Elements, Dimensions and the Influence of Culture in Communication and

Miscommunication
Purposive Communication Course Subject (Eng11)
Kalinga State University – College of Engineering and Information Technology
Differences of and similarities of the Types of Cultures
Homework about Communication

LESSON 4
HOMEWORK #3

• Recall a misunderstanding or a fight between you and another person. Analyze

why it happened and what caused it by looking at the Dimension(s) of
Communication that was(were) not properly understood.
• Then recall how the problem was resolved.
It was one afternoon and I’m tired of our activities and quizzes when my friend invited
me to go to her 17th birthday celebration and I said “Yes” but instead of having a positive
reaction from her, I saw the opposite. I was curious about what happened so I ask my
other friends why and they said that my facial expression and tone when I was saying
“Yes” was not that lively and they thought that I was planning to not going to the party.
Looking at what happened, there is a misunderstanding on the Verbal/Nonverbal and
Intentional/Unintentional Dimensions of Communication because instead of putting a
smile and a happy tone in my answer, I showed the opposite. As I reflect on the situation,
I realized that my actions contradicted my words. The miscommunication was resolved
as I explained to her that I was really going to her birthday party and I am just tired of our
school activities and it’s not my intention to hurt her feelings as I said “Yes” in a sad tone
and frowning facial expression.

LESSON 5 AND 6
ACTIVITY 1:

1. What is Communication?
Communication is the process of sharing and conveying our ideas, thoughts, and
feelings from one person to another within and across channels, context, speech, visuals,
signals, writing, or behavior and having those ideas, thoughts, and feelings are
understood by the people we are talking with. When we communicate, we speak, listen
and observe.

There is a wide variety of contexts and situations in which communication can be

manifested, it can be a face-to-face interaction, a phone conversation, a group discussion,
a meeting or interview, letter correspondence, a class recitation, and many others.
2. What are the Elements of Communication?
Communication is divided into elements which help us better understand its
mechanics or process. These elements are the following:
A. Sender / Speaker – this is the first element of the communication process. The
sender chooses his/her purpose, crafts the message accordingly, and decides how
to deliver it.

B. Message – it is what needed to be delivered or important to somebody else. This

is central in the communication process because the point of communication is to
say “something”. The message to be sent is based on why the speaker wants to
say it, what the speaker wants to say, and how the speaker wants to say it.

C. Channel – are the means by which the message is sent. There are only five
channels: ears, mouth, eyes, skin, and nose. In other words, a message is sent
and received by the five senses. Messages are first received through the ears by
hearing, while gestures and facial expressions are received by the eyes through
seeing. On the other hand, the mouth is used to send messages to the receiver.
The skin and the nose are not the main pathways of sending a message, but they
are still crucial in imparting and receiving the message.

D. Receiver / Listener – receives the message. It is said that even if the speaker is
great and the message is beautiful if there’s no listener or the listener is not paying
attention, then communication fails. It is the listener who makes sense of what is
said and reacts to it by clapping, nodding the head, replying, asking a return
question, following the speaker, falling asleep, or walking out.

E. Response – is the only way the speaker knows that the message has been
received, whether the listener responds or not is central to the communication
process. The response is, of course, based on the interpretation of the message
by the listener. If the interpretation is positive then the response is positive.

F. Feedback – is the result of monitoring by the speaker of the listener’s response.

The listener may respond to the message positively or negatively. The speaker
needs to watch out for this response to know if the messages were effectively
imported or not. Making sure of what the feedback is, will help the speaker in
continuing with the next message.

G. Noise – is any barrier to communication. It could be physical “noise” or actual noise

such as loud music or the irritating engine of a motorcycle. Even a seatmate who
talks to you while the teacher is explaining the lesson because it prevents you from
listening to the teacher.

H. Communication Situation / Environment

Has two components: the physical location and the psychological setting
a. The physical location is usually chosen for the purpose it will serve. A
classroom that can be used for classes, an auditorium that can be
transformed into a theatre for a play, and the streets that serve as the setting
for rallies.
b. The psychological setting depends on the participants. The classroom is for
teaching, but the Parent – Teacher Association (PTA) holds its meeting; the
auditorium for the school program is now the stage for the drama club’s
production
3. What are the considered Dimensions of Communication?

A. Verbal / Nonverbal Dimension

This encompasses the use of language, the words chosen (Verbal Dimension)
and the facial expressions, and the gestures and bodily movements used (Nonverbal
Dimension). Verbal and nonverbal dimensions must be used together to clearly impart
the message. A misunderstanding may happen when words contradict action.

