loanword arbor totally changed its meaning to
„borrowing‟ or „asking‟ for a thing. The 80s respondents‟ usage changed by semantic broadening,
wherein a person asks something for free without the other person asking for return. It had
undergone pejoration by putting a less positive perception to the word „borrowing without giving
back‟.
(13) Uy ang ganda ng relo mo, arbor na lang.
(Hey your watch looks nice, can I to have it?)
(14) In-arbor niya 'yung iPod ko, asa pa akong ibabalik niya 'yun.
(He asked for my iPod, I guess he‟s not going to bring it back.)
7.1.8 Happening8
7 “A shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines” 2014.
In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/arbor
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) CELEBRATION/ SPECIAL EVENT Semantic broadening
70s (44-35 years old) GIMMICK/ OUTING / TRIP Semantic broadening
Party/ event/ celebration
80s (34-25 years old) Going on/ Occurrence No change
Event/ Celebration/ Inuman
90s (24-15 years old) Occurrence/ Something up Semantic broadening
Event/ Unforgettable event
As for the loanword happening, it has undergone few semantic broadenings. It mainly
describes about an event, but it has changed meaning to „celebrations‟ until it became „trip‟.
(15) May happening yata sa kapitbahay, dami bisita.
(I think there‟s a party on my neighborhood, there are many visitors.)
(16) Ikaw ha puro happening ka na lang, di ka na nag aaral.
(You always go out and don‟t study anymore.)
Although happening is means only an event or occurrence in English, through time it has
been paired with leisure as a loanword in Filipino which makes its meaning change to something
pertaining to a celebration, or even a trip.
7.1.9 Sexy9
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic
8
“An event or occurrence; something that happens; an event or series of events” 2014.
In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/happening
9 “Sexually appealing, attractive, or exciting; having interest or appealing qualities” 2014.
In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/sexy
Change
60s (54-45 years
old)
THIN/ SLENDER/ SLIM Semantic broadening
Nice body/ Hot
Attractive
70s (44-35 years
old)
WEARS A DARING OUTFIT Semantic broadening
Nice body shape/ attractive body
80s (34-25 years
old)
NICE FACE Semantic broadening
GOOD DEED
Nice body/ Muscular body/ Visually attractive/
Perfect curve body
Thin, skinny body
90s (24-15 years
old)
Magandang katawan/ nice body No change
Thin
Daring „clothes‟
Attractive/ Appealing
Similarly, the loanword sexy has undergone semantic broadening. Its usage depended not
only on its original meaning but the preference of the users. In Standard English, sexy means
sexually appealing. But it has included preference on body built, outfit, facial feature, and
personality.
(17) Ang sexy naman ng damit mo.
(Your outfit is sexy.)
(18) Pag nag-iisip siya ng malalim, ewan ko ba pero ang sexy ng dating!
(When she thinks seriously, I don‟t know but, it‟s so sexy!)
As we can see, on sentence (17) the loanword sexy did not describe the 2nd
person, but the
outfit itself. On sentence (18) it does not pertain to the appearance of the subject, but to the
behavior of the subject.
7.1.10 Good Time10
10
“Pleasure; leisure time” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/good-time
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) GET PRANKED Semantic shift
Party/ inuman/ fun event
70s (44-35 years old) Night out/ gimmick No change
Relaxing/ happy time
80s (34-25 years old) Leisure/ Relaxation/ Recreation No change
Tease/ Prank/ Play tricks
90s (24-15 years old) Happy times No change
Pinaglalaruan
Joke/ nangti-trip/ nanloloko/ prank
(19) Kaya join na lang kayo, let's all have a good time.
(So just join, let‟s all have a good time.)
(20) Huwag na kayo mang-good time dahil hindi na nakakatawa.
(Stop playing pranks, it‟s not funny anymore.)
The loanwords good-time, which usually go together to form the meaning „leisure time‟,
are also used to pertain to a prank or a tease in Filipino. From the song Bonggahan, in sentence
(19) its usage is still the same as its usage in Standard English. In sentence (20), it is shown that
it has undergone semantic shift and has retained its meaning throughout the 70s generation.
7.1.11 Jeproks11
„Project‟12
Age Group Definition/ Usage Given Type of Semantic Change
60s (54-45 years old) 70S HIPPIE Semantic shift
11
Jeproks replaced 1920s siga. “which can mean anything from hippie to mod to rebel to
flamboyant [youth]” (as cited by Rafael, 2014)
12
“A planned piece of work that has a specific purpose (such as to find information or to make
something new) and that usually requires a lot of time” 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/project
TREND FOLLOWER
FASHION JERK
70s (44-35 years old) SPOILED Semantic shift
COOL
Fashionista
80s (34-25 years old) WEIRD/ UNIQUE Pejoration
UNSTOPPABLE
Punk/hip-hop/ hippie
90s (24-15 years old) Pormang astig/ unique No change
Madiskarte/ systematic
Baduy/ Weird fashion sense
Hippie
For the 60s generation, this derived term from the loanword project is used to describe a
hippie13
style of fashion, which can also be described as a trend follower or a fashion jerk. As it
was adapted by the 70s generation, it changes its usage as being „spoiled‟ as described to the
song Jeproks in 1970s:
(21) Laki sa layaw, laki sa layaw, jeproks.
