The Influence of Gender on the Dimensions of CommunicationPost published:February 19,

2020Post Category:ORAL COMMUNICATION

POST CONTENTS

Filipinos, even in this millennial century, still hold certain attitudes that pertain to Gender
communication. Many of these attitudes are the product of our colonization, attitudes that persist
even when the rest of the world is changing. These attitudes are considered traditions, a part of
our culture.

Verbal/Nonverbal Dimensions

Men think they should be “macho” in language and action. They use assertive words and expect
to be understood. On the other hand, women are expected to be non-confrontational in their
language, especially with men. They are supposed to talk only about certain topics that are
within the world of women. But today, the Verbal and Nonverbal Dimensions of Communication
of men and women are hardly constrained by such attitudes. Women can be loud and assertive
like comedian and political activist Juana Change, who does not mince her words when it comes
to politics. On the other hand, men can talk about their feelings, even cry like Christian pop
singer Gary Valenciano.

Oral/Written Dimensions

Written messages by Filipino women are supposed to be indirect and circuitous. That may well
have been true in the days of Maria Clara. Now, with access to mass media and social media—
both as reader and writer—Filipino women write beyond what was once thought to be safe topics
for women. Instead of being soft-spoken, they now speak with a directness exemplified by
superstar Nora Aunor when she talked of Flor Contemplation, the Filipino nanny executed in
Singapore, whom she played in a movie. In fact, the assertiveness in the language of Filipino
women is matched only by the assertive delivery of women like Monique Wilson, an actress, and
champion of One Billion Rising.
Formal/Informal Dimensions

How does one dress for and talk during a job interview? Men may get away with wearing denims
to a job interview but, in many cases, women are expected to don corporate attire. We call
everyone by their nicknames, even the President of the Philippines. Everyone we meet and talk
to is either an Ate or a Kuya. In many cases, a female teacher rather than a male teacher will be
the choice of students when disclosing their problems, because students probably feel that female
teachers are more sympathetic. Westerners are more picky about who they want to be close to.
They are quite informal and easygoing with friends, while formal and reserved with others.
Working in a job for years does not necessarily allow you to call the male boss of the company
by their first name. Of course, there are some Western bosses, male and female, who like the
informality of having their employees call them by their first name. Here, teachers are addressed
as “Miss” or “Mrs.” even if their first names are used. Male bosses in the Philippines are usually
addressed by their three initials such as “MVP” for Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Smart
Communications; and “JZA” for Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Chairman Emeritus of the Ayala Group
of Companies.

Intentional/Unintentional Dimensions

Filipinos love to smile, and do smile a lot. However, the smiles may express different emotions,
not just happiness. A student smiling during an exam may make the teacher a think that the exam
is easy. On the contrary, the smile may mean nervousness about being able to answer all the
questions or not. Again, smiling just as a couple is passing by may be misconstrued. The girl
may take offense and her boyfriend may just beat you up. 

It is important to understand the dimensions of communication because this helps in

understanding where miscommunication occurs. Whether it is verbal/nonverbal, oral/written,
formal/informal, or intentional/ unintentional, communication is effective if the Speaker uses
verbal and nonverbal communication efficiently in sending the Message to the Listener. It is also
important to remember that culture and gender play an influential role in effective
communication.