Glydel R.

Abella November 11, 2023

Pragmatics

In the Philippines, where diverse languages and cultural nuances coexist, cross-cultural
pragmatics holds an indispensable role in effective communication. Understanding how language
is used in different cultural contexts will help avoid conflicts. To illustrate, the Filipino practice
of "pagmamano," where we show respect to our parents and elders by taking their hand and
placing it on our forehead, is a vastly known non-verbal communication norm/practice. In a
cross-cultural setting, someone who is unfamiliar with this practice might misinterpret the
gesture. Similarly, the Filipino use of "po" and "opo" to show politeness and respect adds a layer
of linguistic courtesy that may not have direct equivalents in other cultures in other countries.
For this reason, we can draw a conclusion that pragmatics encourages individuals from different
cultural backgrounds to be mindful of this kind of cultural subtleties for us to foster harmony and
clarity in communication.
Moreover, humor in the Philippines often relies on shared cultural references and
wordplay, making cross-cultural pragmatics essential in humor comprehension. Jokes or
expressions that are humorous within the Filipino cultural context or community, may not have
the same effect when translated or shared with those from different cultural backgrounds because
they are: unrelatable, cringe, or perhaps brings an inappropriate meaning. Being aware of these
nuances helps build bridges of shared understanding across cultures, emphasizing the importance
of context in pragmatic communication. In the Philippines, where a smile can convey warmth
and acceptance, cross-cultural pragmatics invites us to appreciate the intricate dance of language
within our diverse cultural drapery.