Republic of the Philippines

Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges

Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

GE 5 - Purposive Communication
(MODULE 5) Topic: COPING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Recognize the challenges of intercultural communication;

2. Identify the approaches to studying intercultural communication;
3. Appreciate learning about other cultures and identities; and
4. Appreciate the value of co-existing with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

TASK 1. WARM-UP:

1. List down some cultural differences that you know regarding non-verbal
communication.
Nonverbal communication refers to the ways in which individuals communicate
with one another without using words. Nonverbal communication is used by individuals
all over the world to communicate with one another. However, the way that nonverbal
communication is communicated varies widely between cultures and countries.
Eye contact, In the West, eye contact is a show of confidence, but in Asia and the
Middle East, it might be perceived as disrespectful or confrontational. Eye contact also
has gender norms, with many Eastern cultures forbidding women from initiating eye
contact with males since it implies power or sexual desire.
Touch, Even in a corporate atmosphere, touch is widely employed in
communication, with rituals such as the handshake. Other cultures, on the other hand,
consider touching other individuals to be impolite. In Asia, people tend to be more
reserved when it comes to touching, with a bow substituting a handshake in most cases.
Patting someone on the head is another illustration of the distinctions in touching.
Gestures, Hand gestures are a bit of a minefield for many foreign entrepreneurs,
so they try to keep them to a minimum. In most areas of the globe, pointing towards
someone else is an insult, yet in certain regions, it is frequently used as a reference.
Polynesians welcome people by sticking out their tongues, however this is frowned upon
in other areas of the world. A nod is the most widely used gesture in the world, although
it may imply different things in different cultures.
Physical Distance, No matter where you are in the globe, the rule of thumb is to
offer people more space than you believe they require. Only approach if you've been
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

invited. Physical distance is perceived differently by people from various cultures.

However, it's preferable not to get any closer than 2 feet into someone's personal space.
If it isn't about personal closeness, many individuals find such close contact to be
unsettling.
Facial Expressions, The good news is that happy, sad, angry, and fearful face
emotions are universal. The bad news is that not every culture accepts their use in the
workplace. For example, the Japanese prefer to maintain a neutral facial expression
because they believe that expressing emotions stresses the other person.
Appearance, The safest bet is to dress conservatively. Some parts of the United
States are fine with casual attire, while others take offense at even an exposed shoulder
or leg. Simply dressing modestly is the best option. If it becomes clear that this is okay,
you may also loosen up your clothes.
Posture, the usual path is, once again, the greatest option. When sitting, don't
slouch or cross your legs. As people speak to you, turn to face them and nod sufficiently
to demonstrate you're paying listening. In meetings, be aware of where you sit; in certain
cultures, there is a fixed hierarchy regarding who sits where.
Paralanguage, Communication that is vocalized but not expressed in words is
referred to as paralanguage. Tone of voice, volume, speaking speed, and inflection are all
examples of this. Understanding the context or meaning of the words spoken requires the
use of paralanguage. It's critical to be aware of these concerns and to recognize that
they're difficult to detect in emails and messages, so select your words carefully.

2. Why do you think it is important to know the meaning of these non-verbal codes?

It is important to know the meaning of these non-verbal codes because by bonding

through commonalities and differences, you may become a global citizen, letting go of
preconceptions and an ethnocentric worldview, which is becoming increasingly useful.
It aids in the dismantling of negative preconceptions and personal prejudices towards
other communities. Working with people from other cultures can be a genuinely
beneficial experience, as it allows others to learn about different ideas and
traditions. Furthermore, cultural variety assists us in recognizing and respecting "ways
of being" that are not always our own. So that we can develop bridges of trust, respect,
and understanding across cultures when we connect with others.

INPUT:

It has become a widespread notion that speakers’ use of different languages results in
intercultural miscommunication and misunderstanding. As Scollon and Scollon (1995) state:
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

When we are communicating with people who are very different from us, it is very difficult to
know how to draw inferences about what they mean , and so it is impossible to depend on
shared knowledge and background for confidence in our interpretations.

Indeed, the lack of shared knowledge and beliefs and cultural diversity make it more
complicated to arrive at the correct inference or interpretation of meanings. But it can also be
argued that English is now a global lingua franca (universal language). In fact, with the ASEAN
integration, English has been declared the official or working language by many countries
including the 10 member countries of the ASEAN.

