Tagalog - Structure | Luzvimindan Project
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Although other forms can be used, the general structure of Tagalog like other Philippine languages is Verb-Subject-Object (VSO). Tagalog has a trigger system also called Austronesian Alignment with verbs determining which words should and should not be used.
Verb-Subject-Object Structured Sentences
The general structure of the Tagalog sentences are VSO.
The general structure of the Tagalog sentences are VSO.
Nag-aaral ako sa Harvard. ~ I'm studying in Harvard.
Non VSO Structure Sentences
Sentences not in VSO structure also exists, they're structured in the usual Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
Ako ay nag-aaral sa Harvard. ~ I'm studying at Harvard.
Ako ang nag-aaral sa Harvard. ~ I'm the one whose studying at Harvard.
Sa Harvard ako nag-araal. ~ Harvard is where I'm studying.
Under The Microscope
The difference between VSO and SVO sentences are usually subtle and is usually about the emphasis. Which part of the sentence the speaker wish to emphasize. Yes, Tagalog sentences is about what you want to emphasize.
1. Nag-aaral ako sa Harvard.
2. Ako ay nag-aaral sa Harvard.
3. Ako ang nag-aaral sa Harvard.
4. Sa Harvard ako nag-aaral.
While all of the four (4) sentences are technically the same in meaning, they differ in emphasis. Sentence 2 is the most passive since it doesn't emphasize anything. Sentence 1 emphasizes on nag-aaral or studying. Sentence 3 emphasizes on the speaker Ako or I. Lastly, sentence 4 emphasizes on Harvard.
The difference between VSO and SVO sentences are usually subtle and is usually about the emphasis. Which part of the sentence the speaker wish to emphasize. Yes, Tagalog sentences is about what you want to emphasize.
1. Nag-aaral ako sa Harvard.
2. Ako ay nag-aaral sa Harvard.
3. Ako ang nag-aaral sa Harvard.
4. Sa Harvard ako nag-aaral.
While all of the four (4) sentences are technically the same in meaning, they differ in emphasis. Sentence 2 is the most passive since it doesn't emphasize anything. Sentence 1 emphasizes on nag-aaral or studying. Sentence 3 emphasizes on the speaker Ako or I. Lastly, sentence 4 emphasizes on Harvard.
1. Nag-aaral ako sa Harvard.
2. Ako ay nag-aaral sa Harvard.
3. Ako ang nag-aaral sa Harvard.
4. Sa Harvard ako nag-aaral.
While all of the four (4) sentences are technically the same in meaning, they differ in emphasis. Sentence 2 is the most passive since it doesn't emphasize anything. Sentence 1 emphasizes on nag-aaral or studying. Sentence 3 emphasizes on the speaker Ako or I. Lastly, sentence 4 emphasizes on Harvard.
Summary
- Tagalog sentences are generally in VSO structure.
- SVO also exists.
- The difference between VSO and SVO are their emphasis.
- Tagalog sentences are generally in VSO structure.
- SVO also exists.
- The difference between VSO and SVO are their emphasis.