Week 2-3

Lesson 1: The Nature, Elements, and Functions of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication in
Multicultural Contexts

In this module you will learn about the nature of communication which include verbal and nonverbal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=UqlFT8zT8V8

Task 1. Read the textual input below about communication. Jot down important ideas on your
notebook. You might want to used these key words as guide: meaning of communication; functions of
communication; verbal communication; non-verbal communication

Communication is one of the more essential human activities that enable us to make
connections , create meanings, and nurture understanding. It is an activity that we practice everyday
with the people around us. When we communicate, we send messages that are received and
understood through the symbols that are used. These symbols are shared in a specific culture and may
be vernal such as spoken or written words, or non-verbal such as gestures, facial expressions, and
appearances, Responding to these symbols used in meaningful communication through various
appropriate channels fulfils the purpose of making connections. A channel of communication such as
airwaves, shapes the way we respond to the message we received. More and more today, these
channels have altered the meaningful messages that are sent and received.

Spoken words are not the only way to communicate. To communicate is to express thoughts
and emotions through verbal and non-verbal means that convey certain meanings within and across
communities, cultures, and platforms. Communication develops and changes according to its
contexts. Body languages, facial expressions, and the tone of one’s voice all contribute to convey
thoughts and emotions in a non-verbal manner. Often, these non-verbal elements stress and enhance
what one wishes to communicate. Non-verbal elements include the raising of your eyebrows, the
wrinkling of your forehead, the movement of your head (up or down and left and right), the frowning of
your face, folding your arms in front of your chest. The tone of your voice plays a role in your
communication. Perhaps you have heard the expressions, “It is not what you say but how you say
it.” Tone can be serious, humorous, condescending, nervous, hesitant, etc. Your gesture can reveal so
much meaning without having to utter any word.

Your body language and tone may serve several communicative functions:

1. assert or hide one’s identity

2. stress and/or dismiss the importance of an idea

3. evoke a certain emotion or feeling

4. demonstrate one’s attitude

5. reveal one’s values

6. allow and or control participation.

Gestures and facial expressions are neither universal nor absolute in meaning. They vary from
one culture to the other. You must therefore be conscious of your and other people’s use of
gestures. What is acceptable to one culture may not be acceptable to another. In a digital age where
people from different cultures get to communicate with one another fairly quickly and easily, it pays
well to have a working knowledge of these communicative nuances so as to avoid breakdown in
communication.

Task 2. Research at least three different countries or cultures and mention distinct gestures and their
meanings used in these countries. Fill in the grid below. Be ready to share your answers during the
scheduled online synchronous session.

Countries/Cultures Gestures Meanings

1.

2.

3.

Task 3. Continue reading the lecture on communication

Although non-verbal elements are important in communication, verbal elements are just as
important. Language use in terms of word choice is crucial to communication as well. Your word choice

Is a significant element in making meaningful connections and fostering harmonious understanding in a

community. Words can affect your message whether intentionally or unintentionally. Words have a
denotative meaning based on the definitions in a dictionary, and a connotative meaning based on the
fluid contexts of its uses.

QUIZ 1. Identify the meaning of the sentence, “The door is open, based on the different contexts given
in column A.

The door is open.

Context of Situation Meaning

1. Two people after a nasty argument

2. A boss to her secretary

3. Parents looking for their three year-old child.

4. A mother to her son on a cold evening.

5. Brothers coming home late at night

Task 4. Read the lecture below on slang, jargon, euphemisms, and doublespeak.
Word choice may also include or exclude certain groups of people in communication. A specific group of
people who share a common interest may use a distinct kind of slang or jargon—a specialized language.
Slang is a language shared by a group with similar preferences, hobbies, sports, and other lifestyles. In
the Philippines, the term “chaka” has originally been used by gays to refer to an ugly person. Jargon, on
the other hand, refers to technical language used by professionals in a certain field. Linguists use a
specialized form of language different from veterinarians. Among doctors, “upper respiratory tract
infection” is used to refer to the common cold. Euphemisms and doublespeak are choices in language
use to hide certain truths. The purpose of using euphemisms is to use language that hide certain truths.
“To pass away” is much more subtle than the word “death.” Doublespeak may be misleading as it
covers up a difficult reality of an issue. For example, a student who is said to be going a “gap year” may
actually be skipping a year for several reasons—financial, emotional, among others.

Indeed, non-verbal and verbal elements of communication are dynamic and essential parts of human
interaction. Interestingly, word choice as an essential verbal element in communication is made more
fascinating when we imagine people of different cultures engage in conversations.

Communication in Various Multicultural Contexts

Task 5. Watch the YouTube video by Filipino-Canadian Mikey Bustos that illustrates the uniqueness of
what he calls “Pinoy English” at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=UqlFT8zT8V8.

While watching, complete the grid below. You will be called to recite during our synchronous session.

Filipino English Examples Meaning

Word choice, pronunciation, and even grammar rules vary in the Englishes that multilinguals use around
the world. The world does not use a single English variety. It varies from one culture or country to
another, and from one generation to another. For example, the British use “torch” for what Americans
call “flashlight.” Filipinos use “comfort room” or CR for what Americans call “Restroom or Toilet” and
“Water Closet” or “WC” and “Toilet” among Europeans. In the same manner, “Google it! ” is an
expression that was not used in the early decades.

