Elaborating on the influence of

culture on the dimensions of

communication
 A. Verbal/Non-verbal Dimensions

• Courtesy in Philippine Society is expressed when talking to

someone, especially someone in authority, by looking down.
Looking straight at them is considered rude and frowned upon.
In Western society, avoiding looking at people in the eye or
looking down or around while talking to them often means that
one is not telling the truth, or is hiding something. If this is still
the case, what do you think might happen if a Filipino
applicant is interviewed for a job by an American employer ;
assuming both parties are unaware of others culture? In
another setting, in Thailand, no one sits higher than the King
does. Teacher's chair are also higher than students. This is to
show their authority and to command respect.
Example of Verbal and Non-verbal
 B. Oral/Written Dimensions
• Misunderstanding occurs when oral and written messages
are not in agreement, such as when you say you are
grateful to someone but your Facebook post says
otherwise. Culturally Filipinos are fond of being very wordy
in written communications, often times beating around the
bush, even in formal letters and sometimes in email. We
tend to be just as wordy and employ circumlocution when
writing and giving a speech. We also use highfalutin and
polysyllabic words. Westerners are more direct in speaking
and they write simpler letters because they find
longwinded and circuitous speeches tedious and boring.
Example of Oral and Written
 C. Formal/Informal Dimensions
• Are not as bifurcated as before. It is used to be
that among Filipinos, a speech still depends on
whether one views the communicative situation
as formal or informal. Knowing this helps one to
act accordingly in the preparation of the message
in responding to it. But now, speakers at
program may be casually dressed and speak to
an audience as though they are having a
conversation between friends in a coffee shop.
Example of Formal and Informal
 D. Intentional/Unintenional Dimensions

• are not as bifurcated as before. It used to that

among Filipinos, a speech still depends on
whether one views the Communicative Situation
as formal or informal. Knowing this helps one to
act accordingly in the preparation of the message
and in responding to it. But now, speakers at a
program maybe casually dressed and speak to an
audience as though they are having a
conversation between friends in a coffee shop.
Because Filipinos live in a communal society
Example of Intentional and Unintenional