Module 1:

Page 16 – A. Check Your Own Understanding

1. In your own words, define intercultural communication.

Intercultural communication is one’s capacity and ability to communicate with different people
who have different cultures, languages, perspectives, beliefs, ways of living, and habits. It may be
the communication of people from two or more different places within or outside the country.

2. How does culture affect communication?

Culture has a great impact on communication. The way people communicate mostly depends on
what culture they have. Since every region, group of people, and/or nation has a different culture,
they also have different ways or approaches to communicating. Some countries have a different way
of writing that is being used in communication, while others have a different tone or method of
conversing with other people. Differences in culture can be effective in communication but can also
cause misunderstanding

3. Justify the effect of “gender” in communication

Let us first identify “what is gender in communication?”

Based from an article in https://www.coursesidekick.com/communications/study-

guides/introductiontocommunication/chapter-13-overview#:~:text=Gender%20communication
%20is%20a%20specialization,sports%2C%20media%2C%20or%20politics, Gender
communication is a specialization of the communication field that focuses on the ways we, as
gendered beings, communicate. Gender research might look at roles for people of different
genders in academia, sports, media, or politics.

In the simpliest way I undertsand it, Gender in Communication means it involves dealing
with the way people as gender-based, masculine or feminine individuals communicate. Women
usually communicate with emotions and empathy, while men focused on the goal, authoritative
and very firm with how and what they converse about.

I learned that men and women has different ways and approach in communicating.
Gender in communication then has a great effect in the way they talk or communicate with
other people. Given the fact that from their original gender at birth, their culture influenced
them in their way of communicating. Which sometimes can cause miscommunication and
misunderstanding.
4. How does 'age' affect communication?

Nowadays, we are able to easily differentiate between the communication styles of

those in their 90s and early 20s and those in our current age, especially when it comes to
younger generations. There are more slangs that are being born and used as the norm for
communication.

In addition to that, people used to communicate more formally back then as well, even
in daily life. However, these days, formal communication is limited to certain settings,
circumstances, and events, such as reporting for work or school or attending in court.

There are also some new and old terms that are not being used, the worst is that they are not
known by our younger individuals. Nowadays, younger generation are more knowledgeable and
familiar in the terms and words they learned and witnessed as they grew in this era. On the
other hand, some older people don’t know or are not familiar with the terms that are being
used nowadays.

5. How does 'physical appearance' affect communication?

Based on our instructional materials, physical appearance is one of the non-verbal

messages in communication. Your simple smirk or the way you look at a person can already
convey a message. As an example, a smile can be considered a good reaction or response to a
certain conversation. If your physical appearance or response is opposite from what you want to
say, it will definitely cause miscommunication and misunderstanding.

In addition to that, there are certain cases wherein the way you show or present
yourself already convey a message. Like for example, if you are show being energetic or excited,
this mean that you are interested in whatever you are dealing or talking about, however, if you
shows unfocused or uninterested then you are showing the other way around.

6. How does 'religion' affect communication?

Religion really affects communication. We all know that religion has different cultures,
beliefs, habits, and perspectives. Yes, we agree with the idea that we must respect each religion
we have around the globe, but we cannot deny that the way we communicate in terms of
religion really affects how we communicate ourselves.
 I will use myself as an example. I am a member of INC. There are some people who are
not okay with or don’t agree with our culture, beliefs, and perspective when it comes to religion.
Most of the time, we are being judged and misunderstood by others, which causes some to
almost cross the line, but there are also some who are not interested at all. We are being judged
and treated poorly or rudely by some, even if we are just trying to connect with them about how
we find and look at our religion. This is an example of how religion affects our communication.

7. How does 'social status' affect communication?

We all know that social status nowadays plays a big role in our daily lives. We cannot
deny that there are some people who give respect, appreciation, attention, and good service to
those who have a higher or upper social status. There are also some people who use material
things as a symbol of their social status and to be considered to be on the upper level, such as
high-end gadgets or mobile phones, drinking expensive drinks or coffees, buying stuff in a
branded shop, etc.

Given those realities, communication given to those at a higher level is sometimes

different from what is being provided to those at a lower level. As I mentioned, there are people
who respect more those who are in the upper level, and they communicate with them better
than those with people in the lower level.

