Buwan ng Wika often draws our attention to the formal beauty of Filipino: its grammar, its vocabulary, its deep historical roots. Yet, there are other languages we speak, perhaps more intimately – the languages of connection, affection, and the profound unspoken understanding that weaves through our relationships. Kalpesh Desai captures this essence beautifully in four short, impactful lines titled “Love Language” from the book "Jasmines In Her Hair":
“Eat me with your words,
Caress me with your thoughts,
Let your eyes be the cords,
That tie my soul up in knots.”
These words remind us that language transcends mere vocabulary; it encompasses the very essence of how we relate to one another.
Think about the ways we express pagmamahal (love) in Filipino culture. It’s not always in grand pronouncements. Sometimes, it’s in the gentle lilt of a mother’s voice, the teasing banter between siblings, the knowing glance between best friends. These are all forms of language, rich with meaning and cultural nuance. Just as the excerpt suggests the potent impact of words, thoughts, and gazes, our Filipino ways of showing affection are deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric.
Consider the power of lambing (tenderness), often expressed through soft words and gentle actions. Or the strength of damayan (empathy and support), communicated through shared silence and understanding. These are integral parts of our cultural language, passed down through generations, shaping how we connect and care for one another.
This Buwan ng Wika, let's expand our understanding of language. Let’s appreciate not only the beauty of our formal wika but also the intricate and deeply meaningful languages of our hearts. Mirroring the excerpt’s depiction of unspoken communication’s binding power, our Filipino culture thrives on these subtle yet profound ways of connecting. It’s in the shared meals, the family gatherings, the respect for elders – all speaking volumes without uttering a single formal sentence.
Reflecting the languages of our hearts bind us, let the spirit of Buwan ng Wika connect us to all the languages that define us – our ancestral tongue, our community's voice, and the intimate expressions we hold dear.
Explore the beauty of poetic connection further; grab your copy of "Jasmines in Her Hair" right here at Bookshelf PH.
By Reychelle Reigne R. Belmonte