LOCAL AND

GLOBAL
COMMUNICATION
IN A
MULTICULTURAL
SETTING
 • Recognize the different
communication styles of Filipinos
• Understand the communication
styles globally
• Appreciate different cultures and
backgrounds
• Acquire appropriate communication
etiquettes

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Important Terms to Understand in
Learning How to Effectively
Communicate in a Multicultural Setting

• Culture – a system of knowledge, beliefs,

values, customs, behavior, and artifacts that
are required, shared, and used by members of
a given society.
• Multiculturalists – persons respectful of and
engaged with people from distinctly different
cultures.
• Culturally confused – lacking an understanding
of cultural differences
Important Terms to Understand in
Learning How to Effectively Communicate
in a Multicultural Setting

• Intercultural Communication - communication

between people with differing cultural identities.
• International Communication – communication
between persons representing different nations
• Interethnic Communication – interaction with
individuals of different ethnic origins.
• Intracultural Communication – interaction with
members of the same racial or ethnic groups.
Important Terms to Understand in
Learning How to Effectively Communicate
in a Multicultural Setting

• Assimilation – the means by which co-culture

members attempt to fit with the members of a
dominant culture.
• Co-culture – groups of persons who differ in some
ethnic groups or sociological way
• Accommodation – the means by which co-culture
members maintain their cultural identity while
striving to establish relationship with members of the
dominant culture.
• Separation – the means that co-culture members use
to resist interacting with members of a dominant
culture.
Communication and Culture
Culture shapes the way people communicate and communication
influences the development and preservation of culture.
What is Culture?
Culture refers to the shared beliefs,
customs, practices, language, values, and
way of life that characterize a particular
group of people. It encompasses the
collective behaviors and norms that
members of a society or community
follow, and it can include a wide range of
elements that shape the identity of a
group or an individual.
 Culture shapes the way individuals
express themselves, interpret
messages, and interact with others.
Culture’s influence in communication is
evident in the following: language and
vocabulary, communication styles,
nonverbal communication, hierarchy
and authority, collectivism and
individualism, conflict resolution,
cultural norms and etiquette, cultural
identity, multilingualism and code-
witching, and social identity.

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Communication and
Globalization

Globalization is the process of increased

interconnectedness and interdependence
among countries, cultures, and economies.

The advances in communication technology

has significantly influenced globalization
transforming the way we communicate and
interact with one another across borders.
Communication in Multicultural
Language – Local Setting
(Philippines)

The communication styles of Filipinos are

influenced by a blend of cultural, historical,
and social factors. The Philippines is a diverse
country with a mix of indigenous, Asian, and
Western influences scattered in its over 7,000
islands.
Filipino Communication Styles
Politeness and Respect
The common use of honorifics like "po" and
"opo" to show respect to elders or authority
figures. Avoiding confrontational or impolite
language is important.
Indirect Communication
Filipinos often use indirect communication to
convey their thoughts or feelings, especially
when discussing sensitive or emotionally
charged topics. This can involve non-verbal
cues, such as facial expressions or body
language, to convey messages.
Filipino Communication Styles
Warm and Hospitable
Filipinos often engage in small talk, ask about
each other's well-being, and use polite
greetings to establish rapport.

Smiling and Non-Verbal Expressiveness

Smiling is a common non-verbal form of
communication in the Philippines. It is used
to show friendliness, approachability, and
positive intent. Non-verbal cues like nodding
and hand gestures are also frequently used in
conversation.
Filipino Communication Styles
Emphasis on Family and Relationships

Filipinos frequently inquire about family

members and show a genuine interest in
the well-being of others' loved ones.
Communication often revolves around
family and relationships.

