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Lesson 2: Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to achieve the following:

1. Describe the styles in communication considering various multicultural settings.

2. Determine varieties and registers of spoken and written language.
3. Adopt cultural an intercultural awareness and sensitivity in communicating ideas.
4. Develop a sense of appreciation on the richness and diversity of registers used in written and
spoken communication.

COMMUNICATION STYLES IN VARIOUS MULTICULTURAL CONTEXTS

As mentioned in Lesson 1, each person has a unique style of communicating, which may depend
not only on his/her linguistic ability but also on his/her cultural and social context. Some are outspoken;
some are more quiet yet on point. Some always seem formal, while some have a lot of introduction before
getting to the main point. Communication style refers to the choices people make and the strategies or
tools they use in the process of communication. A style may sometimes depend on the demands of the
communicative situation, as well as on the needs and requirements of the target recipients of the
information.

Each style has two dimensions: the (1) assertiveness level and the (2) emotiveness level, which is shown
in the Communication Styles Matrix below.

The Communication Styles Matrix

The model, developed by Dr. Eileen M. Russo, shows four different communication styles (direct,
spirited, systematic and considerate), categorized further into two different dimensions (level of
assertiveness and level of expressiveness). All of these must be considered because people with different
cultural contexts tend to have varying levels and styles of communication.

People who are categorized within the assertive communication level tend to tell or instruct others
what to do and sometimes even how to do it, while the less assertive styles usually tend to be on the
receiving end, often asking for guidance, instructions or directions. On the other hand, people who fall
under the expressive level usually show their real feelings and emotions through facial expressions, tone
of voice, or language use. The less expressive ones tend to either hide their feelings or exert some effort
for these feelings not to show.

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The combination of these levels result to the basic communication styles:

Spirited == High Expressiveness + High Assertiveness

Considerate = High Expressiveness + Low Assertiveness
Direct = Low Expressiveness + High Assertiveness
Systematic = Low Expressiveness + Low Assertiveness

Tips for People with a Spirited Communication Style

1. Respect decisions and agenda that have been agreed upon, as well as time limits during meetings or
any communicative situation.
2. Try to limit your sharing of personal anecdotes that may take the discussion off-topic.
3. Make sure you are allowing others to contribute their ideas and suggestions – and that you are
genuinely listening to them.
4. Be certain that any request you make is clear and that you convey the reason for such request.
5. Communicate your appreciation for others’ work and input.
Tips for People with a Considerate Communication Style
1. Recognize that other people’s opinions about a topic are separate from their opinions about you.
2. Realize that not everyone is comfortable discussing personal topics with colleagues.
3. Allow others to open personal matters before asking questions of that nature.
4. Respect your own opinion as you respect that of others’.
5. Recognize that you don’t have to be friends with everyone, but you should treat others – and be treated
– professionally.
Tips for People with a Direct Communication Style
1. Make an effort to listen carefully to others. Avoid interrupting.
2. Allow time for ‘chatting’ at the beginning of a meeting.
3. Recognize that others may also feel the need to express themselves.
4. Recognize that brainstorming can be effective and is not a waste of time.
5. Take some time to show your appreciation for others’ contributions.
Tips for People with a Systematic Communication Style
1. Recognize that for good working relationships, consideration for others’ feelings is important.
2. Learn to ask qualifying questions that will help you get the information you need.
3. Make sure you understand the background of the discussion or scope of the conversation so no time is
wasted.
4. Politely ask other questions about themselves if you want to build rapport.
5. If you need to ask for more time to know, analyze or discuss something, explain the benefit of the
information you need to know.

VARIETIES AND REGISTERS OF SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE

In a multicultural society, people must use culturally-appropriate terms, gestures, expressions and
images in any communicative situation.

The ‘I Love You’ Map

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Language Varieties
Also called “lects”, these refer to the different variants of a language that can be sufficiently delimited
from one another in terms of social, historical, or geo-spatial factors, thus forming language clusters.
In addition, language varieties may also be grouped in the following classifications:

a. Pidgin. It refers to a new language that develops into situations where speakers of different languages
need to communicate but do not share a common language. Examples are Chavacano in the Philippines
and Bislama, a language spoken in Vanuatu.
b. Creole. It is a pidgin that becomes the first language of the children, or the mother tongue of a certain
community. Examples are the Gullah and the Patwa, is a creole in Jamaica.
c. Regional Dialect. It is not a language that is not distinct from a national language, but rather a variety
of a language spoken in a particular area of a country. Examples are as Cebuano, Waray, Ilocano, and
Hiligaynon in the Philippines.
d. Minority Dialect. This is a variety used as a marker of identity, usually alongside a standard variety,
by the members of a particular minority ethnic group. Examples are the Sinama of the Badjaos in the
Philippines and the London-Jamaican variety in Britain.
e. Indigenized Varieties. These are spoken mainly as second languages in former colonies with
multilingual populations. A classic example is Singlish (or Singaporean English).

