Away from the basics. Translating Filipino Expressions in Non-basic Forms.
Take note that in this book “basic way” is distinguished from “molding approach.” The former, as discussed, is a method of learning English relating to translation that is ordinary or typical. We observe it usually done by lay or amateur Filipino learners or users.
(The article below is an excerpt from the first (the prototype) book entitled “How do you say it in English?, 2010 Edition, Enhanced” being published by National Book Store.)
Base form (old style/school style) English learning
Take note that in this book “basic way” is distinguished from “molding approach.” The former, as discussed, is a method of learning English relating to translation that is ordinary or typical. We observe it usually done by lay or amateur Filipino learners or users. Now finding the reference for our translating attempt, we realize that the dictionary can offer equivalents only in basic forms or base forms, such as the following:
ganda beauty (basic form/base form)
maganda beautiful (basic form)
but none for nagagandahan (non-basic)
hirap difficulty (basic)
mahirap difficult (basic)
but none for magpakahirap (non-basic)
lunok swallow (basic)
lumunok swallowed (basic)
but none for nakalunok (non-basic)
It is only at the above base forms that, sa totoo lang, most of us are very good. It is where we regularly focus our familiarizing and memorizing efforts. We would teach our little brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, children, and grandchildren many of these basics. As for ourselves, we are likewise used to learning and gathering word-meanings in this way. But do we ever teach them the non-basics? Do we ever study such? Again, sa totoo lang, never or hardly!
Unfortunately, the non-basic approach is not taught in school. This deficiency and those discussed in the previous chapters are the cause for our hesitation to articulate effectively in English.
Troublesome building blocks in translating
The following are the familiar troublesome building blocks in translating. They are Filipino syllables, mostly prefixes, modifying the base-words to cause the problem in translating:
ika/sa ika [ikahiya, ikainis, sa ikakagalit]
ina [inasawa, inalipin]
naka/nakapag [nakapanood, nakapag-almusal]
ikina [ikinaiba, ikinagalit]
-an [taasan, lakihan]
nakaka [nakakaputi, nakakalito]
magpaka [magpakahirap, magpakamartir]
naa/nai [naaarok, naiintindihan]
na … an [naubusan, naputukan]
pinapag [pinapag-alala]
pina [pinadala, pinakuha]
ipa [ipakuha, ipadala]
paa … in [aanurin]
ipag [ipag-alala, ipagkibit-balikat]
nagdu … na [nagdududa na, nagkakagusto na, sumasakit na]
makapagpa [makapagpasaya]
(anuhan) [pahingahan]
na, nasa, -an [nanganganib, nasa panganib, ginaganahan]
Again, the above modifying prefixes and suffixes are among the ones being called non-basics in this guide-book concerning translation. Actually, our way of studying English is very plain, being concentrated on the fundamentals. We do not complete the process that should be keyed to our local setting─we, not being used to English as a daily tongue.
Why not teach English in these patterns?
It is typical when we hear a child or an adult being asked during a learning period—
How do you say mataba in English?
What is suntok in English?
What is lulon in English?
What is kagat in English?
And these are very easy, of course. Would they not prove best if we vary our approach? I think they would even be more improved if we would also have them this way:
How do you say magpakataba in English?
What is nagkasuntukan in English?
What is nakalulon in English?
How do you say ipakagat in English?
Molders in translation introduced by our books
I believe you would agree that it is in the study of the above-introduced typecasts of words in syllabic modifiers (B) that we fail to focus, be skillful, if not unfailingly knowledgeable. Anyway, we always have the opportunity to reorient our system.
Now to make translations with the above castings (B) and some more, here are their counterpart English molders where other similar translations revolve:
to [ika, sa ika]
(take) to [ika, sa ika]
(prove) to [ika, sa ika]
(be) to [ika, sa ika]
took for [ina]
take against [ika]
get to (1st form)* [naka]
have had [nakapag]
set [ika/ikina]
set [-an]
make/made [ika/ikina]
-ing [nakaka]
go [magpaka]
get into [magpaka]
get to (3rd form)* [naa]
preposition-ending sentences [na … an]
have/had [papag/pinapag]
have [pa, pina, ipa]
get to (4th form)* [paa, paa … in]
let [ipag]
let … make [ipag]
begin to [nagdu, nagka]
bring [makapagpa]
give [anuhan]
in [na, nasa, -an]
(More explanations for these are coming up in this blog/forum. But for your full-length learning, order your copy of “How do you say it in English?” first edition.)
Continuation and more articles are coming up.