Philippine English (PhE) is a dynamic variety of the English language influenced by local languages and cultures. Despite its widespread use, PhE acceptability studies have often focused on Metro Manila, neglecting regional variations. This study aims to explore the acceptability of PhE expressions or Filipinisms across different regions and communication domains among younger Filipinos, addressing the gap in regional representation in previous research. We gathered data employing the Philippine English Acceptability Questionnaire (PEAQ) involving 160 undergraduate students from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region. The questionnaire included 100 items from various etymological origins and asked respondents to rate their acceptability across formal and informal, written and spoken domains. Our findings indicate a high overall acceptability of PhE expressions across all regions, with the National Capital Region showing slightly lower acceptance rates. Certain expressions were preferred in specific domains, such as legal terms in formal contexts and everyday terms in informal settings. The study confirms the strong acceptance of PhE expressions among younger Filipinos, suggesting a move towards endonormative stabilization of PhE, challenging previous findings of limited acceptance and highlighting the influence of digital media on language use. In addition, our findings have implications for language planning and policy reforms, suggesting that PhE local expressions can be more prominently included in academic and professional settings. Despite limitations in sampling and geographic representation, this study significantly contributes to the understanding of PhE’s evolving status in the linguistic landscape of the Philippines.

Akeanon features a phoneme unique relative to many Philippine-type languages, which is a reflex of the proto-Bisayan *l and *-d-. This was initially described as a voiced velar fricative [ɣ], and later repositioned as both a consonant of an onset and a semivowel of a coda. Half a century later it was reaffirmed as mainly a semivowel. Based on these descriptions of Akeanon, more questions arise as per the true nature of the phoneme in focus. This paper hence provides both a review and reevaluation of Akeanon phonology based on synchronic distribution, dialectology, historical accounts, and acoustic analysis. Results point to the phoneme as a velar approximant [ɰ]. Further recommendations on both descriptive and applied contexts are provided.

Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of needs analysis in relation to the language and communication goals of students. In this regard, different stakeholders contribute greatly to revision of curricula. While English language departments play an integral role in meeting the communication needs of learners, a more nuanced integration of stakeholders’ input is crucial. In this reflection, we detail the process of revising a writing syllabus, incorporating different stakeholders’ perspectives, expectations, and experiences. We argue that while needs analysis provides valuable instructional input, considering contextual factors is also essential in developing a sensible and holistic curriculum design that acknowledges ecological relationships between units in the university. Specifically, the interaction of the contextual factors, such as the course’s motivation, the writing and reading expectations of the different academic departments, and the priorities and experiences of teachers and students, led to the realignment of topics, and changes in task design and assessment practices in the revised writing syllabus.