Communication in Multicultural and Academic Contexts

Culture

Beliefs, behaviors, language, and material objects defining a way of life.

Semantics

Words have different meanings.

Connotations

Words imply different things.

Tone

Varies in formality by culture.

Conflict resolution: Individualist

Direct, prefers apologies.

Conflict resolution: Collectivist

Indirect, avoids confrontation.

Culturally Appropriate Communication

Expressions & Terms - Must be respectful of cultural values and beliefs.

Sensitivity Areas

Gender roles, eye contact, gestures, touch, posture, time, space, smell.

Gender Communication Differences: Men

Report talk, Direct advice, Less sensitive to non-verbal cues.

Gender Communication Differences: Women

Rapport talk, Indirect advice, More sensitive to non-verbal cues.

Nonverbal Cues & Behaviors

Facial expressions, eye contact, gestures (thumbs up, bowing), touch, posture, punctuality, body odor perception.

Kachru's Three Circles of English: Inner Circle

Native speakers.

Kachru's Three Circles of English: Outer Circle

Second-language users (e.g., Philippines).

Kachru's Three Circles of English: Expanding Circle

Learners in EFL settings.

Levels of Usage

Slang, Provincial, Barbaric, Colloquial, Technical, Literary.

Dialect

Local form of a language.

Social Dialect

Based on age, class, gender.

Regional Dialect

Based on location.

Registers of Language: Formal

Academic, legal, professional.

Registers of Language: Informal

Casual conversations.

Registers of Language: Neutral

Objective and factual (e.g., manuals).

Texting

Sending short written messages via mobile phones.

Types of Texts: Instructive

Teach how to do something.

Types of Texts: Descriptive

Creates mental imagery.

Types of Texts: Informative

Shares facts or updates.

Types of Texts: Persuasive

Aims to influence reader's actions or beliefs.

Evaluating Text Messages

Simplicity, Specificity, Structure, Consistency.

Evaluating Images

Visual analysis, Context and source credibility, Technical quality (clarity, composition, etc.).

Presenting to Inform

Purpose: Create curiosity, help understanding, improve memory, enable application.

Helping Audiences Remember

Use repetition, summaries, key points, Use primacy/recency effect (start and end strong).

Persuasive Messages

Purpose: Influence beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

Persuasive Tools

Facts, Values, Policy Focus, Problem-Solution Structure, Monroe's Motivated Sequence: Attention → Need → Satisfaction → Visualization → Action.

Ethics in Persuasion

Be honest, credible, respectful, Avoid logical fallacies.

Argumentation (Toulmin Model)

Claim - Main point, Grounds - Evidence, Warrant - Reasoning, Backing - Additional support, Qualifier - Limits of the claim, Rebuttal - Counterarguments.

Common Logical Fallacies: Ad Hominem

Attacking the person.

Common Logical Fallacies: Red Herring

Distraction.

Common Logical Fallacies: Post Hoc

False causality.

Common Logical Fallacies: Straw Man

Misrepresenting arguments.

Common Logical Fallacies: Slippery Slope

Over-exaggeration.

Common Logical Fallacies: Appeal to Popularity/Authority

Misused support.

Academic Writing

Formal, logical, and evidence-based.

Features of Academic Papers

Structured format with thesis, facts, arguments, Includes citations and formal tone.

Types of Academic Papers: Feasibility Study

Tests if a project is viable, Steps: Define scope → Collect data → Analyze → Recommend action.

Types of Academic Papers: Critical Analysis

Evaluate and interpret a work (not just summarize), Steps: Identify argument → Analyze structure → Provide evaluation.

Types of Academic Papers: Literature Review

Summarizes and synthesizes existing research, Highlights gaps, trends, and supports new research.

Types of Academic Papers: Book Report

Summarizes book content + reader's response, Includes citation, plot/theme, key ideas, evaluation.

Types of Academic Papers: Position Paper

Presents an arguable stance on an issue, Includes research, personal view, and possible directions.

Final Study Tips

Understand context in communication (culture, setting, audience), Use clear, structured, and respectful language, Practice critical thinking and ethical persuasion, Master academic formats and use solid evidence.