Midterm Examination

Activity in
Purposive Communication

BARRAMEDA, IVAN
BSCE 1-2

Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs:

(You can only submit your answer/document once. Make sure that you are already sure with
your answers before you submit. No minimum number of sentences.)

1. For you, what was the most prominent example or way of how the characters used
non-verbal communication? Did it play a huge role in the movie? (10 points)

The characters' body motions, which did play a major part in the film, are, in my opinion, the
most obvious illustration of how they utilised non-verbal communication. Takamiya Naho is a shy
young woman, and Naruse Kakeru frequently conceals his burdens, therefore much of the
movie's scenes rely on non-verbal communication via their body gestures. They struggle to
vocally explain themselves and their true feelings as a result. Because Kakeru frequently masks
his genuine emotions and is also melancholy as a result of his mother's suicide, Naho and
Kakeru both have trouble speaking their hearts out. In the film, it was obviously demonstrated
how Naho and Kakeru were able to communicate with one another more effectively by
observing their nonverbal cues as well as their spoken ones. Because, as we have all seen in
the film, Kakeru masks his melancholy mood and occasionally avoids questioning about the
issues that drove him to consider suicide himself. Among the occasions where their nonverbal
communication is most apparent is when Kakeru offered to trade Naho's melon bread for her
curry bread after observing Naho's body language and determining that she desired one. I
believe it was Naho's expression that gave it away. Given that the main focus of the story is on
trying to prevent Kakeru from giving up his life, nonverbal cues truly did play a significant part in
the film. due to the possibility that some people might not understand how others are feeling
merely by listening to them. Often, we must also pay close attention to their eyes and
mannerisms, which can sometimes reveal much more about how they are feeling.
2. Give examples or scenes in which a character or the characters applied a strategy or
strategies to become an effective communicator. (10 points)

There are a few situations where the characters use techniques for good communication. The
first time happened when Naho and Kakeru were ordered to carry a bulky mat without Naho
being aware that Kakeru was hurt. And after a while, Kakeru, who had hurt his ankle, advised
that they put the load down for a moment to recuperate before picking it up again. However,
they were unable to do so due to their companions. I couldn't help but admit that I think the best
strategy Naho used to become a superb communicator was her method of telling her stories or
ideas through writing. I can say that she was able to fully express herself in that way. I
occasionally send messages via letters or chats to better communicate my feelings. I think one
of the activities to strengthen our communication abilities is to write letters. For most of the
scene, Naho seems to be narrating everything that happened, especially when Kakeru was still
alive. With that, I indeed considered that "writing" is a way of expressing Naho’s special skill, I
guess, as it is depicted in the movie that she was a great and effective communicator, which I
believe is proven in the movie.

3. What were the major barriers in communication that the characters have encountered in the
movie. If you were in their situation, would you do it differently? Give specific examples for each
and explain why. (25 points)

I think that psychological barriers are what the movie might use to represent communication
obstacles. Sometimes psychological barriers are much wider, and a character feels like they
don't fit with the existing emotions. These are all prime examples of psychological barriers.
When you can't relate to or comprehend someone, it's difficult to interact with them
effectively. We are certain that there are numerous factors that contribute to psychological
barriers, and one of them is emotion, which Naho also communicated by writing letters.
Because I occasionally express myself through writing, if I were in Naho's position, I would
act in the same manner. I occasionally get emotional while doing it.

4. If you were to engage in a conversation with a character of your choice, who would it be? As
an intercultural communicator, what can be your common ground and how would you
communicate with this person? What characteristics should you have? (15 points)

I will pick Naho Takamiya to talk to if I am interacting with a character from the film. She is
an excellent communicator, therefore I think we may get along if I'm inventive and deliberate
about how I might be able to connect with her as an intercultural communicator. Considering
the technology of today, I think there are many ways to communicate with her even though
we don't speak the same language. I'll look up Japanese words on Google with my
smartphone or even look up a statement I want to say to her. I'll be using Google translate
specifically as my medium. If there are any points that she is still unsure about, I will utilize
Google to look for that specific point so that she can see it and we can both understand
each other better.
5. What are the similarities and differences of your culture and the culture of the students in the
movie? You can create a list or a Venn diagram. (15 points)

SIMILARITIES
● Both of us dress in school attire.
● On significant occasions, such as birthdays, they surprise their buddies.
● Each of us keeps the classrooms tidy.
● Three meals of rice each day are preferred by them both.
● The first meal of the day, breakfast, is regarded as the most significant

.
DIFFERENCES
Japanese:
● When it comes to expressing their emotions, Japanese students are not more
outspoken.
● Students could play on the school's large sports field.
● In the movie, there is a field where pupils can play soccer and baseball.
● They favor desserts made with fruits.
● Chopsticks are used to eat by the Japanese.

Filipinos:
● In contrast to the Japanese students, Filipinos typically express their emotions
verbally when they don't like something.
● Filipinos eat with spoons.
● Typically, they serve dessert with sweets.
● There aren't many sports fields at the school where pupils could play.