Pagsasalita

Pagsasalita is the act of speaking in Filipino, a fundamental form of human communication that involves producing spoken language to convey meaning. It encompasses articulation, pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and the choice of words and grammar, and it occurs across everyday conversation, formal presentations, and media performances.

Etymology and scope: The term is formed from the root salita (word, speech) with the affix pag-, indicating an action or process; thus pagsasalita literally means the act of speaking. In Philippine language use, pagsasalita lies within the broader domain of pananalita or oral communication and is central to language development and social interaction.

Key aspects: Effective pagsasalita relies on clear articulation, appropriate pacing, and correct grammar, as well as appropriate register and audience awareness. Prosody (stress, intonation) and nonverbal cues such as gaze, gesture, and facial expression support the spoken message. In multilingual settings, speakers may code-switch or mix languages, which can become a feature of pagsasalita rather than an error.

Education and culture: In schools, pagsasalita is a core skill in language arts and communication curricula, practiced through conversations, debates, and oral presentations; in media and public life, it underpins public speaking, storytelling, and persuasion. The study of pagsasalita also intersects with linguistics and speech-language pathology when addressing disorders or enhancing speech proficiency.