Module 5: LOW- AND HIGH- CONTEXT CULTURES

Let’s Begin

One way or another, we have all experienced some form of contact with another culture, be it direct (e.g., travel, business transactions) or indirect (e.g., watching a foreign film). Because such encounters are normal in our lives as globalized citizens, it is important for us to learn about intercultural communication. 

Our text provides a framework for explaining how one culture differs from another. (Tip: If a foreign friend ever complains to you about Filipino time, you can use this as a reference.) 

Learning Outcome: After the lesson, you should be able to differentiate communication in high- and low-context cultures. 

Read 

Read pp. 3-31 of Understanding Cultural Differences by Edward T. Hall and Mildred Reed (1990), available at the UPM VLE.

Think 

Answer the following study questions lifted from “Module 5: Communication and culture,” n.d., p. 2:

1. What kinds of stimuli are defined by context? 
2. How are these stimuli different in high and low context cultures? 

3. Give examples coming from your own experiences. 

Let’s Begin

When we compare how different cultures communicate, as we did in our previous exercise, we become more aware of our own ways of communication. In this lesson, we build on that awareness as we turn to Filipinos’ communicative behaviors. 

Learning Outcome: After this activity, you should be able to analyze Filipino communicative behavior. 

Read 

Chapter 1, “Mga katutubong pamamaraan ng interpersonal na komunikasyon” in Pahiwatig: Kagawiang pangkomunikasyon ng Filipino by Melba Maggay (available in the UPM VLE) 

Think 

Answer the following study questions (lifted with modifications from “Module 5: Communication and culture,” n.d., pp. 7-8):

1. Which of the 10 indigenous Filipino ways of interpersonal communication 

     that Maggay discusses do you often find yourself and/or people you know 

     engaging in? 

 2. What are the motivations for these interpersonal communication behaviors?  

   What are the drawbacks or the problems that arise from this way of  

    communicating? 

3. The communication behaviors that Maggay describes can be observed in oral and

     face-to-face interpersonal interactions. Are there manifestations of these in written and 

     online communication behaviors of Filipinos, for example on social media? Cite examples.