Ilokano Language: Foundations with Jeffrey Acido, PhD

In Ilokano: Foundations, students are introduced to the foundational building blocks of the language by studying Ilokano deeply within its unique cultural context. While you will learn the essentials—how to greet one another, introduce yourself, tell time, and describe flavors of Ilokano cuisine—we will dive into the profound concept of "Nakem" (our inner self and consciousness), engage with "adal ken sursuro" (the wisdom of learning and teaching), and find inspiration in traditional Ilokano proverbs. Designed as a soulful entry point into the language, this course invites you to connect with Ilokano heritage by understanding how the Ilokano worldview is woven into every word, ensuring your journey is both practical and deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom.

Embark on an 8-week journey to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Ilokano language. We are thrilled to offer a specialized online Ilokano language course led by Dr. Jeffrey Acido.

Sign up now and embark on a journey of discovery!

Course Details:

Tuesdays from 7pm - 8:30pm PDT, June 9 - July 28

Week 1: June 9

Week 2: June 16

Week 3: June 23

Week 4: June 30

Week 5: July 7

Week 6: July 14

Week 7: July 21

Week 8: July 28

Format: Virtual

Cost: $200 for a 8-week course meeting once weekly

Requirements:

• Computer or Tablet
• Notebook and Pen

What You’ll Learn:

• Conversational Ilokano: greetings, introductions, asking questions, ordering food, shopping, directions, and more!
• Cultural Context & Usage: Understanding how language reflects Ilokano identity
• Day-to-Day Fluency: Engage in natural, meaningful conversations
  

Jeffrey Miguel Acido, PhD is a dedicated educator, community organizer, and scholar whose work sits at the vital intersection of language, identity, and social justice. As an instructor of Ilokano with the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, he brings a deep, soulful approach to language learning—one that treats every verb and vocabulary word as a vessel for reclamation and healing. Born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, and raised in the vibrant community of Kalihi, Hawai'i, Dr. Acido’s life has been a bridge between the Ilocos and the diaspora. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where his research focused on the power of indigenous knowledge, Ilokano language, and liberation theology and lived-experience as a site of pedagogical transformation. For Dr. Acido, teaching Ilokano is more than just a lesson in grammar; it is an act of "coming home."

Our Manilatown Ancestral program is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov. Manilatown Ancestral is also made possible by the generous support of the San Francisco Arts Commission, Asian Pacific Fund, and San Francisco Grants for the Arts.

For more information about Manilatown Academy, the Manilatown Ancestral program, and/or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, please email us at [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

International Hotel Manilatown Center, 868 Kearny Street, San Francisco, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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