MULTICULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
Report by: Group 2
COMMUNICATION CONTEXT
• Pertains to the personal, physical, social, psychological, and
cultural circumstances, among others in which communication
occurs.
• It influences the expectations from the participants, the meaning
derived from the exchange of utterances, and the subsequent
actions in communication.
COMMUNICATION CONTEXT
• The Personal Context - involves the background of both the sender
and the receiver of the message. It includes their education,
religion etc.
• The Physical Context - pertains to the environment where
communication takes place.
• The Social Context - refers to the kind of relationship that exists
between the sender and the receiver.
COMMUNICATION CONTEXT
• The Psychological Context - includes the emotions and feelings of
the participants in the communication process. It involves their
opinions, attitudes etc.
• The Cultural Context - is one of the vital considerations in
communication. It includes the sets of beliefs, values, guiding
participles, and assumptions based on one's race, ethnicity, age,
gender, gender identity, and religion within which community
happens.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
• A more holistic understanding of communication necessitates
knowledge of culture and appreciating cultural diversities.
• Culture is a set of unique and shared beliefs, values, and norms
that guide a certain group of people on how to think, behave, and
act.
• Culture influences people's worldview and guides their actions and
interactions based on shared understandings and practices.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
• An example is the value system of respect as manifested by the use of
po and opo and the act or gesture of pagmamano (the kissing of the
elder’s hands).
• Other countries might have their own way of expressing politeness
and showing respect but the examples mentioned seem to be distinct
among Filipinos.
Can you think of other countries
which might have a counterpart
for po and opo?
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
• Several countries and cultures have distinct words or forms of speech used to show
respect, similar to the Filipino "po" and "opo." Here are a few examples:
1. Japan: Uses honorifics like "san," "sama," and "sensei" to show respect. For instance,
"sama" is a highly respectful term used for addressing someone of high status or in
formal settings.
2. Korea: Uses honorifics and polite forms of speech, such as "ssi" (씨) after a person's
name or "nim" (님) to show respect, like in "seongsaengnim" (선생님) for teachers or
elders. These forms of speech reflect the importance of respect and social hierarchy in
different cultures. It means that the way we communicate is deeply affected by the
cultural context in which we live. For example, in some cultures, direct communication
is valued and seen as a sign of honesty, while in others, indirect communication is
preferred to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
3. Americans are more direct or straightforward when they deliver their messages.
Filipinos, on the other hand, are non-confrontational. They try to euphemize or use
polite words or expressions in place of ideas that may come across as offensive,
rude, or harsh. A very common example is when a Filipino gets invited to a party or
any occasion; he or she would normally respond with "I will try" instead of saying
an outright "No, I will not attend." To some extent, this stems from the Filipino
culture of "saving face"-avoiding possible offense or harm which one may inflict on
others.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
• Communication and culture are intertwined. In fact, they are
inseparable.
• Culture influences what and how you communicate.
CULTURUAL IGNORANCE
• Cultural ignorance can lead to cultural misunderstandings, lost
opportunities, and increased tension between people.
• McDonald's unintentionally offended Muslims when it printed
an excerpt from the Koran on its harnburger bags, while
Japanese view business cards as extensions of a person, while
Americans view them as business formalities.
CULTURUAL IGNORANCE
• Cultural ignorance can lead to cultural misunderstandings, lost
opportunities, and increased tension between people.
• McDonald's unintentionally offended Muslims when it printed an
excerpt from the Koran on its hamburger bags, while Japanese
view business cards as extensions of a person, while Americans
view them as business formalities.
CULTURUAL IGNORANCE
• Arabs and South Americans tend to gesture vigorously, causing
less physical Americans to perceive their behavior as
inappropriate.
• Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for meaningful
relationships, but it's also important to acknowledge that not
everyone from a culture shares the same communication traits.
CULTURAL IGNORANCE: A Barrier to
Progress
• Problem: Cultural ignorance hinders our country's development due to diverse cultures.
• Causes:
• Differences in traditions, beliefs, and languages create barriers.
• Discrimination based on culture leads to limited access to education.
• Misunderstandings, mislabeling, and social exclusion result.
• Consequences:
• Missed opportunities, limited access to services, and poor decision-making.
• Solution:
• Educate ourselves about diverse cultures to promote understanding and respect.
• Encourage inclusivity and respect for all cultures.
• Educate families and relatives to foster a more inclusive society.
CONCLUSION
• Effective communication hinges on understanding the multifaceted nature of communication
context and its intricate relationship with culture.
• Communication context encompasses a range of factors, including personal backgrounds, physical
environments, social relationships, psychological states, and cultural influences, all shaping the meaning
and impact of communication.
• These factors influence expectations, interpretations, and subsequent actions within communication
exchanges.
• Furthermore, culture plays a pivotal role in shaping communication styles, values, and practices.
Recognizing and respecting cultural differences is essential for fostering inclusive and respectful
communication. Cultural ignorance can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and limited access
to opportunities, hindering progress and development. Embracing cultural diversity and
promoting intercultural understanding are crucial for creating a more equitable and harmonious society
