Filipino:
* Refers to the national language of the Philippines. It is based on Tagalog, but has incorporated words and elements from other Philippine languages.
* Embraces the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage of the Philippines. It aims to be inclusive of all Filipinos, regardless of their native language.
* Used in formal settings like government, education, and media.
* Technically a standardized version of Tagalog.
Tagalog:
* Refers to a specific language spoken by a majority of Filipinos, primarily in the Manila region. It is one of the many languages spoken in the Philippines.
* Has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
* Often used in informal settings and among families and communities that speak Tagalog as their native language.
In summary:
* Filipino is the national language of the Philippines, encompassing the entire country and its linguistic diversity.
* Tagalog is a specific language spoken in the Manila region and is the foundation for Filipino.
You can think of it this way:
* Filipino is like English, a standard language spoken by a country, incorporating different regional dialects.
* Tagalog is like Texan, a regional dialect with its own unique features.
So, while Tagalog is a part of Filipino, it's not the same thing. Filipinos may speak Tagalog as their native language, but they also speak the national language, Filipino.