swiss STUDENTS IN zurich LEARN ABOUT PH language and CULTURE

On 13 April 2015, the Philippine Embassy in Berne conducted a lecture at the University of Zurich on Filipino culture, particularly on understanding the relational characteristic of Filipinos and how it can give a deeper appreciation of the Filipino language.

The lecture, which was delivered by the Embassy’s Consul Jarie Osias, was based on the presentation of Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), entitled “Understanding the Filipino”.

“Filipinos are hardly alone…  They are among the most highly relational in the world. They are happy being together - when they eat, sleep, work, travel, pray, create or celebrate. They feel connected to the world, God and nature, but most of all to people,” wrote Prof. de Leon.

Consul Osias said this concept is the key to understanding the fundamental Filipino psyche which could explain how it is to be truly Filipino.

The students, who were enrolled in the University’s elective course on “Filipino Tagalog”, found the lecture timely and useful as they seek to learn to speak Filipino and understand Philippine culture.

The Philippine Embassy supports the University of Zurich’s thrust of familiarizing its students with a culture that they rarely get to experience firsthand to give a global perspective to their college education.

The Swiss students taking up “Filipino Tagalog” at the University of Zurich pose with the Philippine Embassy’s Consul Jarie Osias (seated, third from right) and Filipino teacher Lenny Bugayong (leftmost)