THE United States does not have an official national language. Citizens just behave using common sense. However, all official documents — laws, decrees, public warnings, etc. — are written in English; additionally, in Spanish in many states or in French, Tagalog or German in areas where big communities speak those languages.

The Philippines, a country with nearly 180 languages and colonized thrice, is a relatively young nation, and as such, its politicians have repeatedly felt the urge to fill the national identity with symbols that might represent the unity of the archipelago: a national flower, a national animal, a national flag and anthem and also, a national language.

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