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    Cultural Texts

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    Laiza May
    This document discusses cultural texts and differences in language and communication between cultures. It provides examples of pronunciation differences between American English and Philippine English that can lead to miscommunication. The document also discusses how cultural gestures can have different meanings between cultures and provides examples. Finally, it discusses the importance of using the appropriate level of formality in language depending on the context and relationship between communicators.

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    Cultural Texts

    Uploaded by

    Laiza May
    884 views2 pages
    This document discusses cultural texts and differences in language and communication between cultures. It provides examples of pronunciation differences between American English and Philippine English that can lead to miscommunication. The document also discusses how cultural gestures can have different meanings between cultures and provides examples. Finally, it discusses the importance of using the appropriate level of formality in language depending on the context and relationship between communicators.

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    CULTURAL_TEXTS

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    This document discusses cultural texts and differences in language and communication between cultures. It provides examples of pronunciation differences between American English and Philippine English that can lead to miscommunication. The document also discusses how cultural gestures can have different meanings between cultures and provides examples. Finally, it discusses the importance of using the appropriate level of formality in language depending on the context and relationship between communicators.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    884 views2 pages

    Cultural Texts

    Uploaded by

    Laiza May
    This document discusses cultural texts and differences in language and communication between cultures. It provides examples of pronunciation differences between American English and Philippine English that can lead to miscommunication. The document also discusses how cultural gestures can have different meanings between cultures and provides examples. Finally, it discusses the importance of using the appropriate level of formality in language depending on the context and relationship between communicators.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    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) from 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 full 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 the feature:

    1. American English: Gotcha!


    Philippine English: Got you!
    2. American English: Whatche say?
    Philippine English: What did she say?
    3. American English: Whered you 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 language. 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.

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