Cultural Awareness Presentation PDF

CULTURAL AWARENESS Presented by: Abrina, Ariel Baletin, Shirlyn R. Cacatian, Fatima Lovella A. Dizon, Mary Ann H. Hernandez, John Jacod C. Negre, Samantha B. Panaligan, Eugene F. Reguyal, Kry...

CULTURAL AWARENESS Presented by: Abrina, Ariel Baletin, Shirlyn R. Cacatian, Fatima Lovella A. Dizon, Mary Ann H. Hernandez, John Jacod C. Negre, Samantha B. Panaligan, Eugene F. Reguyal, Krystal Lara \ Sallao, Julie N. Turtur, Zyrell V. The Philippines as a Filipino Nation The Philippines, known as the Filipino nation, is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, comprising over 7,100 islands. It has a rich and diverse culture shaped by its history, geography, and the various influences that have come from both its Asian neighbors and Western colonial powers. Here is an overview of the Philippines and what defines it as a Filipino nation: Geography The Philippines is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. Demographics Population: As of 2024, the Philippines has a population of over 113 million people, making it the 13th most populous country in the world. Languages: The Philippines has over 170 languages and dialects. Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are the official languages.  History Pre-Colonial Era: Before Spanish colonization, the islands were inhabited by various Austronesian peoples with their own languages, cultures, and governance systems. Spanish Colonial Period: The Philippines was under Spanish rule for more than 300 years (1565-1898), which introduced Christianity (Catholicism), a colonial government structure, and significant cultural influences in language, cuisine, and traditions. American and Japanese Occupation: The United States took control after the Spanish-American War in 1898, introducing English and Western education. During World War II, the Philippines was occupied by Japan but gained independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946. Post-Independence: The country experienced various political challenges, including dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986), followed by a return to democracy and ongoing efforts towards economic development and political stability. Culture Religion: The Philippines is predominantly Catholic (about 80%), Festivals: Known for vibrant festivals Cuisine: Filipino cuisine is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, featuring dishes like adobo, sinigang, lumpia, and lechon. Arts and Music: The arts reflect both indigenous and colonial influences, with traditional crafts like weaving and carving, and music ranging from folk to contemporary pop. The country is known for its talented singers and performers. Society Family Structure: Family is a central aspect of Filipino culture, often extending to include close relatives and emphasizing strong family bonds. Values: Filipinos value bayanihan (community spirit), utang na loob (debt of gratitude), and pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships). Hospitality: Known for being one of the most hospitable nations, Filipinos often go out of their way to welcome and assist visitors. Economy Challenges Global Influence Agriculture: A significant sector with Poverty and Inequality: Despite Diaspora: A large Filipino diaspora products like rice, coconut, sugar, and economic growth, poverty and exists worldwide, contributing to bananas. income inequality remain major global culture and economies, Industry: Includes electronics, issues. especially in the U.S., Middle East, automotive, textiles, and business Political Stability: Ongoing and Europe. process outsourcing (BPO). challenges include political Cultural Impact: Filipino culture, Remittances: Overseas Filipino Workers corruption, governance issues, and food, and entertainment have (OFWs) contribute significantly to the peace processes in gained international recognition, economy through remittances. conflict-affected areas like with artists, athletes, and Mindanao. performers achieving global Environmental Concerns: The success. Philippines is vulnerable to natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, necessitating disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability efforts. Differences of cultural values, beliefs, and perceptions of Asian Nations Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, home to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and social norms. The diversity in cultural values, beliefs, and perceptions across Asian nations shapes the way societies function, interact, and view the world.. Cultural Values Across Asian Nations Philippines CULTURAL VALUES OF FILIPINO FAMILY ORIENTED - being PO AT OPO MANO PO family-oriented means placing the well-being and unity of the family above all else, with close-knit relationships, deep respect for elders, and a strong sense of responsibility and loyalty toward all family members. HOSPITALITY DEBT OF GRATITUDE (UTANG NA LOOB Cultural Values Across Asian Nations SMOOTH GENEROSITY AND STRONG WORK INTERPERSONAL HELPFULNESS ETHICS RELATIONSHIPS (PAKIKISAMA) Beliefs Filipinos are believers of religion and they have unshakable faith. It is the main source of their values and deeds. The common religion in the Philippines is Christianity (Roman and Protestant Christianity) and this is followed by Islam. Other beliefs aren’t much popular such as Atheists and Hinduism.. TABI TABI PO : Filipino often say this phrase when they are passing through dwelling of spirits such as cemeteries or abandoned places that are considered haunted.. DON’T GO STRAIGHT HOME AFTER ATTENDING AWAKE: It is generally believed that spirits (both good and bad) lurk around the dead and can bring bad luck to visitors. Religious Beliefs: Most Filipinos are Roman Catholic, practicing devout rituals, attending Mass regularly, and celebrating religious festivals. Superstitions and Folk Beliefs: Many Filipinos believe in superstitions and folk practices, such as avoiding certain activities on specific days to prevent bad luck, or using amulets for protection. Perceptions and Worldviews Friendly and Hospitable