Communication and Globalization

• This module enhances the understanding of communication and globalization
• It identifies cultural barriers
• Strategies are provided to become a global communicator
• It explores forms of intercultural communication
• It differentiates between blogs and vlogs

Learning Outcomes

• Impact of Globalization on Communication can be analyzed
• How globalization influences human communication can be explained
• Cultural, linguistic, and technological factors that shape interactions in a globalized world can be identified
• Cultural barriers in Communication can be overcome
• Language differences, stereotypes, ethnocentrism, and nonverbal misinterpretations can be recognized
• Strategies to enhance effective communication in multicultural settings can be applied
• Effective Communication in Multicultural and Technological Contexts can be demonstrated
• Verbal, nonverbal, and digital communication strategies can be applied in diverse cultural and technological environments
• Blogs, vlogs, and international interactions are settings for communication strategies

Lesson Objectives

• Students should be able to:
• Analyze the impact of globalization
• Identify key features, dimensions, and cultural barriers affecting multicultural interactions
• Demonstrate understanding of communication strategies
• Practice mindful presence, listening, and responsiveness, to overcome cultural barriers
• Enhance global communication
• Evaluate the role of intercultural, interethnic, interracial, and international communication
• Foster understanding and inclusivity through verbal and nonverbal communication

Online Activities (Synchronous/Asynchronous)

• Google Meet discussions will cover the following topics:
• Communication and Globalization
• Intercultural Communication
• Communication and Technology (Blog and Vlog)
• Online discussions will be held between March 10 – April 2, 2025
• Learning Guide Questions for discussion:
• How does globalization affect human communication and its dimensions?
• What are the key cultural barriers and how can they be overcome like language differences and stereotypes?
• How do cultural norms, values, and beliefs influence communication behaviors in different environments?
• What are the five strategies for becoming an effective global communicator and why are they essential?
• How do blogs and vlogs differ and how can they be used effectively in the digital world?

Offline Activities

• Lecture Guide

Communication and Globalization

• Globalization involves mobility, trade, people, services, knowledge, and culture
• Globalization is not intertwined in the economy and human communication
• Communicators need to recognize features, dimensions, and the impact of globalization for effective communication

Cultural Barriers to Effective Communication

• Misunderstandings arise as a result of cultural differences in language, values, behaviors, and nonverbal cues
• Such barriers lead to ineffective communication and potential conflict
• Manage these barriers to avoid potentially negative outcomes

Language

• Language differences can lead to variation in dialects, slang, and pronunciation
• What is positive in one culture, might be offensive in another
• "Salvage" in Filipino might mean "to save" in English, but can refer to an extrajudicial killing
• Overcome the issue by using simple, clear language, by avoiding slang, and by asking for clarification

Stereotypes and Prejudices

• Stereotypes are generalized beliefs; prejudices are negative attitudes based on stereotypes
• Stereotypes lead to biased communication and unfair treatment
• Assuming all Asians are good at math, or Westerners are direct/blunt stems from stereotypes
• Overcome this through open-mindedness, avoiding assumptions, and treating individuals based on their actions

Behaviors and Beliefs

• Cultural differences influence behavior and beliefs, which can create misunderstandings
• In some cultures, eye contact is respect, while in others it may be seen as aggressive
• Overcome the issue by learning and respecting other cultures' customs, behaviors and beliefs

Norms and Values

• Cultural norms dictate acceptable behavior and values reflect important considerations, affecting communication styles
• Collectivist cultures like the Philippines value group harmony and avoid direct confrontation
• Individualistic cultures value directness
• Be aware of cultural differences and adjust communication styles accordingly

Ethnocentrism

• Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior, which causes misunderstandings, judgment, and resistance to change
• An American might believe their business method is the best, ignoring Asian cultures
• Develop cultural humility by recognizing that different cultures have valid interacting methods

Body Language and Gestures

• Nonverbal communication varies greatly across cultures
• Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements hold different societal meanings
• The "thumbs-up" sign is positive in the West, but otherwise in the Middle East
• Observe how other cultures use gestures and be mindful

Effective Strategies for Communicators

• Mindful Presence: Being engaged and aware during conversations and respecting various perspectives
• Mindful Listening: Actively paying attention without interrupting or forming quick judgments
• Mindful Speech: Choose words carefully to express ideas with respect and cultural appropriateness
• Unconditional Friendliness: Approach communication with openness, warmth, and without judgement
• Mindful Responsiveness: Respond thoughtfully, by considering culture and emotion, rather than reacting impulsively

Local and Global Communication

• Multicultural refers to a society with several cultural or ethnic groups, but without engaging interactions

Five Socio-cultural Aspects of Communication

• Cultural Identity: Background, traditions, language, and beliefs shape how people communicate
• Gender Role: Social expectations about gender influence communication styles and power dynamics
• Age Identity: Different age groups have unique communication preferences influenced by generational values
• Social Class: Economic status and educational background affects language use
• Religious Identity: Faith and spiritual beliefs shape values, and communication norms

