+

On Pahiwatig, Paramdam, and Sign Language

Juan Miguel L. Bautista 2011-45408

Introduction
We

as humans are inherently social beings so it should not come as much of a surprise that communication and language are so important to us. When we talk with our fellow human beings though much is also said apart from the words that come out of our mouth.
literature review focuses on non-verbal communication specifically the concepts of expression (pahiwatig), hints (paramdam), and sign language in the context of Filipino Psychology.

This

Rationale (Filipino Psychology)

Filipino

Psychology (Sikolohiyang Pilipino in Filipino) is the scientific study of psychology derived from the experiences, ideas, and cultural orientations of the Filipinos (Yacat, 2013). 1975 therefore it is still a relatively new field of study
to it being new, this review aims to surface literature currently accessible to students of Psychology in the University of the Philippines

Established

Due

Rationale (Literature)
Majority

of the literature will be by Filipino authors on their studies on nonverbal communication.

articles outside this field of study will also be used to enrich or support the literature for the concepts that lack Filipino literature

Some

+
LITERATURE REVIEW

Expressions (Pahiwatig)

Messages we receive from the nonverbal cues, and actions

These expressions can be verbal, non-verbal or a combination of both (Manggay, 2002) Can also be seen in a persons tone and cadence. Messages can also be gleaned from a persons physical appearance. This includes clothing style (Cartonell, 1976)

Physical appearance can send messages to another person without him or her knowing. (Supported by Racelis, 1976) Interpretation of physical appearance differs between individuals (Medina, 1976) Differences are due to differences in experiences (Cartonell, 1976) Culture also plays a role in these differences (Medina, 1976) Example: Filipinos tend to attribute a man with a large stomach to politicians, policemen and millionaires

Physical Appearance

Also sends messages to an observer Expressions may be taken differently across cultures (Medina, 1976) People interacting with their own peer groups tend to express and understand messages through facial expressions very easily (Medina, 1976) Due to same point of reference Similar experiences Similar contexts Similar educational attainment Examples Smiling = love and joy (Cartonell, 1976) Smiling = nervousness (Medina, 1976) Frowning = irriation/sadness (Cartonell, 1976)

Facial Expressions

Can send a myriad of messages through movements of fingers, hands, arms and the shrugging of shoulders (Medina, 1976) Actions may be taken differently by different individuals depending upon their culture (Pearson, et al. 2011) Actions may be taken differently depending upon relationships (Medina, 1976) Winking to a friend = greeting Winking to stranger = insult Sending messages without words (Cartonell, 1976) Checking watch to indicate want to go home or end conversation Usage of gestures because of hiya (Racelis, 1976) Nonverbal communication as a means to maintain good relations (Bonifacio, 1976)

Gestures and Actions

Lack of recent Filipino literature Constructs may no longer apply to our current context due to the literature being very dated Meanings or interpretations may have changed through time Shows a lack of study in this field

Critique

Hints (Paramdam)

Hints often used in Filipino culture due to our sensitivity or ability called pakikiramdam (Cartonell, 1976) Hints/Pagpaparamdam = messages a person is trying to convey through actions

Examples (Medina, 2002) Throwing tantrums (pagdadabog) Asking for ones attention (pagpapapansin) Pagtatampo

Hints (Paramdam)

Hints are usually quite subtle and can only be picked up with a good sense of pakikiramdam or sensitivity (Pe-Pua and Protacio-Marcelino, 2000)
Examples

Filipinos tend to find it difficult to refuse when asked to be interviewed but body language can say that their participation is half-baked (Pe-Pua and Protacio-marcelino, 2000)
Cues or hints from other members of a group that show whether or not certain actions are permitted (Martinez, 2011)

Great lack of literature Though literature was relatively more updated, none truly focused on hints/pagpaparamdam Literature merely touched on the topic

Possibly due to the concept being so natural to us Filipinos that it has been taken for granted

Critique

Sign Language

About 121,000 Filipinos with total or partial hearing loss (Cabalfin, Guevara, and Naval, 2012) Two kinds of Filipino sign language (Hurlbut, 2008)

Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Samar Sign Language (SSL) or San Julian Sign Langage

FSL still prevailing as SSL users also learn FSL

Sign Language

Factors or parameters in understanding sign language (Hurlbut, 2008):

Hand shape Location of the hand in relation to other body parts Movement Orientation of palm Contact Non-mutual signals

Increased awareness and use of FSL

Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) now strongly encouraged to provide tertiary education to learners with special needs, Dead persons included (Perez, 2010)

Lack of psycholinguistic studies in the field

Critique

Concluding Remarks

Expressions (pahiwatig) and hints (paramdam) are closely related

Understanding of messages from these concepts through sensitivity (pakikiramdam) Hints and expressions can be misconstrued between individuals as well as across cultures Sign language as another form of nonverbal communication but more systematic Rise in awareness for Deaf people here in the Philippines which has allowed for them higher forms of education Overall lack of literature in all the topics in the context of Filipino Psychology