Filipino and English

Many Filipinos are proficient in both
languages.
Filipino Communication Styles

Sensitivity to Hierarchy
Respect for authority and hierarchy is
common in Filipino culture. Titles and
honorifics are used to address superiors and
elders. It is important to be mindful of these
social hierarchies in communication.
Saving Face
Filipinos place a strong emphasis on "saving
face" or avoiding embarrassment. This can
lead to a reluctance to give negative feedback
directly and a tendency to be accommodating
to maintain harmony.
Filipino Communication Styles
Emotional Expression
Filipinos are often emotionally expressive
in their communication, whether through
joy, sadness, or frustration.
Resilience and Optimism
Filipinos are known for their resilience
and optimism despite facing challenges.
This can be reflected in their
communication, where they maintain a
positive outlook on life.
Communication in
Multicultural Language
– Global Setting
Multicultural communication in a
global setting is a complex and
dynamic process that involves
individuals and groups from diverse
cultural backgrounds interacting and
exchanging information. Effective
communication in this context is
crucial for building relationships,
fostering understanding, and
achieving common goals.
English as a
Multicultural Language
• Globalization has led to the recognition of the
importance of the increased competencies in various
kinds of language and the importance of your
expanded knowledge about aspects of language,
culture, and communication. English language, for
instance, plays a crucial role as an intermediary
language worldwide. In fact, it is also highly
recognized as an essential language for international
communication in most Asian countries.
• The spread of English around the world resulted in
the diversity of the English language. People speak
English with the influence of their culture and
continuous interaction in the global stage. For
example: Japanese speaks English in Japanese ways
as do Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, and everyone else.
What is a Global Village?
Global village was coined by Canadian
communication theorist Marshall McLuhan
in the 1960s, which refers to the idea that,
due to advances in communication and
information technology, the world has
become a closely interconnected
community in which people from diverse
geographical locations and cultures are
linked together. Global village poses a
challenge on how people relate with the
different nationalities that they interact
with at school, in the community,
workplace, and online digital spaces.
Examples of Differences in Communication Styles
Across Countries
United States and Japan
Americans are known for their direct communication
style, often getting to the point quickly. Japanese
communication is often more indirect and implicit,
relying on context and non-verbal cues.
Example:
• Americans: Use first-names in addressing others even
in professional settings. They may also use informal
titles such as Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," or "Miss" followed
by a person's last name.
• Japanese: Japanese people address individuals using
their last names, followed by an honorific such as
"san." For example, "Suzuki-san" is a polite way of
addressing Mr. or Ms. Suzuki.
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CHINA
• preference for implicit
communication through metaphor
and analogy.
• Maintaining face (saving or giving
face) is essential, so criticism or
refusal may be conveyed indirectly.
• Harmony and group cohesion are
highly valued, so open conflict and
criticism are typically avoided.
 JAPAN
• often indirect and relies on nonverbal
cues and context.
• Silence is valued and used to convey
respect or to allow the other person to
think.
• Politeness and formality are crucial, and
people avoid saying "no" directly.
UNITED STATES

• American communication tends to be

direct and explicit, with a focus on
clarity and transparency.
• Assertiveness is valued, and individuals
are encouraged to express their
opinions and ideas openly.
• Personal space is respected, and there
is less emphasis on hierarchy and
formality in everyday interactions.
 FRANCE
• French communication can be more
formal and structured, with a focus on
etiquette and polite expressions.
• Debate and argumentation are common,
and the French are comfortable
expressing differing viewpoints.
• Nonverbal communication, such as
gestures and facial expressions, plays a
significant role in conveying emotions
and intentions.
INDIA
• Indian communication often includes
elements of hierarchy and respect
for authority.
• Politeness and humility are valued,
and people may use euphemisms or
softening phrases to avoid direct
confrontation.
• Nonverbal cues, such as head nods
and hand gestures, are common and
convey meaning alongside spoken
words.
Saudi Arabia
• In Saudi Arabia, communication is
generally polite and indirect, with an
emphasis on respect and courtesy.
• Personal relationships are highly
valued, and time is seen as flexible
and not strictly adhered to.
• Religious and cultural norms strongly
influence communication and social
interactions.
Brazil
Brazilian communication is often warm
and expressive, with a focus on building
personal relationships.
People tend to use gestures and body
language to convey emotions and
intentions.
There is an informal approach to
hierarchy and authority in many social
contexts.
South Korea
• South Korean communication can be
hierarchical, with the use of formal
language and honorifics to show respect
to elders or superiors.
• Silence may be used as a sign of respect
or to allow the other person to save face.
• Group harmony and consensus are
essential, and open confrontation is
usually avoided.
Steps to Better Communication - Multicultural Setting
1. Embrace a mindset that there might be a cultural component to this
interaction; withhold judgment.
2. Ask yourself, is there something about the history and context of another
culture that might be at play here? Might there be stereotypes, biases
(implicit or explicit), or microaggressions at play here?
3. Try to be really present in this moment, and focus on the other people in
this interaction, rather than solely on your own reaction.
4. Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply.
5. Before saying anything, be mindful that you will be respectful.
6. Ask clarifying questions.
7. Summarize a response and ask what the other person thinks.
Source: [Link]
Prepared by: Ricky Basilio

References:

Rosales, M.J., Galano, E. & Rivera, J.A.(2019). Technical Writing: A resource Guide to Writing
Across Disciplines. Lorimar Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-621-8035-56-0

Tejada, K.C. et al. (2018). Purposive Communication. Panday-Lahi Publishing House, Inc.
ISBN 978-621-8094-25-3

[Link]