Mastering Culturally Appropriate Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Strategies for Global Interaction
Explore verbal and non-verbal communication norms across cultures, intercultural sensitivity, and strategies for effective global communication in diverse cultural contexts.
Communication Beyond Words
Welcometo Session 2 of our English
Grade 11 series on communication
strategies. Today, we explore how culture
shapes both what we say and how we
move. Understanding these nuances is
key to becoming a successful global
communicator.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 1
3.
Today's Learning Goals
1.Contrast verbal and non-verbal norms
across cultures. 2. Determine appropriate
responses for cross-cultural scenarios. 3.
Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity
through role-play.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 2
4.
Global Greeting Check-in
Thinkback to our entry activity. How
many different ways can we say hello
without using the same gesture twice?
Examples: The Wai (Thailand), The Bow
(Japan), The Handshake (Western), The
Hongi (Maori).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 3
5.
The Danger ofUniversal Gestures
What does this mean? The OK sign,
Thumbs Up, and V-Sign. In the US, they
mean 'Great' or 'Victory'. Elsewhere: The
OK sign is an insult in Brazil. The Thumbs
Up is offensive in parts of the Middle East.
The V-sign (palms in) is an insult in the UK
and Australia.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 4
6.
High-Context vs. Low-ContextCultures
Low-Context (e.g., USA, Germany):
Communication is explicit, direct, and
literal. Meaning is in the words. High-
Context (e.g., Japan, Philippines):
Communication is indirect. Meaning relies
on the setting, relationship, and non-
verbal cues.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 5
7.
Verbal Strategies: Honorificsand Speech
The use of 'Po' and 'Opo' in the
Philippines. Formal vs. Informal address
(Tú vs. Usted in Spanish). Directness vs.
Saving Face: Is it better to be honest or to
be polite?
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 6
8.
Non-Verbal Strategies: Spaceand Silence
Proxemics: High-contact (Latin America,
Mediterranean) vs. Low-contact cultures
(Northern Europe, East Asia). Silence: A
sign of agreement, reflection, or
awkwardness? Eye Contact: Respectful vs.
Aggressive.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 7
9.
Critical Incident: TheMisunderstanding
Scenario: A manager from New York tells
an employee from Kyoto, 'Your proposal
was interesting, but we might need to
look at other options.' The manager thinks
they said 'No.' The employee thinks it's
still being considered. What went wrong?
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 8
10.
Intercultural Communicative Competence(ICC)
ICC is the ability to understand and adapt
to different cultural communication
norms effectively. It involves: 1. Curiosity,
2. Openness, 3. Knowledge of others, 4.
Discovery and interaction skills.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 9
11.
Formative Assessment: Part1
1. Identify the term: A culture where
communication is often indirect and relies
heavily on context and non-verbal cues.
(Answer: High-Context Culture). 2.
Identify the term: The verbal strategy
used in the Philippines to show respect to
elders. (Answer: Honorifics).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 10
12.
Formative Assessment: Part2
3. Identify the term: A culture where
communication is explicit, direct, and
literal. (Answer: Low-Context Culture). 4.
Identify the concept: The ability to
understand and adapt to different cultural
communication norms effectively.
(Answer: ICC / Cultural Intelligence). 5.
Identify the behavior: Maintaining intense
eye contact is often seen as aggression in
many ______ cultures. (Answer:
Asian/Eastern).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 11
13.
Empathize: Our GlobalResponsibility
Why is it our responsibility to learn these
strategies? Inclusivity: Making others feel
seen and respected. Respect: Valuing
diversity over 'sameness'. Global
Citizenship: Thriving in a connected world.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 12
14.
Final Task: GlobalCommunication Tip
Create a 'Global Communication Tip' for
social media. Example: 'Before you give a
thumbs up abroad, check the local
meaning! #GlobalCitizen #ICC'. Share your
tip with the class.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 13
Editor's Notes
#1 Welcome the class. Today's topic is Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies (Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal and Non-Verbal Strategies
.
