MAGTALAS, PAULINE M.

BSTM – 1ST YEAR

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
OUTPUT 5

Dear friend,

Hello! I heard you planned to visit the Philippines someday. I am pure Filipino and I have lived
here since my birth. I’m writing you a letter because I’d like to teach you and tour you according to your
imagination of what you will see in our country. Don’t worry, people are warm. Perhaps, Filipinos are
known for their hospitability. We will welcome you with open arms and with heartfelt acceptance. In the
Philippines, there are a lot of languages and dialects, as well as different accents, so that’s a little
worrying. Filipinos will try to express their opinions and ideas diplomatically and with humility to avoid
appearing arrogant. The tone of voice varies widely by language, dialect, and region. You need to
understand the culture of communication, so when you finally come, you will feel at home as you
yourself taught the importance of knowing one’s country's way of communication. Moreover, when it
comes to respect, when speaking to those who are older or of higher status, Filipinos tend to use the
polite forms of speech. At the end of phrases, sentences, or questions, they will say "po" to demonstrate
this respect. Then comes the kind of funny part: Filipinos may point to objects by puckering their lips
and moving their mouths in the direction they are pointing to. I would just like to inform you because
you may have misunderstood that part. Among relatives or friends of the same gender, it is common for
Filipinos to walk hand in hand or arm in arm. This is generally done so as a sign of affection, friendship,
or if they are shy and would like someone to accompany them. When conversing with your Filipino
counterpart, try to focus on hints of hesitation. Listen to what they say and also pay close attention to
what they don’t say. Actually, it’s not required for you to speak our language. We will try to
communicate with you the way you speak or maybe the universal language. But it is your will to kind of
teach yourself the basics so you will be guided when that time comes.

Sincerely,

Pauline Magtalas