The early history of the Tagalog language remains relatively obscure, and a number of theories exist as to the exact origins of the Tagalog peoples and their language. Scholars such asRobert Blust suggest that the Tagalogs originated in northeastern Mindanao or the eastern Visayas.[3] Possible words of Old Tagalog origin are attested in theLaguna Copperplate Inscription from the 10th century, which is largely written inOld Malay.[4]
The question has been raised about the origin of some words in the various languages of the Philippines and their possible connection to ancient Buddhist and Hindu culture in the region, as the language is influenced bySanskrit,Malay,Tamil andChinese.[5][6]
^Zorc, David (1993). "The Prehistory and Origin of the Tagalog People". In Øyvind Dahl (ed.).Language - a doorway between human cultures : tributes to Dr. Otto Chr. Dahl on his ninetieth birthday. Oslo: Novus. pp. 201–211.