Resilient and Adaptable Generous and Caring Hardworking and Dedicated Respectful and Polite Multilingual Cultural Values Across Asian Nations Japan CULTURAL VALUES OF JAPANESE Respect for Authority (尊敬 - Sonkei) Respect for authority and hierarchy is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. This manifests in the use of honorifics, the bowing tradition, and a general deference to elders and those in positions of power. Cultural Values Across Asian Nations Group Harmony (和 - Discipline and Loyalty (忠誠 - Wa) Hard Work (勤勉 - Chūsei) Kinben) Cultural Values Across Asian Nations Tradition and Heritage (伝 Politeness and 統 - Dentō) Courtesy (礼儀 - Reigi) Japanese Cultural Practices Bowing (お辞儀 - Ojigi) Removing Shoes Gift-Giving (贈り Indoors 物 - Okurimono) Japanese Cultural Practices Seasonal Greetings (年賀 Tea Ceremony (茶 Respecting 状 - Nengajō & 暑中見舞 道 - Sadō/Chadō) Elders (敬老 - い - Shūchū Mimai) Keirō) Japanese Beliefs Shinto and Ancestral Worship Buddhism Belief in Kami (神) Superstitions Perceptions and Worldviews Innovative Innovativeand and Polite Politeand and Hardworking Hardworking Quality-Consci Technologically Technologically Collectivist Respectful Respectful and andDedicated Dedicated ous Advanced Advanced  Culture/Stereotypes Labeling Refer to oversimplified or generalized beliefs Marketing about the characteristics, behaviours, or attributes of people from a particular culture or country. These stereotypes can be positive, negative, or neutral, but they often reduce the complexity of individual identities and cultural practices to simplistic, and sometimes inaccurate, notions. East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) China Hardworking and Industrious Chinese people are often stereotyped as being highly hardworking and industrious, often associated with China's rapid economic growth. Authoritarian and Conformist The government’s political structure leads to stereotypes of the people being uniformly obedient and conformist, overlooking the diversity of opinions and resistance within the country. Cheap Manufacturing China is frequently labeled as the source of cheap, low-quality goods, which overlooks its advancements in technology and innovation. Japan Technologically Advanced and Modern Japan is often seen as a hub of cutting-edge technology and innovation, sometimes neglecting its traditional culture and societal issues. Politeness and Reserved Nature Japanese people are stereotypically seen as overly polite, quiet, and reserved, which can ignore the diversity of individual personalities. Homogeneous Society Japan is often viewed as culturally homogeneous, which overlooks the presence of minority groups like the Ainu and immigrants.. Korea Pop Culture Influence (K-pop, K-dramas) South Korea is strongly associated with its entertainment industry, particularly K-pop and K-dramas, which can overshadow other aspects of Korean culture. Plastic Surgery Capital South Korea is often stereotyped as obsessed with beauty and plastic surgery, which can reduce complex cultural practices around beauty and self-expression to superficiality. Technologically Advanced Like Japan, South Korea is also seen as a highly advanced society, particularly in terms of technology and internet connectivity. Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, etc.) Thailand Land of Smiles Thai people are often stereotyped as always being friendly and smiling, which can oversimplify their complex social behaviors and cultural norms. Exotic and Spiritual Thailand is often viewed as a spiritual, exotic destination, which can reduce its rich culture to a tourism cliché. Vietnam War-torn and Resilient Vietnam is frequently associated with the Vietnam War, leading to a stereotype of the country as war-torn and its people as resilient survivors, overlooking its rich history, culture, and economic development. Agrarian Society There’s a stereotype of Vietnam being predominantly rural and agrarian, which neglects its modern cities and growing technological sector. Philippines Hospitable and Friendly Filipinos are often stereotyped as being incredibly hospitable and friendly, which, while positive, can gloss over the complexities of their social dynamics. Overseas Workers Filipinos are often labeled as overseas workers or caregivers, which can overlook the diverse professions and talents present within the country. Non-Verbal gestures What is non-verbal communication? gestures touch facial expression ? pause (silence) glance intonation eye contact (gaze) dress volume posture vocal nuance smell proximity word choice and syntax sounds (paralanguage)  Non-Verbal gestures Broadly speaking, there are two basic categories of non-verbal language: nonverbal messages produced by the body; nonverbal messages produced by the broad setting (time, space, silence) Non-Verbal gestures Why is non-verbal communication important? Used to repeat the verbal message Often used to accent a verbal message Non-Verbal gestures Why is non-verbal communication important? Often complement the verbal message but also may contradict Regulate interactions May substitute for the verbal message Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication General Appearance and Dress All cultures are concerned with how they look and make judgments based on appearance and dress. In many Asian countries, for example, appearance and dress are often tied to cultural traditions and social expectations. Different cultural standards exist on what is considered attractive in dress and what constitutes modesty. In countries like Japan and South Korea, fashion is deeply influenced by both historical clothing styles and modern trends, with an emphasis on cleanliness, coordination, and subtlety. In contrast, traditional attire such as the sari in India or the kebaya in Indonesia reflects cultural identity and modesty norms. Additionally, dress is often used as a sign of status, with certain fabrics, colors, and accessories indicating social rank or wealth. