learn Tagalog

We have been taking classes with Ate Susing for 4 months now. Just once a week for 2 hours, but I am starting to feel like I am learning something and can finally converse with the little kids that show up at our gate all of the time. I now know about as much Tagalog as they know English. We will continue with the classes, but what I really need to do now is study and practice more!

After living in Manila for a year, we decided it was time to get serious about learning the primary language of the Philippines. We have not been forced to learn the language because the majority of the population speak English and never initiate the use of Tagalog. We had our first language class on Monday and my brain felt like mush after 2 hours of learning how to say How are you, you (pl), you (formal), they, he/she? and how to respond. Plus, Where are you from and what is your name and counting to 20. I need to review and make these words flow out of my mouth instead of thinking about them so much. It would help if I could get the pronunciation right as well. It’s the first step.