(Pampered, pampered, jeproks.)
And, in 80s it gained a more negative meaning and can also pertain to being „weird or unique‟
and remained its „spoiled‟ concept. To some of those born in 90s, the term jeproks has been used
rarely and became unknown to some, but its meaning has remained the same.
7.2 Social and Cultural Analysis
13
“A usually young person who rejects established social customs (such as by dressing in an
unusual way or living in a commune) and who opposes violence and war.” 2014. In Merriam-
Webster.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/hippie
According to Dorjee (2007) “Society and culture in turn entails peoples‟ attitude, taste,
practice, custom, belief, peoples‟ way of life, and the way people organize themselves as a social
group.” As the societal environment lived on by Filipinos born on 60s to Filipinos born on 90s,
their concept of things have changed, so do the word they use, thus language change. Thus, the
word jeproks almost totally change its usage, if not unknown, to people born on 90s because the
70s youth rebellion was the source of the creation of the word. The concept of dead as having
empty batteries for the 90s generation is it‟s their in generation where the technology boomed.
Semantic loans can be passed from generation to generations but there is a guarantee that the
meaning will change.
Meanwhile, if we will analyze how this happen between individuals we can refer to the
Inviting Theory of Semantic Change (ITSC), which states that meaning can depend on what the
speaker intends to give. And with this, we can infer that interactions between individuals affect
the wide change of meaning. And, therefore, it rises up forming a social group, and eventually a
population. The spread of pop-rock music from the 1970s have helped spread the idea of
semantically changing the loanwords to show their own expression that may have not exist in
Filipino before or to indirectly talk about their rant to the government. And from that wide
spread from the 1970s, many other meanings arose from different individuals that may have
created different sociolects up to now.
8.0 Conclusion and Recommendation
Indeed, as presented above, it is evident that many of our semantic loans from the 1970s
have undergone semantic change.
There are semantic loans that have undergone different types of semantic change from
70s up to 90s. And, it will still continue to change through the usage of the next generations.
Semantic loans changed meaning, to the extent that their usage has been totally shifted.
Additionally, there is no exactly an exact explanation on how they undergo changes and create
different meanings. But, if we will infer to the ITSC and Invisible Hand Theory and to the fact
that the phenomenon of semantic change evidently started in 1970s, we can see that as the
generation changes, new society and culture is created. Along with this is the change of language,
thus a chain of semantic changes. Semantic change is really evident in Filipino, for the reason
that it is bilingual and many of their vocabularies came from English, which cannot be directly
translated to Filipino. In that way, they tend to create their new meanings to refer to different
circumstances which sometimes cannot be translated back to English.
The researcher recommends a further research and eliciting of English semantic loans in
Filipino. Also, this research can help a lot on the analysis of the present semantic loans. The
researcher also recommends a research more focused and on the social and cultural aspect of
semantic changes of English loanwords in Filipino. A more balanced set of data would help
improve understanding and confirm theories related to the topic.
References
Bautista, M. L. (2004). Tagalog-English Code Switching as a Mode of Discourse. Asia Pacific
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Appendix
Sample Lyrics
(1) Beh, Buti Nga! – The Hotdog Band
Noon nililigawan pa kita, hindi mo ako pinapansin
Ang gusto mo'y taga La Salle, wala kang time sa akin
Ang sabi mo panga (how cheap naman! naku you're so baduy!)
Ang puso ko'y dinurog mo, ang puso ko'y dinurog mo, sinaktan at
binitin
(2) Sana‟y Maging Steady Mo- Cinderella
Paano ba ang lagay ko? namano ba ako o dehado
Sana'y ako ang mapili mo, upang maging steady mo
(3) Ikaw ang Idol Ko- Cinderella
Nang makilala kita
sure akong ikaw na
jackpot ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo
(4) Ikaw ang Idol Ko- Cinderella
Dapat malaman mo
dead ako sa iyo
surebol ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo
(5) Bintana- Hagibis
Ang bawat chick ay may bintana
Sa kanyang mga mata
Sa mata niyo makikita
Ang kanyang nadarama
Pag mata'y nanlilisik
Pihong siya'y mabagsik
Insaberang walang duda
Mag-ingat ka
(6) No Touch- Juan dela Cruz
Noon pa man ikaw na talaga
pangarap ko sa tuwi-tuwina
kailan kaya kita maiiskor
(7) kailan kaya kita maaarbor
(8) Hanggang Magdamag- Kapatid
Sa tingin ko sayo‟y ganadong-ganado ka na
Kasunod mo ako, pareho lang tayo
Sa tugtuging ito‟y magsama-sama tayo
Hanggang magdamag, happening tayo
(9) Hanggang Magdamag- Kapatid
Uh, sige
Meron pa
Sige, sexy mo
Igalaw mo pa
(10) Bonggahan- Sampaguita
Kaya join na lang kayo
Let's all have a good time
Kaya join na lang kayo
Let's all have a good time
(11) Jeproks- Mike Hanopol
Laki sa layaw, laki sa layaw, jeproks
Laki sa layaw, laki sa layaw, jeproks
Laki sa layaw, laki sa layaw, jeproks