Lesson 8: Communication in Multicultural Face 

Language- Local Setting

Stella Ting Toomey who conceived the Face
Negotiation theory explains that people have unique ways in
Introduction  saving face and solving conflict. According to her, collectivistic
The Philippines uses multilingual in communicating thus the people such as Asians regard  the value of a group and are
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) has usually avoiding confrontations to  protect the image of the
been implemented nationwide effective in the year 2012 being group unlike the individualistic, the Western,  who are more
part of the K-12 program. It aims to strengthen the student’s direct and open in communicating any concern or  problem
mother tongue to readily understand concepts before with somebody
acquiring other languages.
Collectivistic Culture 
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 
 As Filipinos who belong to collectivistic culture, we find it hard
 How do the Filipinos regard the value of face?  to say no, especially if the one asking favour is older than us,
 In what instance can camaraderie be abused?  close to us or this someone is our boss.  Reputation also
 How many languages are used matters a lot to Filipinos thus we avoid scandal that will affect
for medium of instruction?   our reputation. We always like to save our face. 
 What are the languages that you are very familiar with?  Filipinos are very hospitable and friendly. They
 Philippine Languages  always smile no matter how they feel. If meeting
someone for the first time, it would be good to smile at the
The Department of Education (DepEd) focuses on the 19  languages person before you even start a conversation.
which are used by the students depending  on the Region they
belong to. These languages include:  Tagalog, Iloko, Pangasinan, Camaraderie 
Kapampangan, Bikol,  Ybanag, Sinugbuanong Binisaya, Hiligaynon,
Waray,  Bahasa Sug, Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Chavacano,   The Filipinos are known for the so-called pakikisama
Ivatan, Sambal, Akianon, Kinaray-a, Sinurigaonon and  Yakan. or camaraderie. We are good at pleasing our friends. It has
Communication though does not only center on  the language that positive impact in the sense that we are really reaching out to
the Filipinos are using in speaking, it  also involves the non-verbal the people around us. This has negative impact these days
and written communication  skills as well. though, especially among the young generation. Some abuse
the word by encouraging  people to engage in drinking or
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION  other vices that when  you say “no,” they will say, “you’re kill
joy”—the so called  “walang pakikisama”. 
 Understanding one’s culture is very important in
communication.  Below are the things we have to Appearances matter.  
understand about the Filipinos: 
  Humans tend to judge a person based on Communication Etiquettes 
physical appearances. Many times people won't even get
a chance to speak; physical appearance will have to do all the  Below are some of the conventional behaviors of the
impressing. It can make you a second choice in any interview Filipinos showing  verbal and non-verbal
process where you are exact match with someone else in communication: 
other aspects. It can also make you feel less-confident in
several situations regardless of how much comfortable do you Verbal Communication 
feel under your skin.
Indirect 
Communication style.  
 The Filipinos are very soft spoken when they talk. We
tend to do indirect communication to save face. We
 Filipinos are fond of non-verbal communications. are usually attentive to what others are saying. We
Hand gestures, pursing of lips, rising of eyebrows and are particular with the tone of the voice, expression
their eyes are the best tools to communicate. Filipinos are and posture. 
less dependent on spoken words.    This attitude would often lead to confusion. We can
 They have a sharp intuitive sense (called “pakiramdam”) for be more direct in exchanging our ideas to achieve
what is implied and not stated. Even their smile has various better communication and meaning. 
meanings: it can convey happiness but it may also mask
embarrassment, nervousness and insecurity. A smile is Style 
another way of responding respond to a question.
 It is common to Filipinos that they are diplomatic
Respect  in expressing their ideas and opinions with humility. This
is usually observed with the tone of the voice which
 The Filipinos are known to be very respectful. Filipinos would differs per region. It’s always good to be diplomatic
normally hear them say, “po” or “opo” when they are talking in communicating with other people. This should
to older persons or people who are in authority.   be observed by people who are not observing this kind
 Parents and other elders are never addressed on a of attitude.
first name basis. When responding to a request or a
favor, Filipinos generally struggle with saying “no” for fear Refusal 
of hurting other people’s feelings. Instead they
may convey the diplomatic response of “maybe” even  Belonging to collectivistic culture, Filipinos find it hard to say
if they actually mean “no”. Handshake is acceptable “no”.  
for both male and female except for Muslim women  Thus in conversing with the other person, we  have to
for they may just smile or vow their head as pay attention on his/her facial  expression, tone of the
an  Acknowledgement. voice and gestures to  determine if he or she is saying
a real “yes” or  no”
Polite  Key Points 
 Filipinos are polite in their expressions. Everybody would  Face is very important to the Filipinos. 
like to welcome somebody who is respectful. These  It’s hard for the Filipinos to say “no”. Thus,
expressions include saying, “Thank you,” “You’re paying attention to the non-verbal cues is very
welcome,” and “Please”.  important. 
 Conservative business attire is preferred by
the Filipinos. 
Non-verbal Communication 
 Filipinos are very polite in their expressions, saying “Thank 
you,” “Welcome,” “Please,” are important. 
Physical Aspect   Filipinos allot an arm length to those people who are known to
 Filipinos are very affectionate. It is common to see friends or them while a farther distance is given to strangers.
sweethearts to hold each other’s’ hands. Kissing and hugging
though are seldom seen on them in public unlike
the Western. 

Space 

 The spaces that Filipinos allot to people who are known to them

are indeed far different from the people not familiar to them.
Usually it is a length of an arm that is given to people whom
they consider as close. Expect that it is farther for
the strangers.

Gestures & Laughter 

Gesture 
Pointing one’s finger and putting hands at waistline are signs of
being hostile. If we can avoid such, conflict can be avoided. 

Laughter 
Filipinos are happy people even in times of calamities, we try to
calm ourselves. Though laughter sometimes may mean a cover-
up of what we really feel.