Chapter 3 & 4:

Varieties in
Spoken/Written
Language; Cultural
Nuances/Differences
among Countries

Joe Layola, Frances Claire, Micah Yeo,

Vera Vios, Yuichiro Fukushi, Zack
Pekitpekit
Common terms and expressions
utilized during communication
1. The pursing of lips to signify “pointing”, similar to finger pointing for
direction.
2. Usage of Lang frequently which normally can refer to multiple
meanings in different context
3. Lagi - a word that ends sentences in order to strongly make a point
(Bisaya)
Communication Styles and
strategies in academic and/or
business setting

– Formally uses English except in special cases (e.g. speaking to client

who is more comfortable in another language or being in a Filipino
class at school)
– Highly contexualized
– “Yes” and “No”
– Smiles (embarrassment, annoyance or disagreement)
– “Po/ho/opo”
– Referring to people with their titles (Director, Attorney, etc)
Communication Styles and
strategies in academic and/or
business setting

General Academic Setting

– Mostly non-verbal communication
– “Pakiramdam”
– Smiles
– “Po/ho/opo”
– Parents and other elders are never addressed on a first name basis.
– Struggling with saying “no”
– Acronyms
Communication Styles and
strategies in academic and/or
business setting

Most importantly
– The use of cellphones
Distinctive traditions and
cultural practices of its people
– 79 indigenous ethnic groups compose the Filipino people. There are
175 estimated languages spoken in the Philippines. With English and
Filipino being its official languages.
Distinctive traditions and
cultural practices of its people
1. Love for music
– Dancing (Tinikling, Carinosa)
– Musical Instruments
– Singing (especially karaoke)
2. Religiousness
– Christianity (80%), Islam (11%), Others (9%)
– One of the two predominantly Christian nations in the Asian Pacific, next
to East Timor
Distinctive traditions and
cultural practices of its people
3. Celebration
– Noche Buena (midnight meal)
– Frequent Fiestas
Basic do’s and don’t’s for first-
time visitors (Part 1: Do’s)
1. Use honorifics and familial terms
– Sir, Ma’am, “Tita” (Aunt), “Tito” (Uncle), “Kuya” (older brother) and “Ate”
(older sister)
– Even to non-family members
2. Have some humility
– Dislike arrogance and pretension
– E.g. Christopher Lao, ranting about a flood
3. Look up your local friends
– Filipino hospitality
– Accept and don’t refuse, it considered rude
Basic do’s and don’t’s for first-
time visitors (Part 1: Do’s)
4. Keep an open mind
– For other cultural differences
– E.g. Filipino time, superstitious beliefs
Basic do’s and don’t’s for first-
time visitors (Part 2: Don’t’s)
1. Go on a diet
– Miss out on the eating experience. Eating in the Philippines means getting
used to bold, sweet flavors and rich sauces
2. Display wealth
– Scamming is quite common so,
– Walk at a steady pace
Keep your bags close to your body and in front of you
Do not bring out cellphones or IPods while walking
Put your wallet in your front pocket
Lock your door while asleep or out for the day
Walk in groups at night
Always keep someone informed of your whereabouts
Avoid confrontation
Basic do’s and don’t’s for first-
time visitors (Part 2: Don’t’s)
3. Sticking to “popular” spots
– Experience more of the Philippine culture
4. Be aloof with acquaintances (Small talk)
– Kumain ka na ba? = How are you?
5. Be in a rush
– The tropical atmosphere is perfect for relaxation
– Concept of meriendas
– Filipino time
Chapter 3 & 4:
Varieties in
Spoken/Written
Language; Cultural
Nuances/Differences
among Countries

Joe Layola, Frances Claire, Micah Yeo,

Vera Vios, Yuichiro Fukushi, Zack
Pekitpekit