Issue 51: Lost in Translation 🗣️
Finding home in every word, reflecting on language and belonging.
Mabuhay Friends!
As August comes to a close, we’re now onto the hap-happiest time of the year—the -BER months! 🤩🍃🎃🦃🎄
This past month, we deeply reflected on language, inspired by National Language Month in the Philippines. We recently came across a writer and Substacker, Regina Peralta, who shared her journey of growing up in an English-only household in the Philippines and how she came to embrace and love the Filipino language (read her article here). So, “Tag-alog” with us as we dive deeper into a country where over 170 dialects are spoken, uncovering more than just your typical duck embryo (balut).
Much love and sapin-sapin ❤️,
Marissa & Akina
Mabuhay - “Long live” or “Welcome” / Balut - Fertilized duck egg, a popular street food in the Philippines / Sapin-sapin - A colorful Filipino layered rice cake
Fun Facts 🇵🇭
We all know that it’s more fun in the Philippines, but did you know that…
Christmas is a long-drawn tradition in the Philippines? Yes, it’s true! Christmas celebrations in the Philippines start as early as September and can last until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6. This makes it the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Shopping malls start playing Christmas music and putting up decorations as soon as the “-ber” months (September to December) begin!
The Philippines is home to some of the best singers, with karaoke being a common activity celebrated at any and every occasion? You heard it right… Karaoke is a beloved pastime in the Philippines, often enjoyed during family gatherings, parties, and even casual get-togethers. Many world-class singers, like Lea Salonga and Arnel Pineda, hail from the Philippines, reflecting the strong musical culture of the country.
The Philippines is not only one of the largest island countries in the world, but it also has 7,641 islands? You bet! The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands, making it one of the largest island countries globally. These islands are spread out across the western Pacific Ocean.
The jeepney is the most common mode of public transportation? Yes, the jeepney is a popular and economical mode of public transportation in the Philippines, especially in urban areas like Manila. Passengers typically hop in and out from the rear, and it’s a unique experience that showcases the collective and communal spirit of Filipino transportation.
Filipinos make up a large portion of nurses worldwide? Siempre naman (of course). The Philippines is one of the largest exporters of nurses globally. Filipino nurses are known for their high level of training and compassion and play a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide.
Lost in Translation
A Personal Essay by Marissa
“Why don’t you know how to speak Tagalog, but your older brothers can?” a friend of my mother once asked.
“Because they never taught it to me,” I responded, pushing any responsibility of learning my parents’ native language onto them.
I can understand Tagalog to a certain extent, but not in a way that allows me to deeply resonate with Filipino songs, movies, poetry, or anything that carries the weight of emotion and history. Although I grew up watching Filipino films and TV shows, and Tagalog is my mom and dad’s first language, I was the only child out of my siblings born in the U.S., where English became my primary language. At home, English was usually spoken to me—except when I was being disciplined, in which case my wrongs would be angrily communicated in Tagalog. Ironically, I first spoke Tagalog at age four, singing along to one of my dad’s karaoke LaserDiscs—a memory I credit with teaching me how to read.
I could approach this subject with the humor of Jo Koy, but the reality is that a part of me deeply longs to speak my parents’ native language. I yearn to speak to them in a way that they truly understand, especially my mom, who, despite speaking broken English and only completing a middle school education in the Philippines, managed to sustain a supervisory position for over 13 years in Guam.
Recently, I produced a documentary following my husband’s journey of self-identity because he, too, cannot speak his native language. It made me reflect on the emptiness I’ve always felt growing up as a first-generation Filipino-American in Guam. As my parents age, I feel a growing sense of urgency to learn.
I often visit the Philippines, but it’s not to see extended family or visit the province. It’s to get away, to reward myself with much-needed R&R. I stay in the city, where it’s safest for foreigners like me. Though I may look like I belong, the moment I speak, I’m instantly categorized as “American.” Every now and then, the reality of not truly belonging anywhere hits harder than I can put into words.
I do wonder if and when my sons will feel the same. I try to speak basic Tagalog words to them. I’m grateful that my parents are their caretakers, allowing them to learn. It’s most tender and endearing to hear my 2-year-old speak more Tagalog words and immediately tell me what they mean in English. Through them, I see hope—that they will continue to have the curiosity to learn who they are and where they come from.
Week to Weekend Read & Watch 📚📺
Untranslatable on Substack by Kristin Wong
Explore the beauty of words that don’t quite translate from one language to another. Kristin Wong’s essays delve into the nuanced meanings behind words from various cultures.Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
A memoir that dives deep into the complexities of identity, food, and the Korean-American experience. Michelle Zauner shares her journey of reconnecting with her heritage, a must-read for those who’ve felt the weight of cultural expectations.“Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan
This essay from the author of The Joy Luck Club reflects on the power of language in shaping our identity, especially when navigating the intricacies of being first-generation in America.The Farewell (2019 film), Directed by Lulu Wang
A heartfelt movie captures the delicate balance between Eastern and Western values through the lens of a Chinese-American family. It’s a story that resonates deeply with those caught between cultures.Past Lives (2023 film), Directed by Celine Song
It is another tear-jerking movie about two childhood friends who reunite decades later, coming face-to-face with love, destiny, and all the what-ifs.
📝 A Note from Us: At Week to Weekend, we pour our hearts into crafting content that inspires and connects us all. We’re excited to share that some of the links in our newsletter are now affiliate links. What does that mean? If you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. This support helps us keep doing what we love: writing passionately and sharing our discoveries with you. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us continue this journey!
Goodbye for now!
We hope you go about your week to weekend with a bit of joy, curiosity, and creativity. We greatly appreciate you being here! Don’t forget to drop by IG where we post daily.