Cultural Factors

• These factors influence communication and interactions in diverse environments
• Mother Tongue and Secondary Languages: Affect communication styles and comprehension
• Race: Physical characteristics and historical backgrounds shape societal interactions
• Ethnicity: Cultural heritage, traditions, and shared history influence communication norms
• Gender: Social roles impact interactions
• Local Culture: Regional customs affect social behavior and communication patterns
• Religion: Spiritual beliefs shape moral values
• Regional Attire: Clothing styles reflect cultural identity
• Ancestry, Parents, and Families: Family background contributes to communication
• Teachers: Educators influence values
• Friends: Peer interactions shape norms
• Neighborhood: The surrounding community affects social interactions
• Education: Academic exposure influences thought
• Profession: Job affects communication style
• Experience: Personal encounters shape understanding
• Politics: Political beliefs influence norms
• Physical Features: Appearance can impact interactions
• Media: News shapes cultural awareness

Intercultural Communication

• Interracial Communication: Discussions between different races (e.g., Filipino and African-American)
• Interethnic Communication: Communication between different ethnic groups within a country (e.g., Cebuano and Ilocano Filipino)
• International Communication: Filipino attending an online conference with participants from Japan, the USA, and Germany
• Intracultural Communication: Two Filipinos talking about local dishes

Communication Gestures

• Interracial Communication Gestures:
• Thumbs up can be seen as offensive in some Middle Eastern countries
• Mano po gesture can be unfamiliar to non-Filipinos
• Handshake grips can vary
• Westerners prefer direct eye contact, which is seen as rude in Asian cultures
• The "OK" sign is offensive in Brazil and Turkey
• Nodding means "yes" in Bulgaria and India.

Interethnic Communication Gestures

• “Beso-beso” (cheek kiss) greeting between Tagalog and Cebuano at social gatherings
• Handwave between a Bicolano and an Ilocano, as they may speak different dialects
• “Mano po” gesture by a Tagalog person to an elder from another Filipino ethnic group
• Offering food with both hands is a sign of respect in some Filipino ethnic groups
• Filipinos using an open palm to call someone, while some use another gesture
• Indigenous Filipino groups preferring nod or bow in comparison to direct contact

International Communication Gestures

• Japanese executive bowing to a Filipino businessman who responds with a handshake
• Italian using hand gestures to emphasize emotions, but Americans are more restrained
• Japanese people bow as a sign of respect
• Thai people press their palms together and bow slightly when greeting
• Those in France, Spain, and Latin America greet each other with a kiss on the cheek
• In the Middle East, hand over heart signifies sincerity and respect
• A hand gesture is used to express confusion or disbelief

Intracultural Communication

• Lip-pointing is used to point at something
• Eyebrow raise is used as a greeting, instead of speaking
• The "Psst" sound is used, but may be considered rude
• Hand gesture for counting used when counting
• Patting someone’s shoulder is used to express encouragement

Blog

• A blog is an informational website or an online journal with the latest posts appearing at the top
• Blogs are used to share opinions, knowledge, or discuss various topics
• Blogs share insights, provide content, promote businesses, give entertainment, and connect writers with an audience
• Blog types include personal, business, niche, news, educational, and affiliate blogs

Key Elements of an Effective Blog

• Catchy Title, Engaging Introduction, Well-Organized Content, Visual Elements, and Call to Action (CTA)

Effective Ways to Introduce a Blog

• Short and Direct - Start with a brief sentence, such as "Blogging is not just about writing; it's about engaging."
• Humorous Opening - Use humor to make your blog more relatable
• Thought-Provoking Question - Encourage curiosity by asking such as "Have you ever wondered why some blogs go viral?"
• Multiple-Choice Question - Engage readers by asking such as "What’s the biggest challenge in blogging?"
• Shocking Fact/Statistic - Surprise readers with facts such like “Did you know that over 70 million new blog posts are published each month?”
• Personal Connection - Create an emotional connection with a line like, “I started my first blog at 16.”
• Information Withholding - Create suspense using an interesting statement
• Rebunking Conventional Wisdom - Challenge common beliefs, such as saying that "People say blogging is dead, but in reality, it’s more powerful than ever.”
• Success Story - Provide inspiration and motivation through a statement such as “Sarah started blogging as a hobby. Today, she earns six figures from her blog!"
• Reader's Question - Make the content interactive by focusing a question towards the reader, such as "'How do I start a blog that actually makes money?' I get this question all the time!"'

Blog vs Vlog

• Blogs are text-based, while vlogs (video blogs) feature videos
• Blogs are formatted with written content, while vlogs consist of video content
• Websites and Bloggers are blog platforms, while YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are platforms for vlogs
• Blogs use comments, shares, and likes to engage readers, whereas Vlogs create engagement through views, likes, comments, and subscription
• Blogs use Laptops and writing software, while vlogs need microphones and editing tools

PT1 Instructions

• A Pair must be formed to create a poster around Globalization and Communication
• Aspects that must be covered: Improved connectivity, technology influence, and cultural challenges
• A short explanation is required

PT 2

• Create a comic strip with 4-6 panels with:
• Blank comic strip template
• Pencils, pens, or markers
• Colored pencils or crayons (optional)
• Ruler (for straight lines)
• Examples include:
• Friendship
• Adventure
• A funny theme
• A mystery theme