Another aspect of this case is that some people with good education and character can
also be considered to have social status. If we relate that to communicating, I may say that
those people with good education and character are way better communicators than those who
don't. I don’t intend to discriminate. I am just stating facts: those who have a background in
education are more knowledgeable in the way they communicate with others. They are more
professional in conversing, and they know more words to use in different situations.

8. Cite examples of cultural differences in communication

Upon researching about different cultural difference in communication, I found this

article that contains this information;

 Body Language and Space (example: For example, for Muslim women, shaking hands with the
opposite sex is forbidden. In Sweden, a woman won a lawsuit against a company that
discriminated against her for this reason.)

 Addressing People (For example, in Thailand, it’s common for workers to address their bosses as
‘father’ or ‘mother’ when business relations are particularly good.)

 Cultural & Language Barriers (As an example, using idioms in business communication that will
be translated literally by a translator may have a different meaning to one party but can be
interpreted in a rude or offending way to the other party.)
  Cultural Barriers in the Workplace (For example, in many Western cultures, it’s common to
approach someone directly about a problem or disagreement you may have with them.
However, Asian cultures can be very different.)

 Gift Giving (For example, In some cultures, you’re expected to open it right away, in the
presence of the person who gave it to you. In others, it’s polite to take it home and open it in
private.)

 Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette (Example: In some countries,
it’s polite to finish everything on your plate. However, in others, this means that you aren’t
satisfied. Sometimes, it’s more polite to leave a little food behind.)

Source: https://itechdata.ai/cultural-differences-in-communication-know-the-facts/

9. Have you experienced communication breakdown because of your gender, social status, age,
or religion?

Communication breakdown or failure to communicate well at my age is sometimes

unavoidable, especially if I'm talking with people who are younger than me or those who were born and
raised in Generation Z.

There were times that I could not comprehend or keep up with the way they
communicated with each other, especially whenever they used slang languages or terms that I am not
familiar with like words that contained acronyms or abbreviations, such as AFAIK, LOL (at first, I thought
they were cursing each other), LSM, IDK, IDC, etc.

There are also some words that have a new meaning initiated by people in this
generation, such as mothering, which means slaying; Stan, which means you are a fan of something or
someone; and Ship, which means you are supporting a romantic relationship between two individuals.

These are some examples where I had a communication breakdown. These are things
that I have to learn and become familiar with since our generation keeps evolving and creating different
ways of conversing. Also, for me to keep up with and understand the kind of communication that is
starting to become the norm nowadays.
 10. How would you become a competent intercultural communicator? What are the
characteristics of a competent intercultural communicator?

Based on our Instructional materials, characteristics of a competent intercultural

communicator are the following;

 Flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels of uncertainty

 reflectiveness or mindfulness
 open-mindedness
 sensitivity
 adaptability
 ability to engage in divergent thinking (or thinking creatively) and systems-level thinking (or
thinking how each one in a system or organization influences each other)

Honestly speaking, I am not yet considering myself a competent intercultural communicator. I

know that I still have to learn a lot of things related to other countries’, regions’, and other groups of
people's cultures, habits, beliefs, and languages. But I am confident enough to say that I can learn those
things and the characteristics of being one. I know that somehow I have those characteristics, and I am
applying and executing them in my daily life. However, it will be an advantage if I develop those more
along with studying the different cultures of different people in different parts of the globe.
Module 1:
Page 19 B. Read each statement. If it displays bias or insensitivity, write the group or element being
misinterpreted (age, gender, social status, age, religion, culture). If not, write 'OK'. Once done, compare
and discuss your answer with a partner.

