Chapter 2

COMMUNICATION AND GLOBALIZATION

Globalization is likened to the road. The world was used to be thought of as vast,
unchartered, distant, mysterious, unfathomable, and staggering and no person had the
slightest inkling how he or she could fathom it. Today globalization has changed the way
people see the world. It has become a road people can tread to discover many possibilities
although for some this unknown road can paint terror and fear.

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As the human spirit in the past struggled to soar higher by probing unknown territories,

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climbing these highest peaks, and braving seemingly insurmountable storms, the warrior in
every man and woman championed not only the feet and hands but also the mind and heart.
Yes, globalization has finally been realized.

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The term ‘globalization’ is widely used to define a spectrum of scientific, economic,
linguistic, cultural, social, and political changes that have shaped the world over the past 50-
odd years. Since globalization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, it has been credited
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with a wide range of powers and effects. Its proponents claim that it is both ‘natural’ and an
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inevitable outcome of technological progress, and it can create positive economic and political
convergences.
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Many perspectives on globalization see it as differentiated in its effects and reception,

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culturally driven, either pre-modern or postmodern, best captured by globalist or skeptical

perspectives, and an equalizing phenomenon. However, the main goal to achieve here is how
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important globalization and communication can get in terms of learning and living.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
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At the end of the lesson, the students will have been able to:
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1. define globalization;
2. discuss its origins and development;
3. explain its effects on communication; and,
4. argue for and against the positive effects of globalization on society.

MOTIVATION

Pair up and choose an object which can best represent globalization.

Explain how it can illustrate globalization.

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INPUT

As mentioned in the introduction, globalization is a complex phenomenon; it is the

interactive co-evolution of millions of technological, cultural, economic, social, and
environmental trends at all conceivable spatiotemporal scales. Although economic in its
structure, globalization is equally a political phenomenon, shaped by negotiations and
interactions between institutions of transnational capital, nation-states, and international
institutions. Its main driving forces are institutions of global capitalism – especially transnational
corporations – but it also needs the firm hand of states to create enabling environments for it to
take root.

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In the highly developed countries like the United States, Japan, the UK, and Germany,
globalization is manifested. Globalization is the reason why there are Ford motors and cars of

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the US, Sony technology from Japan, House of Harrods from the UK, and Mercedes Benz and
BMW straight from Germany. Developing countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and

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Thailand have respective prominent and quality products in the form of coffee, fruits,

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handicrafts, and among others which truly make them globally competitive and seen. We have
to remember at all times that globalization is equated with economic growth and recognition.
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Globalization has brought about immense changes in the lives of people nowadays.
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The oyster of the world is in everyone's hands because of the pervasive and potent powers of
technology embedded in the growth and impact of the English language. With the ever-present
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and existing influences of science, medicine, and arts, the world has turned into one living
village: borderless, robust, connected, and dynamic. Cultures, traditions, beliefs, religions, and
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languages find their way into the current stream of the World Wide Web or the Internet.

Language and society always go hand-in-hand, for one cannot exist without the other.
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It has never been known to people that cultures will invariably linger and survive because of the
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core foundation lent by languages and people. The road to globalization is paved by all these
composite elements reflected in the working qualities, dynamics, and significances of
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languages and cultures of diversified people all over the world.

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Given the advantages and disadvantages of using social media like Twitter,
Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Reddit, and among others, learning other cultures,
appreciating languages, communicating with many people, utilizing e-mails, engaging in
teleconferencing, indulging in chatting, and uploading information via videos can be staggering,
addicting, and empowering. This is the time and age wherein academic papers, and linguistic
awareness may make definitive differences in the lives of educators, students, professionals,
netizens, leaders, and researchers.

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 http://www.hvantagetechnologies.com/img/services/social.png

The Origins of Globalization

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Globalization has taken a long stride after its first potent spark in the heart of the once
mighty Great Britain. It was Great Britain that started placing value on English. Who would have

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thought that Latin, Italian, Spanish, Greek, and French languages could be outshone and
outweighed by the English language? Not even those famous linguists, semanticists, and

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theorists had predicted the emergence and popularity of English. All throughout these hundreds

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of years, the spread of English proved to be phenomenal and overwhelming.

The Old World in the shape, form, and power of Great Britain seized and established
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territories and empires. It was through communication, transportation, and trade that
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globalization took its speed and presence. The great empires of Great Britain stretched from
Europe to Africa. With the regal royalties among the kings and queens alongside their massive
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military strengths, English was indeed the force to reckon with. The reversal of power,
influence, and reign occurred in the late 18th century and early 19th century when the New
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World, America, set sight of the golden opportunities. It was the undeniable display of grit,
ambition, faith, innovation, and tenacity on the part of the Americans that paved the shift of
supremacy and domination. America took pride in science, technology, medicine, and
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commerce. It was the vision and mission values of the Americans that also augmented the
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robustness and pervasiveness of English. Today, English is known to be the ‘lingua franca’ or a
universal language which is evident in the areas of education, governance, communication,
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entertainment, and business.

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http://belltimemagazine.ie/meet-the-new-communication-tools-ready-to-replace-your-e-mail/

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Globalization and Communication
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Globalization is also evidenced as a structural phenomenon of growing and interfacing
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interdependence among different countries of the world, for which the effects of a motion
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sensed at a distance has resulted in a stunning spectrum of social, economic, and cultural
changes that have shaped the world more than half a decade. Consequently, this evolution was
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galvanized by the emergence of digital breakthroughs and scientific development. The details
are well-pronounced in the continuing landscape of swift communications and more accessible
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and shareable information.

