Book excerpt: "Basic Tagalog takes a friendly and innovative approach, emphasizing the structure of the Tagalog language rather than just vocabulary. This user-friendly beginner Tagalog book teaches more than 2,000 Tagalog words and expressions with over 500 being added for this new edition. These are spread throughout 44 lessons, the Appendices and the exercises as well as in the Tagalog-English and English-Tagalog vocabulary lists at the back of the book. The added Tagalog vocabulary is meant to keep learners abreast of changes that have occurred in the language since the first edition of Basic Tagalog which was published. This edition has retained all the grammar lessons and the tried-and-tested teaching methodology developed b the author, Paraluman S. Aspillera, for the original version. Her method has proven to be extremely effective for tens of thousands of foreigners and non-Tagalogs who have used this book to learn Tagalog, including many who have successfully learned to speak Tagalog, read Tagalog and write Tagalog through self-study on their own without a teacher. Downloadable audio has also been added to facilitate the correct pronunciation of Tagalog words and phrases. A succinct introduction to the language and a description of the character of Filipinos will hopefully provide learners with a better understanding of the language they are learning. The lessons in Basic Tagalog are intended for a three-month period of intensive study followed by another three months of applied oral communication. In six months (or about 250 hours), it is expected that an average learner should be able to speak, write and understand simple, everyday, conversational Tagalog as spoken by most Filipinos. Highlights of this book include: Over 2,000 Tagalog words and expressions. 44 lessons organized by organized for efficient language absorption. Extensive exercises and activities to reinforce the lessons. Vocabulary lists serve as comprehensive English-Tagalog and Tagalog-English dictionaries. Completely updated and expanded with new materials. Includes downloadable audio. Using Basic Tagalog to study the Tagalog language will further encourage both non-Tagalogs and non-Filipinos to speak Tagalog better. Only then will they appreciate the individuality of the language that reflects the resilience and flexibility of Filipinos all around the world. In the end, such learning will improve daily interactions and communications between non-Filipinos and Filipinos--whether in business, education, tourism, social or civic endeavors."