Have you ever interacted with people whose culture is opposite to yours? How did you get along?

Every country has different cultures that often cause chaos and problems whenever each side does not have cultural awareness and knowledge to understand them just like cultural dialectics. The cultural dialectic is the system or method of our communication. It contains the concept of context and the concept of power distance, which is divided into low and high levels of culture. How exactly are they different? When can we say that the culture of a country is high or low?

CONTEXT

Context refers to how you say a message and how you use language according to the environment, cultural background, situation, and the relationship of your interlocutor. The following is a comparison of some of the characteristics of the low-level culture according to the context found in the country of America and the characteristics of the high-level context found in the Philippines.

Speaks Directly, Precisely, Simply and Clearly

In American culture, their conversation is focused on exchanging information. They are straightforward and literal so they can directly ask or request and give recommendations to correct the situation because they focus on the problem. It is rooted in egalitarianism that openly communicates based on equality, individualism and self-reliance that encourages free speech because success does not depend on others, and the immigrant experience where people are often initially uses short words or phrases in English to communicate.

In Filipino culture, opinions and ideas are expressed diplomatically and with humility to avoid appearing arrogant. Sometimes we are shy to answer directly the question that can be intrusive.

Time Is More Valued Than Relationship

In America, it is necessary to arrive on time or a little early to show your professionalism. Being late means you've wasted their time and money. It is even more important to start on time if you are leading or hosting the meeting. In the Philippines, being late for a scheduled gathering or meeting has never been a problem. Schedules should also remain flexible and family time here is usually sacred.

Monochronic

The American nation is doing one thing at a time. They value a certain order and sense of having an appropriate time and place for everything. They don't appreciate delays. Filipinos have a polychronic work style. Used to perform multiple actions and goals in parallel. When negotiating, they may switch between topics instead of discussing them in sequential order.

POWER OF DISTANCE

Let's continue to compare the culture of the two countries according to the concept of the power of distance. It refers to how you view yourself and other people where the way you treat and view your neighbor is very important to consider in communication. Any position or power held by the interlocutor affects the conversation.

All People Are Equal

In America, there is no strong social hierarchy or caste system. Sometimes the people you expect to treat you with respect may treat you as an equal. Children for example call an older adult by their first name. They address their parents through their names but there are some who don't. Structure and hierarchy in the Philippines are critical at all levels – at home, at school, in the military and in business. Filipinos have a strong sense of formality where Filipinos are treated according to their rank and status.

Gatherings Are Informal

In America, idiomatic speech or "slang" is often used in most occasions. People, may it be fortunate or less fortunate ones can be seen in public wearing sandals, jeans, or other informal attire. People slouch in chairs or lean against walls or furniture when they speak, instead of sitting or standing straight. Meanwhile, men in the Philippines must wear dark colors, and conservative business attire, while women must wear conservative skirts and blouses, or dresses. Use the person's academic, professional, or honorific titles and surnames until you are invited to use their first name, or more often, their nickname. Every time there is an occasion, you will be judged by the way you dress.

These are only some of the characteristic differences between the two countries based on the cultural context and the power of distance. That's why it's important to understand and respect the person we're talking to. We can't say that cultural diversity is a barrier so that we don't understand each other. Learn about different cultures, respect the difference!

That's it. Just drop your thoughts in the comment section below, would love to hear from you.

Thanks. Owe you big time!⁠♡

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