1. “Filipinos are known for their women being maids in foreign countries.” - GENDER

2. “I do not drink Starbucks coffee, that’s only for rich people.” – SOCIAL STATUS

3. “Catholicism are way better than other religion.” - RELIGION

4. “Senior citizens must always be prioritized in lanes.” - AGE

5. “That professor shouldn't be teaching any longer. He is too old for it.” - AGE

6. “He is gay. He won't be able to effectively portray the role' - GENDER

7. “Since you are the youngest, from now on you'd be washing dishes.” - AGE

8. “Please finish your assignment by Sunday night.” - OK

9. “Aetas are too uncivilized, it would be hard to stay in their place.” - CULTURE

10. “Let us group together according to our salary.” – SOCIAL STATUS

Module 1:
Page 21 D. Research about the cultural differences in nonverbal communication with regards to the
following categories:

1. Eye contact/ gaze

Guillaume de Salluste du Bartas, a French poet and diplomat defines eyes as “the
window of our soul” is somehow true but there are also cultures that influence how our eyes re
open, raised, closed and how it communicates with other people.

There are some places and regions where an eye to eye contact convey a negative
attitude, gesture or implication towards the person you are looking or talking to.

When someone initiates eye contact, Asians are more likely than Westerners to see the
person to be unfriendly or unapproachable. Also, the study claimed that impressions of
another person's attitude might be influenced by gaze direction, either direct or averted. These
conclusion shows that various display of standards and cultural norms result in to cultural
differences in eye contact behavior of each person.

Source:

(Bauer, 2015) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/02/the-impact-of-making-eye-contact-

around-the-world/#:~:text=Cultural%20Differences%20to%20our%20Gazes&text=In%20many
%20Eastern%20and%20some,contact%20as%20angry%20or%20unapproachable.

Another research about Eye contact/ Gaze is from;

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340785/#:~:text=Maintaining%20eye
%20contact%20during%20social,Asian%20cultural%20backgrounds%20%5B27%5D.

Where in it tells that “Maintaining eye contact during social interaction is a more important
principle for Western Europeans than for East Asians. While maintaining eye contact is positively
evaluated by Western Europeans, it is not the case with people of East Asian cultural
backgrounds”

As an example, Japanese people don’t practice maintaining eye contact with others because
excessive eye contact are considered disrespectful.
 2. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions serve as a nonverbal means of communication through different and

various movements and display of the face. This often expressed what words cannot say. Facial
expressions are universal, so as people from different countries with different cultures can
identify and comprehend. Facial expression usually make it obvious to show and to let others
know what they are feeling about something or even their current emotional status. It makes
the other party understand easily the current mood or ambiance and can easily identify how
and what to response. A thorough and excellent interpretation of someone’s facial expression
can make us understand the situation better.

Addition to that, facial expression also helps us to build connection and relation
between other people. We can established trust with other person if we both understand and
interpret each other’s emotions expressed through faces.

Source:
https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/exploring-the-importance-of-facial-
expressions-engaging-activities-for-social-emotional-learning/#:~:text=They%20provide
%20valuable%20cues%20about,building%20relationships%20and%20fostering%20empathy.

3. Gesture

There are plenty of gestures that are being used as nonverbal communication, and in
this reference I have looked at, the following are some that were listed:

Pointing: US with index finger; Germany with little finger; Japanese with entire hand (in fact,
most Asians consider pointing with index finger to be rude);

Counting: thumb = 1 in Germany, 5 in Japan, middle finger = 1 in Indonesia

It also mentioned that cultures differ in different ways and weights. We must understand,
respect, and accept that other people’s way or culture in terms of their gesture may be acceptable or
offensive for us, but vice versa for others. They have this idea that cultures differ in two varieties: lively
or vibrant and reserve or conservative. Reserve cultures define vibrant cultures as lacking in respect and
manners, while vibrant or lively cultures see reserve cultures as boring, lacking in emotion, and
uninterested. Certain cultures are vibrant while others are reserved. Reserve cultures define vibrant
cultures as lacking in respect and manners, while vibrant or lively cultures see reserve cultures as boring,
lacking in emotion, and uninterested. (Tidwell)

Source: https://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell/bsad560/NonVerbal.html
4. Touch

"Communication through touch is a form of physical contact that expresses feelings or emotion”

Often, touch is used to show that you care or to help someone by directing them. Touch sends
different messages depending on the context.

However, touch can also make people feel uncomfortable and even threatened. Sometimes
touch can cause them to escalate due to previous trauma. It’s important to be aware of subtle
verbal and nonverbal cues from the person in your care and adjust your use of touch accordingly." -
Crisis Prevention Institute (University of California, 2023)

Source: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/news/wpvp/nonverbal-communication-through-touch#:~:text=
%22Communication%20through%20touch%20is%20a,messages%20depending%20on%20the
%20context.

