LESSON 6 – CONSIDERING THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON THE DIMENSIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Filipinos, even in this millennium, still hold certain attitudes that pertain to gender communication. Many of
these attitudes are the result of our colonization-attitudes that persist even when the rest of the world is
changing. These attitudes are considered traditions, a part of our culture.

VERBAL/NONVERBAL DIMENSIONS
Men think they should be “macho” in language and action. They use assertive words and expect to be
understood right away. 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 constrained
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 in public, like Christian pop singer Gary Valenciano.

ORAL/WRITTEN DIMENSIONS
Written messages by Filipino women are supposed to be indirect and circuitous. That may well have been true
in the days of Maria Clara during Spain’s colonization. At present, 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-spoke, they now speak with a directness as exemplified by Superstar Nora Aunor when
she talked about 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. For example, Monique Wilson who is an actress and one of the Filipino leaders of One billion rising,
the worldwide movement defending women against violence.

FORMAL/INFORMAL DIMENSIONS
How does one dress for and talk during a job interview? Men may get away with wearing denims to a job
interview, but in many cases, women are expected to don corporate attire. We call everyone by their
nicknames, even the President of the Philippines. Everyone we meet and talk to is either and Ate or A Kuya. In
many cases, a female teacher rather than a male teacher will be the choice of students when disclosing their
problem, 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 and
reserved with others. Working in a job for years does not necessarily allow you to call the male boss of the
company by his first name. Of course, there are some western bosses, both male and female, who like the
informality of having their employees call them by their first names. In the Philippines, teachers are addressed
as “Miss” or “Mrs.” even if their first names are used. Male bosses in the Philippines are usually addressed by
their three initials, such as “MVP” for Manny V. Pangilinan Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of
Smart Communications, Inc... and “JZA” for Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Chairman Emeritus of Ayala Corporation.

INTENTIONAL/ UNINTENTIONAL DIMENSIONS

Filipinos love to smile a lot. However, 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. Furthermore, smiling to a couple who
passes by may be mis constructed. The girl may take offense and her boyfriend may just beat you up.
In summary, it is important to understand the dimensions of communication because this helps in determining
where miscommunication occurs. Whether it is verbal/nonverbal, oral/written, formal/informal, or
intentional/unintentional, communication is sending the message to the listener. It is also crucial to remember
that culture and gender play an influential role in effective communication.