#2 Good morning, class! Today, we are bridging the gap between simply speaking a language and truly communicating. We will be looking at Lesson 9 and 10 together, focusing on how our cultural backgrounds influence our non-verbal cues and verbal choices. By the end of this session, you will be able to navigate cross-cultural scenarios with sensitivity and respect. Let's get started!
#3 Our goals today are practical. We aren't just learning definitions; we are learning how to avoid misunderstandings. We will contrast different norms, solve real-world communication 'incidents', and eventually practice these skills through role-play. Think of this as your toolkit for global citizenship.
#4 As you entered, we practiced several greetings. Why do we do this? Because a greeting is the first 'code' we send. If you walk into a meeting in Tokyo and try to give a high-five, you've sent a message before you've even opened your mouth. How did it feel to perform a greeting that isn't your 'native' one? Was it awkward? That feeling is the first step toward cultural awareness.
#5 Look at these images. To many of us, these are positive. But symbols are not universal. The OK sign, which we use to mean 'perfect', can be a grave insult in Brazil. A thumbs up can be as offensive as a middle finger in parts of West Africa or Iran. This is why we must move beyond our own 'bubble' and realize that our 'normal' might be someone else's 'rude'.
#6 One of the most important concepts in ICC is Context. In Low-Context cultures, people say exactly what they mean. If they say 'No,' it means no. In High-Context cultures, like here in the Philippines or in Japan, 'Yes' might actually mean 'I'm listening' or 'Maybe,' depending on the situation. Understanding this helps you avoid being seen as 'too blunt' or 'too vague'.
#7 Verbal strategies aren't just about grammar. In the Philippines, honorifics like 'Po' and 'Opo' are essential for showing respect. Many languages have 'formal' versions of the word 'you'. When we communicate across cultures, we must decide: is this a moment for direct honesty, or is it a moment to 'save face' for the other person? In many Asian cultures, preserving the group harmony is more important than being blunt.
#8 Non-verbal strategies include how close we stand to someone. Have you ever stepped back because someone stood too close? They might be from a high-contact culture. Also, consider silence. In the West, silence is often seen as 'dead air' that needs to be filled. In many Eastern cultures, silence is a sign of deep thought and respect. Don't rush to fill the quiet!
#9 Let's diagnose this 'Critical Incident.' The New Yorker was trying to be 'polite' by not saying a hard 'No,' but used a Low-Context style. The Kyoto employee, used to reading between the lines, took 'interesting' as a compliment. This is a classic breakdown in Intercultural Communicative Competence. How would you fix this interaction to ensure both sides understand?
#10 This leads us to our core concept: ICC. It’s not about knowing every rule for every country. It's about having the 'Cultural Intelligence' to observe, stay curious, and adapt. It's about realizing that your way isn't the 'only' way—it's just 'one' way. This is a superpower in the modern workplace.
#11 Let's check our understanding. Who can tell me the term for a culture that relies on 'reading between the lines'? Correct, High-Context. And what do we call words like 'Po' and 'Opo'? Yes, honorifics. These are simple terms that describe very deep cultural behaviors.
#12 Continuing our quiz: If someone is very literal and blunt, what context are they likely from? Low-context. What is the overall name for the skill we are learning today? ICC. And finally, where might intense eye contact be seen as a challenge or disrespectful rather than a sign of honesty? Generally, in many Asian or Eastern cultures. Great job, everyone!
#13 As we close, let's think about the 'Why'. Why not just expect everyone to speak like us? Because communication is an act of love and respect. When you take the time to learn someone else's norms, you are saying 'I value you.' In a diverse country like ours and a globalized world, this is how we build peace and successful partnerships.
#14 Your final task is to turn what you learned into action. Write a short, punchy communication tip that you would share on your social media. It should promote sensitivity and awareness. Let's hear a few examples before we head out. Thank you for your engagement today—go out and communicate with heart and mind!