Some examples of Cultural differences in nonverbal communication in terms of Touch;

o USA — handshake is common (even for strangers), hugs, kisses for those of opposite
gender or of family (usually) on an increasingly more intimate basis. Note differences
between African-Americans and Anglos in USA. Most African Americans touch on
greeting but are annoyed if touched on the head (good boy, good girl overtones).
o Islamic and Hindu: typically don’t touch with the left hand. To do so is a social insult.
Left hand is for toilet functions. Mannerly in India to break your bread only with your
right hand (sometimes difficult for non-Indians)
o Islamic cultures generally don’t approve of any touching between genders (even
handshakes). But consider such touching (including hand holding, hugs) between same-
sex to be appropriate.
o Many Asians don’t touch the head (Head houses the soul and a touch puts it in
jeopardy).

Basic patterns: Cultures (English, German, Scandinavian, Chinese, and Japanese) with high
emotional restraint concepts have little public touch; those which encourage emotion (Latino,
Middle-East, Jewish) accept frequent touches. (Tidwell)

Source: https://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell/bsad560/NonVerbal.html
 5. Posture

According to the an article, non-verbal communication research does not often focusing
on body posture as it is known to be understood even without direct evidence, but just
intuitions.

There was a research done by Dr. David Matsumoto and Dr. Tsutomu Kudoh wherein
they conclude that their Japanese participants did evaluate posture in a significantly different
way than Western-centric research had found. While Westerners emphasized like or dislike cues,
these participants relied on cues rooted in status and power. These researchers also looked into
the important role of different cultural practices to understand the emotions and meaning of
every postures. They have concluded that Americans emphasizes freedom, Japanese then more
influence by status. They discovered that the importance of status differs significantly
throughout cultural groups as they learned that feeling and connection or building of relationship to
other people relies and depends on one’s status’ point of view. They also did observed differences in
terms of attitude and personalities. Researcher’s also mentioned that Not only do these results
help expand our understanding of cross-cultural behavior, but they also serve as a caution to
avoid expectations that members of other cultures behave in the same way as do members of our
own. (Admin, 2018)

Source: https://www.humintell.com/2018/03/culture-and-body-posture/

6. Time

The study of time as a nonverbal communication is called Chronemics. Time was

classified into different categories that has effect in our communication.

Biological time which emphasized the rhythms that human usually follows on a daily
basis, that when being disturbed, human aspects and communication skills or mood to
communicate are being affected.

Personal time which talks about how a person enjoys or what they feel towards the
experience they have for a certain time.

Physical time is the fixed cycle of our every day, week, month, years, and season of our
lives. Studies shows that there are people to suffer emotional effects during changes in seasons,
climate or weather.

Cultural mentioned how different kind of people see, use and valued time. We have
Polychronic people which are the flexible people that can do more activities or can multitask at
once. While Monochronic people are those who strictly follow their schedules and focusing at
 one thing or task at a time. Whichever perspective we have towards time, these characteristics
has a great influence on how we communicate and interact with different people.

Time is also a way to show or emphasize status or profession of a person. There are
some professions that making other people wait is a norm, however there are also some line of
work that being punctual is very important. There are also some countries that being late is
acceptable and normal on their culture, while some other countries such as USA, Japan and
England, punctuality is a big deal. (Karatas, 2020)

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cultural-differences-nonverbal-communication-its-
business-karata%C5%9F

7. Physical space

People from different cultures have different boundaries for distance from one
another. The acceptable distance in Latin America and the Middle East is much less than
what most Americans and Europeans consider acceptable.

People want their own space to remain that way. Certain cultures even tolerate intimate
physical touch between strangers. (London, 2017)

Source: https://translationsinlondon.com/cultural-differences-in-non-verbal-communication/
#:~:text=People%20from%20different%20cultures%20have,they%20do%20not%20want
%20intruded.

