Language and Culture

Which statement best describes language?

• It is a system of sounds and symbols used by foreigners.

• It is a way of expressing one's self by means of spoken words only.

• It is a system of communication used by a particular country or community.

• It is a way of communication that was used in ancient times but no longer exists nowadays.

Answer explanation

Every country or region has its own system of communication which may vary from the others.

Which of the following statements is correct?

• The Filipino alphabet has 26 letters.

• The English alphabet has 26 letters.

• The English alphabet has 28 letters.

• The Japanese kana has 46 characters.

Answer explanation

The English alphabet has 26 letters.

What is the correct order of the Filipino and English vowels?

• A E I U O

• A U E I O

• A I U E O

• A E I O U

Answer explanation

Both English and Filipino use the pattern A E I O U while the Japanese use A I U E O.

Which of the words listed below are borrowed by Filipino from Nihongo? Choose (3) three.

• erebeta

• jankenpon

• kanpai

• tansan

Answer explanation

The word "erebeta" is borrowed by Nihongo from English.

What is the equivalent of "kun" in Filipino?

• Baby

• Mahal

• Nene

• Totoy

Answer explanation

"Baby" and "Mahal" are terms used by lovers. Meanwhile, "Nene" is the counterpart for "Chan". In Filipino, "Totoy" is the equivalent of "Kun".

Which language uses these terms of endearment: "tol," "bro," "baks," "bhe," "te," and "pre"?

• English

• Filipino

• Nihongo

• English and Filipino

Answer explanation

Filipinos use a lot of terms of endearment and they quickly and continually evolve as time passes by.

How would you say "私は英語を理解できます" in English?

• I can speak English.

• I understand English.

• I can understand English.

• You can understand English.

Answer explanation

While the sentence pattern for "私は英語を理解できます" is Subject + Object + Verb, its English translation "I can understand English" uses the pattern Subject + Verb + Object.

The following statements are all correct except for one. What is it?

• Filipino has more vowel and consonant sounds.

• English has more vowel and consonant sounds.

• Both Filipino and Nihongo have fewer vowel sounds.

• In Filipino and Nihongo, most of the time, pronunciation depends on the spelling.

Answer explanation

The Filipino language has fewer vowel and consonant sounds.

What is that distinct gesture that Filipinos do in order to show respect to the elderly?

• "Po" and "Opo"

• "Tara, kain!"

• "Tagay!"

• "Mano po."

Answer explanation

Besides kissing, "Mano po" is a gesture that exhibits the utmost respect to the elderly.

Which is not true about the relationship between language and culture?

• Language and culture are closely tied together.

• Learning the language entails learning the culture.

• Language can be learned effectively even without learning the culture.

• To better understand the language of a specific country, one has to learn its culture.

Answer explanation

Language and culture are inseparable. Learning the language means learning the culture. To better understand the language of a specific country, one has to use learn its culture too.