PURPOSE

The Maryknoll Institute of Language & Culture (MILC) was established in 1958 by the Maryknoll Fathers, Inc. In 2010, the management of MILC was indorsed to the Dominican Sisters of the Trinity. MILC is an apostolate for the preparation of Roman Catholic Church personnel so that they can work effectively in the Philippines through the development of communication skills in the Cebuano and/or Tagalog languages and an understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture. Others may be accepted at the discretion of the Institute.

“Missionaries, who come from other churches and countries, must immerse themselves in the cultural milleu of those to whom they are sent…Hence they must learn the language of the people in which they work.” John Paul II, Redemptories Missio 53.

LOCATION

Since April 26, 2014, MILC was transferred to Victorio Street, Talomo, Davao City from its former address on the corner of Doña Asuncion St., and Imperial St., in Barrio Pampanga of Davao City.

FACILITIES

The Institute consists of an air-conditioned lecture room and library, sheds for individual language practice sessions, a fully equipped air-conditioned language laboratory and a pantry.

STAFF

A core group of well-trained experienced language informants who are all native Cebuano and Tagalog speakers with years of experience in the Institute’s proven method comprise the full time staff.

SERVICES

TRAINING SESSIONS

The training session hours are from 8:30 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. and from 1:15 P.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. There are 9 periods of 30 minutes each. There is one period for grammar class, four periods of individual private language practice with a language informant, two listening periods with audio players provided in the air-conditioned language laboratory, and two study periods. There is also a marienda (snack) break in the morning and before lunch a period for cultural input or the celebration of the Eucharist. From noon to 1:15 P.M. there is a lunch and rest break (language trainees provide for their own lunch).

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

Cebuano and Tagalog are taught using English as the base language. The method of instruction is based on the practices and principles of second language learning.

As far as possible, individual instruction is the norm. For each two periods of individual private language practice sessions, the language trainee has one listening practice period and one study period which allows for maximum benefit from the individual instruction.

                Language is primarily speech. So, all language practice sessions except the grammar period are made up of only one or two language trainees and one language informant (teacher) so the language trainee actually speaks and hears the language.

                Language is a set of habits formed by constant repetition. Continued repetition and practice are reinforced through the scheduled use of the provided language-pattern listening in the language laboratory.

CULTURE

One does not learn a language without learning the culture of the speakers of that language. There is a well-stocked library available for cultural research. Culture is integrated in situation dialogues used throughout the course.

ADMISSION

Registration

Registration is made by contacting the Administrator as soon as possible or at least two months before the intended course.
An application form will be sent to you to be filled out and returned. The Administrator will confirm enrollment for each language trainee. These provisions are necessary for the contracting of language informants (teachers) and the setting of schedules and enrollment quotas.

Finances

P3,800.00 Php a week for each week of enrolled course. At present, all payments must be made in the peso amount due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

There are textbooks for all courses which cost P2,700 Php. There are dictionaries, Bibles and additional materials available for language trainees who wish to acquire them.

Accommodation

                The Institute only offers training sessions during the day. Language trainees are responsible for their own accommodations and transportation to and from the institute.

COURSES OFFERED

Cebuano
Regular Beginners Course                                                              (25 weeks)

                This is the basic course for all non-Filipino beginners and those with limited exposure that seriously want to learn Cebuano.

Refresher Course                                                                             (8/4 weeks)

                This is for those who have already studied and used Cebuano regularly but want to improve their communication skills.

Refresher Course                                                                               (12 weeks)

This is for those who have already studied and used Cebuano but feel the need for a longer period to refresh their use of the language.

Brief Introductory Course                                                                  (8 weeks)

                This is for Filipino who wish to learn Cebuano. Non-Filipinos who are fluent in another Filipino language would benefit from this course. This is not recommended for those who are just beginning language study.

Tagalog

Regular Beginners Course                                                                  (12 weeks)

                This is the basic course for all non-Filipino beginners and those with limited exposure that seriously want to learn Tagalog.

Refresher Course                                                                                 (8 weeks)

                This is for those who have already studied and used Tagalog but who want to improve their communication skills.

Brief Introductory Course                                                                   (8 weeks)

                This is for those non-Filipino who are fluent in another Filipino language who wish to learn Tagalog. This is not recommended for beginners.

Refer to the yearly Course Schedule for exact dates of each course. Please contact the Administrator for possible special schedule needs.

CONTACTS

For further information please contact the:

Administrator
Maryknoll Institute of Language & Culture
Victorio Street, Talomo
8000 Davao City
Tel. 082-2859942

ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce the
COURSE SCHEDULE 2017

Cebuano

Regular Beginner Course                                              (25 weeks)
                January 9, 2017 – June 30, 2017
                September 4, 2017 – March 15, 2018

Brief Introductory Course                                                              (12 weeks)
                January 9, 2017 – March 31, 2017
                May 8, 2017 – July 28, 2017
                September 4, 2017 – November 24, 2017

Refresher Course                                                            (8 weeks)
                January 9, 2017 – March 3, 2017
                June 5, 2017 – July 28, 2017
           September 4, 2017 – October 27, 2017
                October 16, 2017 – December 8,  2017

Refresher Course                                                            (4 weeks)
                April 3, 2017 – April 28, 2017
                May 2, 2017 – May 29, 2017

TAGALOG

Regular Beginner Course                                    (12 weeks)
                January 9, 2017 – March 3, 2017
                February 27, 2017 – April 21, 2017
May 2, 2017 – July 28, 2017
June 5, 2017 – July 28, 2017
September 4, 2017 – October 27, 2017
October 16, 2017 – December 8, 2017

MILC Scheduled Vacation Weeks in 2017

              August 1 - September 1, 2017 & December 8, 2017 - January 6, 2017