8. Religion

Religion can influence both verbal and nonverbal interactions by imposing rules,
values, and beliefs which defines each faith uniqueness. Every details related to religion can
give the possibilities to cause misunderstandings, influence conversation topics and
establish what is considered suitable behavior or gestures. Some examples are in terms of every
religions’ terminologies, symbols, rituals, and beliefs.

Our communication is shaped by religion in a variety of obvious and subtle ways.

Happier and more meaningful interactions might result from acknowledging and appreciating
these impacts. Understanding the connections between faith and communication becomes not only
beneficial, but essential as we navigate a society that is becoming more globalized.

Source: https://barriersofcommunication.com/how-can-religion-affect-
communication/#:~:text=Religion%20can%20affect%20communication%20by,of%20certain%20
behaviors%20or%20gestures.
 9. Age

Another factor in nonverbal communication is people’s age. Generation depend on

what year a person was born and communication differs depending on the generation. The
younger generations is more aware and knowledgeable in the new thing and ways of
communication such as emoticons, slangs and acronyms, which older generations finds it
challenging and difficult to keep up which those nonverbal techniques.

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/NonverbalGroup/group-3-nonverbal-communication-
differences

10. Social Status

This is also being considered as a way of nonverbal communication. The way a person
dresses, talks, and thinks can already show their social status. As an example, a high-level
manager’s status can be easily identified among employees. They can be differentiated and
compared through their outfits and the way they talk or give instructions to other employees.
On the other hand, low-ranking employees can be identified by a common uniform used and
worn by most employees, who show respect and listen to their managers. Those in the upper
ranks have the power to command, while others have no choice but to follow. (Murphy)

Source:
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Interpersonal_Communication/
I.C.A.T_Interpersonal_Communication_Abridged_Textbook_(Gerber_and_Murphy)/
06%3A_Nonverbal_Communication/6.02%3A_Functions_of_Nonverbal_Communication#title

11. Gender

In many cultures, what is acceptable for a man may not be acceptable for a woman. The
most obvious example is the issue of covering your head in some Muslim countries but also,
within religions such as Islam and Hinduism, shaking a woman’s hand can be considered
offensive. (Thompson, 2022)

Source: https://virtualspeech.com/blog/cultural-differences-in-body-language

Gender in communication were discussed in two different gender speech; Feminine

Speech and Masculine Speech.
 Feminine Speech is categorized as who gives more of value to verbal communication as a way of
building and maintaining relationship between other people through deep and personal talks
including personal experiences, thoughts and perspectives.

Masculine Speech way of verbal communication is more practical and realistic rather than
theoretical. They based on the facts and actual information. They are goal driven as they
communicate with other people. They don’t just talk and communicate, but they have a
certain target or task to do in order to get what they are aiming through communicating.

(Maricopa, 2021)

Source: https://open.maricopa.edu/com110/chapter/4-4-nonverbal-communication-in-context/

12. Personal Appearance

It is very usual that people tend to judge other people by their physical or personal appearance.
This include facial features, skin complexion, body built and many more. This also includes person’s race
or ethnicity. Even the way they dress. Making yourself looks presentable is considered as an important
human aspect in most cultures. However, presentable looking or good appearances also depends on
group or country’s culture. Good appearance is subjective to some. There are cultures where wearing
heavy make-up looks presentable and gives full confidence, but there are also some that don’t consider
it that way. Decency are also being measure though one’s appearance.

Source: https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/non-verbal-communication-different-cultures

Works Cited
Admin, H. (2018). Body Posture Is Important Part of Nonverbal Communication.

Bauer, R. (2015). The impact of making eye contact around the world. The Agenda Weekly.

Karatas, B. (2020). Cultural Differences of Nonverbal Communication Components And Its Importance in
Business.

London, T. i. (2017). Cultural differences in non verbal communication.

Maricopa. (2021). Exploring Relationship Dynamics .

Murphy, P. J. (n.d.). Functions of Nonverbal Communication.

Scott T Paynton, L. K. (n.d.). Survey of Communication Study. Survey of Communication Study.

Thompson, S. (2022). Cultural Differences in Body Language to be Aware of.

Tidwell, D. C. (n.d.). Non-Verbal Commuication Modes.

University of California, D. (2023). Nonverbal Communication Through Touch.