Note that misunderstanding in intercultural communication may not always be caused by

verbal utterances. Misunderstandings may also occur due to wrong interpretation of the non-
verbal code. For instance, the handshake which is commonly done by people introduced to
each other by a 3rd party should be done and interpreted correctly as the type of handshake
varies from culture to culture. Study the table below and find out how handshakes differ from
country to country.

THE HANDSHAKE

UNITED STATES FIRM HANDSHAKE

FRANCE SOFT HANDSHAKE

GERMANY FIRM HANDSHAKE, FOR MEN, TRADITIONALLY

ACCOMPANIED BY A SLIGHT BOW

JAPAN HANDSHAKE WITH ARM FIRMLY EXTENDED

ACCOMPANIED BY A BOW

MIDDLE EAST HANDSHAKE AND FREE HAND PLACED ON THE

FOREARM OF THE OTHER PERSON

APPROACHES TO STUDYING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Why is there a need to understand intercultural communication? It is easy to say that people
belong to diverse cultures, hence, the need to understand others. But it is easier said than
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

done. Some people take it for granted to read about and study first a country’s culture before
they go and travel to the place.

There is a need to be aware or conscious of other cultures especially those that you will visit so
you can avoid offending people. Due to misinterpretations, miscommunication occurs.
Likewise, it is suggested that you become aware of cultural identities and backgrounds as it will
broaden your horizon. All cultures are equal and though sometimes difficult to understand, you
need to understand that no culture is superior or inferior to another. It is only through
awareness that you get to compare other cultures with your own and appreciate cultural
diversities and learn to live with them. People have different languages, lifestyles and ways of
thinking, speaking and behaving. This is the essence of cultural diversity.

TASK 2. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

1. Cite certain situations when you encountered miscommunication while talking with
people of different nationalities.
I don’t have a situation wherein I encountered miscommunication while talking with
people of different nationalities because mostly, we do encounter casually without
miscommunication. But I encountered miscommunication with friends from other places this
college. I am not new to the dialects in Bicol but I can’t say that I am fluent with it. My friends
and I have encountered a miscommunication due to language barrier. Since I am from Buhi
and they are from Iriga, Nabua and Pili, we tend to speak and chat in Filipino and English
manner way of statement. We always have miscommunication when chatting since
sometimes we can’t avoid ourselves speaking our mother tongue and we don’t understand
each other’s dialect. With that, we easily resolve those miscommunications by translating the
words from their dialect to our and vice versa.

2. As a conscientious student, what have you done so far to avoid miscommunication

and misunderstanding when communicating with people of different cultures?
As a conscientious student, I need to study other cultures. People can avoid cross-cultural
disputes by learning about the cultures with whom they interact. Training programs, general
reading, talking to individuals from various cultures, and learning from prior experiences may
all help you get this information. We need to be open-minded and Using Clear
Communication. Think before you speak, checking from the listeners to make sure they have
understood you, follow up with your listener to check that you communicated rightly, we also
need to understand body language, listen closely, don’t interrupt and ask questions if you did
not understand
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

TASK 3. DELVING DEEPER:

Watch the video below in order to deeply understand intercultural awareness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg_YIqqprB4
The main message of this video is that Cultural awareness aids in the breaking down of
cultural barriers, the construction of cultural bridges, and the learning of how to love and
appreciate individuals who are different from ourselves. As we have a greater understanding of
ourselves, we will be able to relate better to others from different cultures. As a result, there is a
greater sense of cultural connectedness and less cultural conflict. Because culture has a
significant effect on how individuals do business, cultural implications are crucial for worldwide
success. Lack of intercultural awareness in business transactions can insult potential or existing
clients, alienate personnel working in different parts of the world, and hurt a company's bottom
line. Personal marketability may be improved by taking specific initiatives to develop
international communication skills and cross-cultural relationships.
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

TASK 4. NON-VERBAL CODE DIFFERENCES:

List down at least 10 differences between two cultures as regards their non-verbal code.

