A General Perspective on the Factors Influencing the Low Preferences of Gen Z College Students towards the Filipino Language

The linguistic landscape of the Philippines is characterized by the pervasive dominance of English, reflecting historical, socio-political, and economic influences. Consequently, the prioritization of English contributes to linguistic inequalities, influencing language attitudes and further entrenching the hierarchical status of languages in the country. This paper explored the factors that influence the low preference of Gen Z college students towards the use of Filipino language. College students (n = 20) were purposively selected through online screening. Narratives indicated that the Filipino language was strongly associated with cultural identity, with many students recalling familial experiences and traditional practices tied to its use. The rise of hybrid linguistic forms, blending Filipino and English, was highlighted as a reflection of the language’s adaptability to contemporary trends. However, the study also identified factors contributing to the low preference for Filipino, particularly social and educational pressures. Students expressed a preference for English due to its perceived advantages in global communication, career prospects, and its dominance in digital media and educational settings. Social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok were cited as spaces where English was often seen as the more practical and widely accepted medium. Lastly, the educational environment, where English is predominantly used in instructional materials and assessments, further marginalized the use of Filipino. Future studies should explore the evolving dynamics between language preferences and identity, particularly focusing on how the continued prominence of English in educational and digital spaces may affect the preservation of Filipino among younger generations.