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Body Movement We send information on attitude toward person (facing or leaning towards another), emotional statue (tapping fingers, jiggling coins), and desire to control the environment (moving towards or away from a person). More than 700,000 possible motions we can make — so impossible to categorize them all! But just need to be aware the body movement and position is a key ingredient in sending messages.. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Posture Consider the following actions and note cultural differences: Bowing (not done, criticized, or affected in US; shows rank in Japan) Slouching (rude in most Northern European areas) Hands in pocket (disrespectful in Turkey) Sitting with legs crossed (offensive in Ghana, Turkey) Showing soles of feet. (Offensive in Thailand, Saudi Arabia) Even in US, there is a gender difference on acceptable posture?. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Gestures Impossible to catalog them all. But need to recognize: 1) incredible possibility and variety and 2) that an acceptable in one’s own culture may be offensive in another. In addition, amount of gesturing varies from culture to culture. Some cultures are animated; other restrained. Restrained cultures often feel animated cultures lack manners and overall restraint. Animated cultures often feel restrained cultures lack emotion or interest.. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Facial Expressions While some say that facial expressions are identical, meaning attached to them differs. Majority opinion is that these do have similar meanings world-wide with respect to smiling, crying, or showing anger, sorrow, or disgust. However, the intensity varies from culture to culture. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Eye Contact and Gaze In many Asian countries: Attention/Interest: Prolonged eye contact can be seen as rude or confrontational; averting the gaze often shows respect. Persuasion: Respect and tone are more influential than direct eye contact. Regulating Interaction: Eye contact is used sparingly, with lowered eyes often signifying deference. Emotion: Subtle expressions and body language are preferred over direct eye contact. Power/Status: Avoiding eye contact can indicate respect for someone of higher status. Managing Impressions: Eye contact is carefully balanced to avoid offense and maintain harmony. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Touch In many Asian countries: Attention/Interest: Touch is often minimal and reserved for close relationships; less physical contact is common in public. Persuasion: Touch is rarely used to persuade; verbal and non-verbal cues like tone and respect are more important. Regulating Interaction: Physical contact is limited, with gestures like a nod or bow being more common to regulate interactions. Emotion: Emotions are usually expressed verbally or through facial expressions rather than physical touch. Power/Status: Touching someone of higher status is often avoided, as it can be seen as disrespectful. Managing Impressions: Touch is carefully managed, with minimal contact to avoid misunderstandings or offending others. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Smell Natural Smells: While natural body odors are often considered normal in some cultures, they are generally minimized in many Asian societies. Frequent Bathing: Cultures such as Filipino, Malay, Indonesian, Thai, and Indian emphasize frequent bathing to maintain cleanliness and freshness. Perceptions of Hygiene: There is sometimes a perception that other cultures, particularly Western ones, do not bathe as often, leading to criticism regarding hygiene standards.  Culture Shock “Culture shock” is a normal process of adapting to a new culture. Culture shock is an extreme response to an international transition. It is a time when a person becomes aware of the differences and/or conflicts in values and customs between their home culture and the new culture they are in. Common feelings may be anxiety, confusion, homesickness, and/or anger. Culture Shock There are obvious examples of culture shock such as getting used to a different language, a different climate, a different transport system and different food customs. Less obvious examples of culture shock include acclimatizing to: different hand gestures different facial expressions and levels of eye contact whether people wait in lines or not how people greet one another (hug; single kiss; kiss on both cheeks; handshake) whether you are expected to haggle and/or tip Culture Shock Common symptoms of culture shock: Extreme homesickness Feelings of helplessness/dependency Disorientation and isolation Depression and sadness Hyper-irritability, may include inappropriate anger and hostility Sleep and eating disturbances (too little or too much Excessive critical reactions to host Culture Shock Coping with Culture Shock Reverse culture shock (also known as "re-entry shock" or "own culture shock" may take place—returning to one's There are many strategies to cope more eff ectively home culture after growing while adapting to the changes of a new culture. Diff accustomed to a new one erent things help diff erent people and often trying more than one strategy can be helpful. The can produce the same eff following are some suggestions: ects as described. Culture Shock Coping with Culture Shock There are many strategies to cope more effectively while adapting to the changes of a new culture. Different things help different people and often trying more than one strategy can be helpful. The following are some suggestions: Spend time listening and talking with someone from the foreign country who can explain common behaviors, language, and customs. Connect with other international students (more than likely they are experiencing, or have already experienced, similar situations). Stay connected with your home comforts such as foods, activities, rituals, etc… Community activities can be a way for you to get involved with other people and feel more involved in the community and culture in which you are in. Connecting with a Resident Assistant, host family, or other individuals may be a way to get you started. Thanks!!