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PC Lesson 9-Exploring Texts Reflecting Different Cultures

This document discusses exploring texts that reflect different cultures. It notes that pronunciation differences between English varieties can lead to miscommunication and gives examples of pronunciation differences between American and Philippine English. Bodily gestures that can also differ between cultures are discussed. The document stresses that language formality should match the communication situation.

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Therese Anne Anoya Quijada
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55 views

PC Lesson 9-Exploring Texts Reflecting Different Cultures

This document discusses exploring texts that reflect different cultures. It notes that pronunciation differences between English varieties can lead to miscommunication and gives examples of pronunciation differences between American and Philippine English. Bodily gestures that can also differ between cultures are discussed. The document stresses that language formality should match the communication situation.

Uploaded by

Therese Anne Anoya Quijada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 9

EXPLORING TEXTS REFLECTING DIFFERENT CULTURES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of cultural contexts in the communication process;

2. analyze texts that reflect varied cultures and practices; and

3. appreciate various cultural identities and

Observe how a foreign classmate of yours pronounces some English words. Compare his/her
pronunciation with yours. What similarities and differences can you note?

INPUT

CULTURAL TEXTS

In the previous lesson, you learned that intercultural communication has an important role to
play in effective communication. Indeed, awareness of the different varieties of English with their
features as well as understanding the registers of English should be the goal of everyone so that there is
less misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Note that one cause of miscommunication is pronunciation. Speakers of different varieties of


English have different ways of pronouncing words. This is so because of differences in phonology. Kachru
and Nelson (2006, p. 37) claimed that in terms of pronunciation, most Outer- and Expanding-Circle
varieties display differences from the Inner-Circle varieties, similar to those found between regional
dialects within the Inner-Circle varieties. These differences may lead to grammatical consequences
affecting comprehension. For instance, among Singaporean and Malaysian speakers of English, a feature
noted is the simplification of final consonant clusters, e.g., [lef] for left and [pick] for picked. Such is also
the case in Philippine English.

Interpretations then vary because of differences in pronunciation. If one says "hit it" instead of
"heat it" or "She ass">instead of "She asks," miscommunication is likely to happen.

In Philippine languages, every vowel is pronounced with a distinct sound. Filipinos pronounce
words as they are written or spelled out making it syllable-timed and not stress-timed. Americans, on
the other hand, blend syllables or sometimes even drop some sounds making the syllables short. Below
are some examples of this feature:

1. American English: Gotcha!

Philippine English: Got you!


2. American English: Whatche say?

Philippine English: What did she say?

3. American English: Wherd yu go?

Philippine English: Where did you go?

4. American English: Ja hitit?

Philippine English: Did you hit it?

5. American English: Can I getche adrink?

Philippine English: Can I get you a drink?

A cultural barrier does not only pertain to differing languages. It may also be in the form of a
cultural practice or even a bodily gesture. For instance, in English-speaking countries and even in the
Philippines, the thumbs-up gesture signals approval. However, it is considered offensive in other
countries such as Greece, Italy, and in some parts of the Middle East. Likewise, making a circle with
one's thumb and forefinger generally means okay in many Western cultures but this is not so in
countries like Japan where it is interpreted as a sign for money, and in some Arab cultures as a threat.
Thus, one should be careful in using bodily gestures.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL LANGUAGE

In the previous lesson, you also studied language register which refers to the formality and
informality of the language which one speaks. As it is, different registers are used in different situations.
Your purpose for communication and the relationship you have with the listeners/readers will
determine if you are to use formal or informal language. When you are in the gymnasium and a
teenager offers you a seat, you acknowledge the kind gesture by saying: "Thanks for the seat." However,
if you are in an academic forum and an organizer offers you a seat, you say: "Thank you very much, (Sir
or Ma'am)."

When speaking impromptu on a certain topic, you should use ordinary, conversational language.
However, if you are to give a lecture in a conference, your language should be formal. In the same
manner that when you write your speech and your purpose is to inform your audience on climate
change, it is expected that your language is formal. In contrast, if your speech is meant to entertain your
listeners on a light topic, your language should be informal.

? COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (For oral recitation)

Check your understanding of the input by answering the following questions:


1. It is inevitable for us to meet people coming from other cultures. Cite at least three ways by
which you can avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation of ideas when talking to them.
2. How does non-verbal communication in general or bodily gestures in particular pose
miscommunication between two persons coming from different cultures? Cite some examples
that you know.
3. Give one situation when you should use formal language and another situation when you should
use informal language. What expressions will you use? How do they differ from each other?

SELF-ASSESSMENT (Do this!)

Rate yourself honestly as you read the following statements. Check the column that corresponds to
your answer.

Yes No
1. I now understand the importance of cultural context in
the communication process.
2. I enjoy learning new words in other varieties of English.

3. I try my best to understand the different ways people


from other cultures speak English.

4. I am not turned off by people who pronounce words


differently from the way I do.

5. The language I use is determined by the


communication situation that I am in-the purpose of
communication and the degree of relationship that I
have with my listeners and readers.

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