Filipino Culture Korean Culture

1. Filipinos does have a tradition of inviting people over to

their homes to have dinner or even just hang out.
1. Koreans do not have a tradition of inviting people over
Sometimes, you will be shy because they will let you in to their homes to have dinner or even just hang out, and
and offer to eat even though you are full. it has nothing to do with the size of their houses.
2. Having a good heart in the Philippines is like looking like 2. Sometimes, Korean put physical appearance before
Chris Hemsworth. Physical Appearance always comes anything else
next. 3. In Korea, multiple side dishes, at least three of them,
3. In the Philippines, there was usually only one side dish compliment the rice. I didn’t realize how special having
that had a very strong flavor. The dish was usually salty or multiple side dishes.
sour so that it could be balanced out by eating more rice 4. Farting apparently is not acceptable in Korea, not even
4. Sometimes, Filipinos tend to use their fart to tease their in front of your own family members. They shared that
family members and friends to let them smell it and laugh. even in their homes, they have to go to the toilet or
5. The Philippines, while being the only Catholic nation in excuse themselves before they pass gas
Asia, is also home to other religions like Islam and other 5. Korea is a country where the major religions of the world
Christian denominations. Filipinos are known to be coexist peacefully, most Koreans do not have any
religious people, too religious sometimes. religion.
6. Wearing shoes or outdoor slippers inside the house. It is 6. In Korea. This is definitely considered unhygienic and
generally accepted in the Philippines to go inside a house rude. Nearly all houses have a designated area by the
with shoes that you’ve been wearing outside. main door where you can leave your footwear and
7. Filipino (based on Tagalog) is the national language,
change to the provided indoor slippers.
although it is the native tongue of less than a quarter of
7. The Korean language has stricter honorific and respect
the population. English is widely spoken, Spanish much
less so.
form of speech more than the Filipino language.
8. Baro't Saya (literally "Shirt and Skirt") is the Filipino style 8. Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people.
of women's clothing. Traditionally, it is composed of a Nowadays, it is only worn on special occasions or
blouse and a long skirt with a "panuelo". It evolved many anniversaries. It is a formal wear and many Koreans keep
variants, some are regional. Barong Tagalog is a clothing a hanbok for such occasions
worn by men. Having originated in Luzon, this clothing is 9. This Korean hand gesture is relatively new in Korea and
may be made of pineapple fiber and is translucent, where to make this hand gesture is very easy. This Korean heart
an undershirt has to be worn together with dark pants. gesture is used to say “I like/love you” to someone and
9. The ‘honouring-gesture’ called pagmamano involves a it’s commonly used to show how much you adore
younger person asking for an elder’s hand and gently someone (e.g. K-Pop idol singers at a concert). You can
touching their own forehead with it while bowing. The also use this sign when you want to express how much
practice is common whenever someone visits relatives or you like something, such as food, toys, movies, and so
meets their godparents. on.
10. Don’t be alarmed if you see someone in the Philippines on 10. In Korea, you need to receive or give something
the street pointing their lips at someone or something. with both hands; this is to show that you’re showing
This person isn’t asking for a peck on the lips but is giving respect. You don’t necessarily need to do this for your
instructions. Instead of lifting their finger or arm, Filipinos friends, but you’ll definitely need to use both hands for
commonly use their lips to point to an object or another
elders or people of higher status.
person.
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

TASK 5. COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN:

Find your own partner then communicate with each other thru social media, present a sample
conversation that shows communication breakdown and how would you resolve the problem,
insert below the screenshot images of your conversation. Enjoy!

3
 Republic of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
Nabua, Camarines Sur
College of Health Science
S/Y 2021-2022

TASK 6. REFLECTION:

Reflect on the learning that you gained from this lesson by answering the questions.

1. What were your misconceptions about the topic prior to taking up this lesson?

I believe the main misconception here is not being adaptive to someone’s certain culture.
Knowing about other cultures and how they differ is sufficient to be more culturally
knowledgeable and efficient while interacting with people from different cultures. While having
a broad understanding of many cultures is beneficial to learning and developing cultural
intelligence, it is not necessary. Traveling to a variety of locations throughout the world boosts
cultural intelligence. As individuals travel more, the world is becoming smaller, and cultures are
becoming less important. Because there are so many geographical variances and people differ
on an individual basis, studying about cultures is pointless Because everyone is different

2. What new or additional learning have you gained from this lesson in terms of skills,
content, and attitude.

Everyone is unique, with their own personality, interests, and unique set of life experiences.
But it's not simply our personalities and preferences that make us who we are! The culture in
which we grow up, as well as the work we have and the friends we hang out with, all have an
impact on how we see the world - what we deem right or wrong, normal or abnormal, common
sense or strange. The fact that people differ on a personal level does not negate the need of
broadening your cultural knowledge and developing your cultural competency. They can assist
you in making sense of those differences and helping you be more productive when you are
regularly exposed to other cultures.

“the challenges are there, but they are only temporary challenges. E- learning will flourish.
Keep learning!”