Filipino is the national language of the Phillippines, and is based on Tagalog. Filipino is supposed to be"Tagalog plus", incorporating some Western and Spanish words.Originally, Tagalog was a language spoken in the Manila area. Other languages were spoken in other areas, but the use of Tagalog spread over the years, making it more acceptable as a basis for the national language.Filipino and Tagalog do not fit the model of a single language that has several dialects--versions of the language spoken by different groups. However, in the sense that Filipino is agreed to be the standard language (taught in school, etc.) then you could call Tagalog a dialect.Remember,"A language is a dialect with an army and a navy." ------
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