Open/Close

There are many funny (for me) aspects of how English is used in the Philippines. I plan to write a separate post or article diving deeper into this topic, but for now, I want to share one of my favorite quirks.

Here people say "open the lights" and "close the lights" to refer to turning electrical lamps on and off, it is also used even "opening" and "closing" window shades. To someone accustomed to European English, this phrasing sounds both charming and amusing. It’s a literal and functional use of language that reflects the practicality of communication here.

Over the time it infects you and you start using it as well as the natural process of integration and absorption
evolves.