POINT FOR DISCUSSION

How do you classify the ‘conyo’ language in the
Philippines? What do you think are the unique
characteristics of this language variety? How do you
feel about people using this variety?
Discuss your answers in class.

https://www.eaglenews.ph/taglish-or-mother-tongue/
Language Registers
A language register is characterized by the way a speaker uses language differently in different
social circumstances. These are determined by such factors as social atmosphere, purpose of
communication, audience, and the general context of the discourse.

Generally, language registers can be classified as (1) formal, (2) casual, (3) intimate, (4) frozen, and
(5) consultative.

a. Formal. These registers are used in professional, academic, or legal settings where communication is
expected to be respectful, uninterrupted, and restrained to specific rules. Slang is never used and
contractions are rare. Examples are registers used in research paper, government documents, business
letters, and in business presentations.
b. Casual. These registers are used when communicating with friends, close acquaintances, colleagues,
and family members. These are used in birthday parties or family gatherings.
c. Intimate. Intimate language registers are reserved for special occasions, usually between only two
people and often in private. Examples are an inside joke between two high school friends or sweet
nothings whispered to your “special someone.”
d. Frozen. It refers to historic language that is intended to remain unchanged. Examples are the registers
used in the Philippine Constitution and the Holy Bible.
e. Consultative. It is used in conversations when people are speaking with someone who has specialized
knowledge or is offering advice. Tone is often respectful, such as the use of honorifics or courtesy titles,
but may be more casual if the relationship between or among the communicators is friendly. Examples
are registers used in local television broadcast or in a conversation with a doctor during medical
examination.
Language registers can also be classified as Formal, Informal, or Neutral. Formal language
registers are appropriate for professional situations, such as when speaking to a supervisor or writing an
invitation letter. Informal language registers, on the other hand, are conversational and appropriate
when speaking or writing to a friend or to someone you know quite well.
The use of one or a combination of these registers highly depends on the audience (person/s for
whom the message is intended) and the context (nature of the communicative situation). Using the proper
registers show respect, interest, and a certain level of professionalism, hence enhancing harmonious
personal and professional relationships. These are also used in writing short notes, personal journals, or

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diaries. Lastly, neutral language registers are non-emotional and laden with facts. These are most
appropriate for research or technical writing.

Improving one’s Ability in Communicating in a Multicultural Setting

Everything should start with a personal desire and strong conviction to relate more effectively
with persons having different cultural backgrounds. This will not only create positive personal
relationships, but also open more opportunities for professional growth. Limiting one’s reliance on
preconceived notions and established stereotypes is also a major leap towards effective intercultural
communication.
The following specific guidelines can enhance your ability to handle situations involving
intercultural communication, and better prepare yourself to meet the communication challenges in an
increasingly global environment.
 Refrain from forming expectations based solely on your culture. Knowing and accepting the validity of
cultural differences are key in communicating with people having diverse communication styles. Being an
effective communicator requires allowing yourself to be immersed in the multicultural society and
embracing diversity.
 Remove personal biases or any stereotype that may impede understanding. You do not want to be at the
receiving end of a biased judgment, right? You don’t want people avoiding you just because of how they
see other members of your group or culture. Determine how much your family, friends and colleagues
have ‘dictated’ how you view or feel about other people or other groups, and identify which among these
pre-judgments are stereotypes that can damage relationships.
 Make a personal commitment to develop communication skills appropriate in multicultural settings.
Your ability to develop intercultural communication skills largely depends on how many – and how much
– of these promises you are willing to make:

o I will make a commitment to seek information from persons whose cultures are different from my own.
o I will try to understand how the experiences of persons from different cultures leads them to develop
perspectives that differ from mine.
o I will pay attention to the situation and the context when I communicate with persons from different
cultures.
o I will make every effort to become a more flexible communicator.
o I will not insist that persons from other cultures should communicate with me on my terms.

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\
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