B. Oral / Written Dimension

These two means spoken communications (Oral Dimension) and the transcription
of thoughts and ideas (Written Dimension). While the Verbal Dimension talks of the
use of language and the choice of words to convey a written Message, the Oral
Dimension imparts the Message following the Principles of Delivery. The Written
Dimension takes care of putting down the words while the Oral Dimension takes care
of delivering those words (although that may not necessarily happen).
C. Formal / Informal Dimension

These speak of the factors that may or may not highlight traditional and
conventional communication. The Formal Dimension usually means the meticulous
observation of appropriateness in dress, language, and setting, while the Informal
Dimension is the opposite. That is, it uses a more casual approach with no regard for
the formalities.
D. Intentional / Unintentional Dimension

These rely on the fact that Messages always have a Purpose. There is
an intention when people communicate with others. In fact, this intention is why we
want to communicate in the first place. One wants to say something, but what one
may intend may not be the actual result. Sometimes people laugh at something that
was said, even if the Speaker meant it to be taken seriously. It must be remembered
that every Message has an unintended meaning. In fact, the Speaker may not even
be aware of it. The Speaker only finds out after, when the Listener reacts by saying
that the Speaker has been discourteous, dishonest, or has hurt the Listener’s feelings;
or when the Listener claps or laughs, when the Speaker did not expect that reaction.

4. Does culture influence the Dimensions of Communication?

The most influential factor in the dimensions of communication is that of culture. Many
of our customs are traditions about everything from raising children to getting, from
planting and harvesting to cooking and serving food, are governed by culture. In this
section, we will look into how culture influences the different dimensions of
communication especially in the Philippine context.
One of the customs that still exist in the Philippines Society is the tradition of “Mano
Po”, which involves touching the hand of an elder to one’s forehead to show respect.
Mano Po is now seldomly practiced, which has led some elders to think that the young
folks are rude and they wonder why their parents no longer teach their children good
manners.
The following are the elaborations on the Influence of Culture on the Dimensions of
Communication.

A. Verbal / Nonverbal Dimension

Courtesy in the Philippine society is expressed when talking to someone,

especially someone in authority by looking down. Looking straight at them is
considered rude and frowned upon.

In western society, avoiding looking at people in the eye, or looking around or down
while talking to them often means that one is not telling the truth or is hiding something.
If this is still the case, what do you think, might happen if a Filipino applicant is
interviewed for a job by an American employer, assuming both parties are unaware of
the other’s culture? In another setting, in Thailand, no one sits higher than the King
does. Teachers’ chairs are also higher than the students. This is to show their authority
and to command respect.
B. Oral / Written Dimension

A misunderstanding occurs when oral and written messages are not in agreement,
such as when you are grateful to someone but your Facebook says otherwise.
Culturally, Filipinos are fond of being very wordy in written communication, oftentimes
beating around the bush, even in formal letters and sometimes in email. We tend to
be just as wordy and employ circumlocution when writing and giving a speech. We
also use highfalutin and polysyllabic words. Westerners are more direct in speaking
and they write simpler letters because they find longwinded letters and circuitous
speeches tedious and boring.

C. Formal / Informal Dimension

Formal or Informal Dimensions are not as bifurcated as before. It used to be that
among Filipinos, a speech still depends on whether one views the communicative
situation as formal or informal. Knowing this helps one to act accordingly in the
preparation of the message and in responding to it. But now, speakers at a program
may be casually dressed and speak to an audience as though they are having a
conversation between friends in a coffee shop. Because Filipinos live in a communal
society (where everyone is family), this tends to blur the lines between formal and
informal communications. Still, when a student is speaking with the principal, calling
him/her by his/her first name as though he/she is at the same age as the student.
Some priests and professors, of course, give permission to be called by their first
names and they encourage people to talk to them as though they are their friends.
This may be shocking for some who believe that there should be some distance
between youth and the figures of authority. Philippine culture demands it so they say
even if modern times allow it.

D. Intentional / Unintentional Dimension

Intentional or Unintentional Dimension can happen in certain scenarios such as
this one: Burning up with a fever and hardly able to stand you take at last seat in the
MRT, even as an old woman was trying to take that seat too. The woman and the
 other passenger look at you sharply. In the Philippines (even in other countries), your
act is a discourtesy that reflects badly on you (and your parents). But you only intended
to sit down (and you did) and it was unintended that you took the seat of the old
woman. What do you do? Do you give up your seat? Or explain that you are sick that
you can hardly stand? Or do you intentionally look out at the window, pretend not to
notice the woman or the others. What is the unintended message? This example
shows that at times we take offense at the slightest thing even when there is no reason
to. Westerners, being direct people, would want to clarify any miscommunication right
away and ask what went wrong or what happened to bring about such
miscommunication in order to resolve it. When we intend to say or do something but
the opposite happens, most of the time, we Filipinos act as though nothing happened.

