Reconceptualizing English Education in Multilingual Philippines

Abstract

What does it mean to reconceptualize? In the task of conceptualizing, we form an idea. In reconceptualizing, do we re-form this idea? Do we change it, alter it? This book aims to do that—to re-form, change, alter, and reconceptualize English education so that it becomes relevant and appropriate to multilingual societies. When English arrived in the Philippines, a substantial number of Philippine languages were already in vibrant use. When English arrived, the Philippines was already a multilingual society. Why then do Filipinos teach and learn the language as if no other Philippine language existed? This book presents various perspectives concerning the English language and its place in Philippine education. The perspectives are premised on notions about English that are either unknown or unacceptable to education stakeholders in the country.