Sa Aking Mga Kababata

Kapagka ang baya’y sadyang umiibig
Sa langit salitang kaloob ng langit
Sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapi
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Rizal states here that if people will love and accept its own language, the nation will definitely have freedom. Then he site an example, that it’s like a bird flying freely in the sky, flying limitless.

Pagka’t ang salita’y isang kahatulan
Sa bayan, sa nayo’t mga kaharian
At ang isang tao’y katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

When Philippines is under Spanish control, Rizal believed that if people will love and use its own language, this will signify freedom and identity. Rizal also compared language to the people who lived in free country that they can do whatever they want.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita
Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda
Kaya ang marapat pagyamanin kusa
Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala.

People who don’t love its own language is compared to an animal and a stinky fish. That’s why he wanted that Filipinos must ensure the use and to love its native tongue. Moreover, language is compared to a child that needs nourishment and to be cherished by her mom in order to grow.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin,
Sa Ingles, Kastila, at salitang anghel,
Sapagkat ang Poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang nanggagawad, nagbibigay sa atin.

The Filipino language is not inferior to other language like Latin, English, Spanish and even the language of angels. They are all equal since God made this and it’s a gift from Him.

Ang salita nati’y tulad din sa iba
Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng sigwa
Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakung una.

Rizal might referring to the old Filipino alphabet, Alibata, which is same with other alphabet and has its own and unique characters. Unfortunately, it has been overthrown by strong waves, several years ago.