Cultural and social practices, norms, and trends all shape the way we use languages,
particularly English. Changes in language use depend on where, when, and who uses it.
Post Competency Assessment: Match the examples in A to their labels in B. Write the letter of your
choice on the blank provided.

A B

1. alternative facts ____ a. slang

2. comorbidity ____ b. double speak

3. bae ____ c. euphemism

4. to make love ____ d. jargon

Week 4

Lesson 1: The Nature, Elements, and Functions of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication in
Multicultural Contexts
In this module you will learn about the nature of communication which include verbal and
nonverbal.
Analyzing the Principles, Process, and Ethics of Effective Communication
I. Introduction
We communicate various meanings all the time in the everyday conversations we have
and hear around us. These are all largely spontaneous and unrehearsed. But there are factors
such as audience, context, and purpose that shape the way a conversation is initiated,
maintained and terminated. How we communicate depends on who we are talking to, what we
are discussing, and where and when the conversation is taking place.
IV. Explore

Task 1. Read the lesson below and answer the tasks following it.

A speech is an example of verbal communication that is delivered to a specific audience in a given

context for a clear purpose. These factors guide the development and effectiveness of the speech. In
preparing for any verbal communication, one must consider the:
 a) Audience- a group of people whose backgrounds, concerns, and interests may shape the way a
message is received.

b) Context-conditions that shape the contents of the message such as significant period, or the
sender’s background and experiences.

c) Purpose- a concrete set of objectives or reasons for addressing a specific audience in a given
context.

A Catholic wedding ceremony is an example of a speech situation in which the main audiences are the
couple who are about to get married. Other audiences involve the parents, relatives, friends, entourage,
among others. The context is a formal Catholic wedding ceremony which is held inside a church.
Obviously, the purpose is to wed the couple.

In an online synchronous lesson, who are the audiences? What is the context? What is the purpose?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Task 2. Complete the diagram below while reading the paragraph:

1. _________

2. _________ 3. _________

A person who sends any message comes from a specific context and has a specific purpose. This
person or sender communicates this message to a particular audience. As it is directed to particular
audience, the sender expects some concrete outcome or action as a result.

Continue reading…

If the context and purpose are intentional or planned in advance for a specific audience, then much careful
thought and effort must go to how the message is delivered in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Today’s realities require a consistent mindfulness for the ethical use of language when preparing for such
a deliberate form of communication like a speech or a journalistic piece. Practicing ethics in
communication is anticipating and weighing the effects of one’s message on an audience. It is also using
information that comes from credible, verifiable, and relevant sources. It is communicating with no intent
to harm another, is being careful, attentive, and inclusive through word choice and tone. It is looking at
differences as a way to understand each other and what matters to us. It never silences, and it welcomes
disagreements as opportunities for knowing others in a more respectful and thoughtful manner.

Quiz. Complete the table below.

Ethical use of language

1. analysing beforehand the impact of one’s message to a specific group of audience

2.

3. communicating without harming another

4. is _______________, ________________ and __________ through word choice and tone

5. diferences is viewed as an opportunity to understand one another

6. It does not __________________

7. It encourages ________________ as a chance to know others

Task 3. Write two short letters one addressed to your teacher (me) and the other addressed to
you lover (real or imaginary). Submit these two letters through the VLP. Get ready to attend a
synchronous discussion to answer questions regarding your letters. Questions will be about
register, word choice, and levels of formality.

Week 5
Lesson 1: The Nature, Elements, and Functions of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication in
Multicultural Contexts
In this module you will learn about the nature of communication which include verbal and
nonverbal.

I. Introduction
In this section, you will learn how to write a reaction paper. In this section, you will
learn how to produce an objective assessment of an event, a person, a place or a thing, and
write a reaction paper or review in one of the following fields: Performance Arts, Play, Dance,
Sports, etc.; Film; Participation in a religious or community festival; Art Exhibit

Three types of papers that are usually required by teachers are the reaction paper, the
reflection paper, and the review.
These three types are sometimes considered to be the same.
Reaction and reflection papers are similar, as they deal with what you think and feel about a
text, a film, an issue, or an experience.
The difference lies in the focus and purpose of the papers.
The reaction or response paper is a personal reaction and evaluation of a topic and whether
they agree with the ideas in the issue or thing you are reacting to.
The reflection paper is also a personal reaction but is focused more on sharing what you have
learned from the lesson, film, or experience.
Essential Question. What writing strategies should I use to write effective reaction papers and
critical reviews?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18asFBmeV-iaSknn5y9H38hAm9b29KnR-
/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118247862244034156040&rtpof=true&sd=true

Quiz
Write a reaction paper based on the article below following these parameters: (50 pts.)

a) double-space
b) two pages
c) short/letter size
d) Times New Roman
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BGLQo7fhuOHr6OkxRjLyvbcQTCPx2xF2/view?usp=sharing

Week 6 (Assessment)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hxb7Igv1Bs0HdOcLsnGZgGVs_nP7wN9y/edit?usp=shari
ng&ouid=118247862244034156040&rtpof=true&sd=true