5. Does gender influence the Dimensions of Communication?

Gender comes in communication when we categorize certain ways of speaking or

using words as being masculine or feminine. Or when we react to such communication
precisely because we think they are masculine and feminine. We expect a male
speaker to have a low-pitched voice, while we expect a female speaker to have a high-
pitched voice. In certain settings, some employees find it difficult to take orders from
a female boss, believing that a male executive simply by being male, is a born leader
and can direct his staff. The idea that men should not engage in certain activities
classified as “women’s work” used to be a sign of machismo. Unfortunately, this can
still be observed in rural areas and even in some urban areas. However, with an
increasing number of Filipino women working abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFW) the men are left to care for the children and the home doing “women’s work”.

The following are the elaborations on the Influence of Gender in the Dimensions
of Communication.

A. Verbal / Nonverbal Dimension

Men think they should be “macho” in language and action. They use assertive
words and expect to be understood. On the other hand, women are expected to be
non-confrontational in their language, especially with men. They are supposed to talk
only about certain topics that are within the world of women. But today, the Verbal and
Nonverbal Dimensions of Communication of men and women are hardly contained by
such attitudes. Women can be loud and assertive like comedian and political activist
Juana Change, who does not mince her words when it comes to politics. On the other
hand, men can talk about their feelings, even cry like Christian pop singer Gary
Valenciano.

B. Oral / Written Dimension

Written messages by Filipino women are supposed to be indirect and circuitous.
That may well have been true in the days of Maria Clara. Now, with access to mass
media and social media – both as reader and writer. Filipino women write beyond what
was once thought to be safe topics for women. Instead of being soft-spoken, they now
speak with directness exemplified by superstar Nora Aunor when she talked of Flor
Contemplacion, the Filipino nanny (Yaya) executed in Singapore, whom she played
 in a movie. In fact, the assertiveness in the language of Filipino women is matched
only by the assertive delivery of women like Monique Wilson, an actress, and
champion of One Billion Rising.
C. Formal / Informal Dimension
How does one dress for and talk during a job interview? Men may get away with
wearing denim to a job interview but in many cases, women are expected to wear a
don corporate attire. We call everyone by their nicknames, even the President of the
Philippines. Everyone we meet and talk to is either an Ate or Kuya. In many cases, a
female teacher rather male teacher will be the choice of students when disclosing their
problems, because students probably feel that female teachers are more sympathetic.
Westerners are pickier about who they want to be close to. They are quite informal
and easygoing with friends, while formal are reserved with others. Working in a job for
years doesn’t necessarily allow you to call the male boss of the company by their first
name. Of course, there are some western bosses, male and female, who like the
informality of having their employees call them by their first name. Here, teachers are
addressed as “Miss” or “Mrs.” even if their names are used. Male bosses in the
Philippines are usually addressed by their initials such as “MVP” for Manny V.
Pangilinan, Chairman of Smart Communication, and “JZA” for Jaime Zobel De Ayala,
chairman of the Emeritus of the Ayala Group of Companies.

D. Intentional / Unintentional Dimension

Filipinos love to smile and do smile a lot. However, the smiles may express
different emotions, not just happiness. A student smiling during an exam may make
the teacher think that the exam is easy. On the contrary, the smile may mean
nervousness about being able to answer all the questions or not. Again, smiling just
as a couple is passing by may be misinterpreted. The girl may take offense and her
boyfriend may just beat you up.
6. What is nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication is the transfer of messages or signals through the use of
body language including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, the distance
between two individuals, and more. It is the process of sending and
receiving messages without using words, either spoken or written. For example, smiling
when you meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance, and openness. Everyone
uses nonverbal communication all the time whether they know it or not. Nonverbal
communication is dependent on seeing and analyzing physical movements as opposed
to verbal communication, or the use of language to transfer information through written
text, speaking, or sign language.
7. How does nonverbal miscommunication occur?

Nonverbal miscommunication occurs when we fail to read and comprehend nonverbal

cues. This can also happen when people who lack nonverbal encoding skills send unclear
or subtle cues to someone.

