MIDTERM Lesson 3.
EXPLORING TEXTS REFLECTING DIFFERENT CULTURES
In the previous lesson, you learned that intercultural communication has an
important role to play in effective communication. Indeed, awareness of the
different varieties of English with their features as well as understanding the
registers of English should be the goal of everyone so that there is less
misunderstanding and miscommunication.
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of cultural context in the
communication process.
 Analyze texts that reflect varied cultures and practices
 Appreciate various identities and differences
Discussion:
Cultural Texts
One cause of miscommunication is pronunciation. Speakers of different varieties
of English have different ways of pronouncing words. This is so because
American English Philippine English Gotcha! Got you! Whatche say? What did
she say? Where did Wherd yu go? you go? Ja hitit? Did you hit it? Can I get you
a drink? Can I getche adrink? of differences in phonology. Kachru and Nelson
(2006, p.37) claimed that in terms of pronunciation, most Outer-and ExpandingCircle varieties display differences from the Inner-Circle varieties, similar to those
found between regional dialects within the Inner-Circle Varieties. These
differences may lead to grammatical consequences affecting comprehension.
For Instance, among Singaporean and Malaysian speakers of English, a feature
noted is the simplification of final consonant clusters, e.g., [lef] for left and [pick]
for picked. Such is also the case in Philippine English. Interpretations then vary
because of differences in pronunciation with a full, distinct sound. Filipinos
pronounce words as they are written or spelled out making it syllable-timed and
not stress-timed.
Americans, on the other hand, blend syllables or sometimes even drop some
sound making the syllables short. Below are some examples of this feature:
A cultural barrier does not only pertain to differing languages. It may also be in
the form of a cultural practice or even a bodily gesture. For instance, in Englishspeaking countries and even in the Philippines, the thumbs-up gesture signals
approval.
However, it is considered offensive in other countries such as Greece, Italy, and
in some parts of the Middle East. Likewise, making a circle with one’s thumb and
foreigner generally means okay in many Western cultures but this is not so in
countries like Japan where it is interpreted as a sign for money, and in some
Arab cultures as a threat. Thus. one should be careful in using bodily gestures.
Formal and Informal Language
By informality of the language which one speaks. As it is, different registers are
used in different situations. Your purpose for communication and the relationship
you have with the listeners/readers will determine if you are to use formal or
informal language. When you are in the gymnasium and a teenager offers you
a seat, you acknowledge the kind gesture by saying: “thanks for the seat.”
However, of you are in an academic forum and an organizer offers you a seat,
you say: “ Thank you very much, (Sir or Ma’am). When speaking impromptu on a
certain topic, you should use ordinary, conversational language. However, if you
are to give a lecture in a conference, your language should be formal. In the
same manner that when you write your speech and your purpose is to inform
your audience on climate change, it is expected that your language is formal.
In contrast, if your speech is meant to entertain your listeners on a light topic,
your language should be informal.
Summary of the Lesson:
1. One cause of miscommunication or misinterpretation is differing
pronunciation. Speakers have different ways of pronouncing words because of
differences in phonology. It is then important to be exposed to the ways other
speakers of English use the language to reduce the degree of difficulty that may
be experienced
2. Aside from pronunciation, non-verbal communication also plays an important
role in effective communication. Bodily gestures should be properly interpreted
as their meanings vary from culture to culture.
3. One’s purpose for communication as well as his/her relationship to the
listeners/readers will determine the kind of language he/she will use.
References/Attributions: Madrunio, M., & Martin, I. (2018). Purposive Communication:
Using English in Multilingual Contexts. Quezon city: C & E Publis