ACTIVITY # 3: Directions: Choose one country and provide at least three (3) comparative cultural information for each

category. Present a 3-5 minute explanation with short video clips of these categories.
Multicultural
components
PHILIPPINES CHOSEN COUNTRY
(Point of reference) Ex. France
(Meaning)
When greeting someone or friends, Filipinos usually do When greeting someone, usually kiss on both cheeks or
Example handshakes; do handshake
Youth usually do “mano po” to elders as sign of respect
I. Communication
and Language

A. Likewise in the Philippines, they use the English
alphabet but in the Filipino alphabet there are 28 letters
with the additions of the letters "ñ" and "ng". Unlike in
fijian alphabet, it only consists of 23 letters.
B. When starting a conversation, Filipinos often say “
kumusta?” or “ hello, kamusta?”
The official languages of Fiji are Fijian, Hindi, and
English. The two languages that are most often spoken
are English and Fijian. The primary language used in
courts, trade, education, and communication is English.
The alphabet is likewise comparable to the English
alphabet, with the exception that there is no letter x and
that the letters h and z are only occasionally used.
In Fiji it is appropriate to start a conversation by asking “
where are you going?” instead of “ how are you?”

C. Typically using a higher tone when talking indicates that Fijians typically talk in a softer voice and calmer tone. It
you are upset. But, in some cases it is not applicable. is rare to hear someone raise their voice when they’re
Just like in some areas in the Philippines they have a emotional. Shouting is mostly reserved for signaling or
particular dialect in which they naturally speak in a grabbing attention from across the street; it is improper
higher tone. For example, Kapampangans. They sound to use it in a conversation.
like they were arguing with someone, but they are not.
They are just loquacious.
II. Sense, Self and
Space
 A. Both cultures value the sanctity of the head but differ in
their customs. In Fiji, it's generally considered impolite
to touch someone's head due to cultural beliefs. In the
Philippines, a mix of cultural, religious, and historical
factors contributes to the custom of avoiding head
touching. On the other side, there is the tradition of
"pagmamano," where younger individuals show respect
by gently placing the elder's hand on their forehead.
B. While gender-based seating arrangements may have
been part of old Filipino customs, modern Filipino
society is distinguished by a more adaptable and
family-centered approach to mealtime seating. It's
critical to understand that customs within the
Philippines can vary significantly between families and
areas.
C. Sitting cross-legged at someone's house is not a custom
that is widely followed or conventional in the
Philippines. When visiting someone's home, Filipinos
usually sit on sofas or chairs. This is indicative of a more
Western-influenced seating style where chairs are the
standard.
III. Business work
habit; Dress and
appearances
A. Professionalism is highly valued in Filipino corporate
culture, especially in urban areas. Business meetings
and transactions are typically more structured and
professional.
Fijians considered the head as the most sacred part of
the body. It is inappropriate to touch someone else’s.
Traditional Fijian society had distinct gender roles with
men as providers and protectors, while women
managed household tasks and childcare. Mealtime
customs reflected these roles. Elderly men sat at the
head of the table to honor their age and wisdom, as
they played important roles in decision-making and held
high regard in the community.
Sitting cross-legged is a customary and polite behavior
when visiting someone's home in Fijian culture. It
exhibits modesty and a readiness to follow regional
traditions. Seated cross-legged on a floor or woven mat,
guests show that they are willing to participate in a
laid-back and social setting as well as their respect for
the host. This custom is frequently performed at
ceremonies, social events, and kava sharing—a native
Fijian liquor.
In Fiji, business dealings tend to be relatively casual,
with an emphasis on developing rapport and trust.
Meetings frequently begin with small talk before getting
into business-related topics.
 B. In the Philippines, there’s no social or cultural taboos Wearing hat in Fiji is generally acceptable in many
against wearing hats or even sunglasses. They are situations. but it’s important to be aware of local
mostly considered as part of fashion trends and customs and etiquette . In Fijian tradition, a hat is only
practical accessories for protecting yourself from the appropriate for the village chief, and it is considered
sun. impolite to wear one since the top of the head is
revered.
C. Veiqia is a Fijian tattooing tradition for women. During
puberty, young women received veiqia, frequently as a
part of a drawn-out procedure.
IV. Food and Eating
Habit

A. When eating, It is usual to wait for the host to start

eating at the table before you begin. Reaching across
the table or extending over someone else's plate is
regarded as rude.
B. Sharing meals from a central tray or plate is customary.
Typically, diners assemble around the food, which is
sometimes arranged on a sizable serving dish or banana
leaf, and share a single plate. This technique places a
strong emphasis on a sense of community and oneness.
C.

V. Values, beliefs,
attitudes and
Religions

A.

B.

C.
 VI. Additional
categories
(Optional)

extra; In Fijian culture, eating alone is not expected. A person normally lets people know when they are going to host a meal so that everyone can
assemble, say a blessing, and share a meal together.

It is deemed improper to pass or accept food with the left hand.

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veiqi
https://privateislandsblog.com/what-is-fiji-traditional-clothing/#:~:text=Fiji%20is%20a%20tropic
al%20country%2C%20so%20the%20climate,common%2C%20as%20are%20sarongs%20and%20ot
her%20traditional%20garments
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/fijian-culture/fijian-culture-etiquett
http://freebooks.uvu.edu/polynesian_culture/04_Fijian_Culture.php
https://www.marinereachfiji.com/marine-reach-about-fiji/marine-reach-fijian-culture/
https://www.tagalog.com/lessons/filipino-alphabet.php
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/fijian-culture/fijian-culture-communication