Miscommunication may occur in all Dimensions of Communication, especially in

Nonverbal Communication due to our unfamiliarity with gender practices in other cultures
and their societies’ customs and traditions. People can offend others without meaning to
due to their cultural differences in nonverbal communication
 For example, Western cultures mostly consider eye contact to be a good gesture. It
shows attentiveness, confidence, and honesty. Other cultures such as Asian, Middle
Eastern, Hispanic, and Native American do not take it as a good expression. It is taken
as a rude and offensive expression. Unlike in Western cultures taking it as respectful,
others do not consider it that way. In Eastern cultures, women should especially not have
eye contact with men as it shows power or sexual interest. In some cultures, whereas,
gazes are taken as a way of expression. Staring is taken as rude in most cultures.
8. What is verbal communication?

Verbal Communication is a type of oral communication wherein the message is

transmitted through spoken words. Here the sender gives words to his feelings, thoughts,
ideas, and opinions and expresses them in the form of speeches, discussions,
presentations, and conversations. It can therefore include both spoken and written
communication. However, many people use the term to describe only spoken
communication. The verbal element of communication is all about the words that you
choose, and how they are delivered, heard and interpreted.
9. How does miscommunication occur?
Miscommunication occurs when there’s a lack of understanding between the listener
and the speaker. This can also happen because there is a presence of a barrier whether
an internal barrier (poor listening skill, lack of interest in the topic, etc.) or an external
barrier (noise, distraction, etc.) that disrupts or interrupts the listener in
receiving/interpreting the message. In addition, miscommunication occurs due to failure
to communicate clearly, sometimes people merely hear what is said without paying close
attention through listening, in most cases, we get a different meaning of the words than
they are intended. Lack of understanding and barriers impedes the communication
process and this leads to miscommunication.

RESOURCES:

• Read Eight Essential Components of Communication: HS21+ Health and Fitness

2017-09-25. (n.d.). Canvas. Retrieved February 16, 2021, from
https://sbctc.instructure.com/courses/1367224/pages/read-eight-essential-
components-of-
communication?module_item_id=21078647#:%7E:text=The%20communication
%20process%20involves%20understanding,environment%2C%20context%2C%
20and%20interference.

• Staff, E. (2020, December 17). The Dimensions of Communication. ELCOMBLUS.

https://www.elcomblus.com/the-dimensions-of-
communication/#:%7E:text=These%20two%20mean%20spoken%20communicat
ion,following%20the%20Principles%20of%20Delivery.

• Nonverbal Communication Skills: Definition and Examples. (n.d.). Indeed Career

Guide. Retrieved February 16, 2021, from https://www.indeed.com/career-
advice/career-development/nonverbal-communication-skills

• What Is Nonverbal Communication? (n.d.). ThoughtCo. Retrieved February 16,

2021, from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-nonverbal-communication-
1691351
• Copyright skillsyouneed.com 2011-2021. (n.d.). Verbal Communication Skills |
SkillsYouNeed. SkillsYouNeed. Retrieved February 16, 2021, from
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/verbal-
communication.html#:%7E:text=Verbal%20communication%20is%20the%20use,
both%20spoken%20and%20written%20communication.&text=The%20verbal%2
0element%20of%20communication,they%20are%20heard%20and%20interprete
d.

• Bajracharya, S. (2018, February 15). Non-verbal Communication in Different

Cultures. Businesstopia. https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/non-
verbal-communication-different-cultures

• M, M. (2016, July 9). What is Verbal Communication? definition and meaning -

Business Jargons. Business Jargons. https://businessjargons.com/verbal-
communication.html

• McDuffie A. (2013) Verbal Communication. In: Volkmar F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia

of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_1709

• Giri, Vijai N. (2009). "Nonverbal Communication Theories". Encyclopedia of

Communication
Theory. doi:10.4135/9781412959384.n262. ISBN 9781412959377.

• Staff, E. (2020a, October 9). Learning Plan: The Nature and Process of
Communication. ELCOMBLUS. https://www.elcomblus.com/nature-process-
communication/

• Staff, E. (2020a, February 19). The Influence of Culture on the Dimensions of

Communication. ELCOMBLUS. https://www.elcomblus.com/the-influence-of-
culture-on-the-dimensions-of-communication/

• Staff, E. (2020b, April 25). The Influence of Gender on the Dimensions of

Communication. ELCOMBLUS. https://www.elcomblus.com/the-influence-of-
gender-on-the-dimensions-of-communication/