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Effects of Globalization
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According to Nikolay Daney (2017), easy access to information is a major effect of the
process of globalization. The World Health Organization, in its works focused on the cultural
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dimensions of globalization, has expressed the view that with the spread of commerce, trade,
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and businesses delivering Internet, satellite TV, and mobile services, the costs of such
information technologies drop. He expressed that the decreased price makes it easier for
people across the world to make use of the World Wide Web and the resources available.

In connection with education, there is now (what everybody takes delight in)
edutainment. The Internet has been used to bring in edutainment – an integration of education
and entertainment which is a fun way of teaching and learning.

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Entrepreneurial Marvels
Daney (2017) asserted that globalization had influenced global communication by
implementing new techniques for business conduct among workers at international
corporations. Long-distance travels are no longer necessary for business people should they
require a meeting with a partner overseas. Internet technology makes it possible to exchange
business information and conduct video conferences. Additionally, enhanced communication
allows businesses to promote their products more efficiently on the international market. This
significantly changed the business world. In his works on the matter, U.S. economist John
Thompson concludes that the advanced means of communication have enabled international
organizations to take faster and more adequate decisions in accordance with the change in

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economic, political or social climates in a particular region. For example, as described by
Boonlert Supadhiloke, a professor of communication in Bangkok University, Thai-based

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international technology corporations use advanced communications to respond to the growing
demand for Thai-made products.

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On the other hand, Metro Iloilo is one of the premier hubs in terms of Business
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Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry or offshore outsourcing these days. In fact, there are
American companies expanding their horizons by putting up branches all over the city.
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Moreover, some Hagwon or Korean English Academies in Iloilo have gone online in place of
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tutorials, learning sessions, and classes. How illuminating the concept that Ilonggos are at par
with the world in e-commerce, e-business, and BPOs!
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Increase in Social Awareness

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It has been discussed in the relevant article, entitled “The Effects of Globalization on
Global Communication”, that the availability of information, which is a direct effect of the
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development of global communication systems, has led to an increased social awareness of

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people across the world. Information technology and networks enable them to share opinions,
views, work on projects and research different areas. These are among the main reasons why
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the process of globalization is creating a sense of a global society. For example, through the
use of communication, many students from the developing countries enroll in university
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degrees in the developed world. Education is only a single sector of the social awareness.
Other effects, like social determination, have also occurred -- the political unrest in Tunisia at
the beginning of 2011 had been inspired by opinions and political considerations shared over
the social networks available on the web.

Furthermore, Central Philippine University (CPU) ensures the remarkable powerbase

and expands the definitive scope of its International Programs Office that fosters different
linkages with other universities. Engendering better ties and pedagogical affinities with
international and goal-directed academic institutions is one of the noblest and commendable

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achievements CPU continues to aspire for. Making use of all mass media in keeping the
Centralian spirit alive has proven once and for all that one’s declarative knowledge is power. In
fact, there are many Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese students who come to study
under intensive and extensive programs. The concerted effort is made possible because of
linkages and collaborations. This simply shows how influential the use and usage of social
media with the aid of the Internet is.

Love in Two Worlds and Inspiration via Cyber Space

Modern and sophisticated transportation by land, sea, and sky is no longer a far-

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fetched dream to many. The truth is there are a number of ferry terminals for fast crafts that
appear like first-rate terminals found at the airport. Such is a clear manifestation that

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globalization is at work. The same scenario goes for education programs that enable teachers
and educators become part of the cultural immersion and professional growth. Central

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Philippine University annually sends teachers as exchange faculty to several Korean
universities. One good narrative about love in two worlds is that there was once a particular
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member of the exchange program team from the Department of Languages, Mass
Communication, and Humanities who had this unforgettable romance with the loving and caring
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female Korean. That is indeed a unique by-product of globalization, too, right?
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On the contrary, using Cyber Space as part of more intriguing human relationships is very
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much ubiquitous in this modern age. In fact, students and teachers alike find their amazing
inspiration on the Internet. To illustrate, working on poems, writing essays, and conducting
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researches or studies can take colors, hues, and textures out of the magically mind-bending
streaming of data, details, and information uploaded and downloaded through the net.
Communication has never been better in this highly competitive, purpose-driven, and
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globalized world!
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The Challenge
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Despite the wide range and ongoing progress, global communication fails to reach
many people in all corners of the world. One research conducted by the World Health
Organization (WHO) indicated that at least 70 percent of the majority of people in Africa have
never made a single phone call or accessed the Internet. It stressed out the urgency for a much
deeper or more thorough use of communication technologies as part and parcel of the
globalization process.

In fact, the same narrative holds true for the provinces of Iloilo. Far-flung areas or
remote barrios in many towns do not have even commercial electric power for television and
radio sets. The lack of social awareness and disconnectedness can be disheartening and
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unsettling because at the height of millennium there are people who are depraved and deprived
of the benefits and essentials shared by globalization and communication.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What is globalization?
2. What makes globalization a complex and multifaceted phenomenon?
3. What modern technologies may have been caused globalization to advance?
4. What changes has globalization brought into the lives of people and society?
5. How has globalization affected business and economy?
6. How has globalization changed the way people communicate with one another?

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7. What are the positive and negative effects of globalization on local society?

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