Lazy or Creative: Linguistic Behavior of Filipinos

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the linguistic behavior of Filipinos through the lens of the pragmatic philosophy of language and the prototype theory of cognitive linguistics. It provides answers to whether Filipinos are linguistically lazy or linguistically creative. Surprisingly, Filipinos do not usually care about what a word or a concept is; they only care about how a word will be used in their daily lives. This research uses textual analysis methodology to provide possible explanations for the linguistic traits of Filipinos using philosophy and cognitive linguistics. In-depth analysis of the works of William James and Eleanor Rosch was done to answer the research problem. Pragmatism explains that Filipinos are genius communicators who prioritize the practical use of a word rather than its definite meaning, while prototype theory validates the wisdom of Filipino people in creating prototypes in language for easy communication. Therefore, this paper concludes that Filipinos are linguistically creative and not lazy.