Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings — Study Notes

College: Emilio Aguinaldo College, Cavite (Emilio Aguinaldo College)
Lesson: 2 — Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings
Visual cues of multilingual reach: حبا !, HOLA!, 您好!, हलो!, ПРИВЕТ!, HELLO! (demonstrating linguistic diversity)
Core values displayed: VIRTUE, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE

1) Explain how cultural and global issues affect communication;
2) Appreciate the impact of communication on society and the world;
3) Determine culturally appropriate terms, expressions and images;
4) Adopt cultural and intercultural awareness and sensitivity in communicating ideas.

Nickey Gumbel (RelationshipHub.net): A lot of problems in the world would be solved if we talked to each other instead of about each other.
Be silent, or say something better than silence — attributed to Pythagoras (listed on RelationshipHub.net)

Goodman and Beltran (2014) argue that every student should study abroad because learning how to interact with people from other countries and cultures equips future leaders in all sectors to address urgent issues shared across borders (par. 4).
This point emphasizes cross-cultural interaction as a means to develop leadership and global problem-solving abilities.
Scientific note in the text: according to science, each person is genetically unique.
Except for identical twins, each person has a unique genetic composition.

The uniqueness of individuals is heightened by personal experiences.
Humans are formed by forces other than genetics:
- Family background
- Religious affiliations
- Educational achievement
- Socio-cultural forces
- Economic conditions
- Emotional states
- and other factors
Consequently, no two people are exactly the same. This diversity impacts communication.

The diversity of people and cultures impacts communication.
People interacting with those from unfamiliar cultures may have difficulties in communication.
A common tendency is to conclude that miscommunication results from a speaker’s lack of proficiency in a language.
What is not realized is that even with excellent language skills, people may still experience miscommunication.
How then do we approach intercultural communication? (Prompt for reflection)

The reading text originates from The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and discusses intercultural communication.
Before reading, look up the meanings of the following terms:
- Take for granted
- cultural overtones
- Cultural biases
- durable bond
- Domestic workforces
- grossly disloyal
- Quick definitions:
- Take for granted: to assume something is true without questioning it.
- Cultural overtones: implicit cultural associations or implications.
- Cultural biases: prejudices or predispositions rooted in culture.
- Durable bond: a long-lasting connection.
- Domestic workforces: workers employed within a country (or within the domestic sphere).
- Grossly disloyal: extremely disloyal.
Conceptual note: The reading invites readers to analyze intercultural communication through terms that highlight implicit cultural narratives, loyalties, and local versus global labor contexts.

Identity can be viewed as a combination of genetics and experience:
\text{Identity} = \text{Genetics} + \text{Experiences} + \text{Environment}
Except for identical twins, each person has a unique genetic makeup, and this uniqueness interacts with experiences and environments to shape how one communicates.
This model helps explain why people from different backgrounds may interpret messages differently even when using the same language.

Given diversity, intercultural communication requires awareness beyond grammar and vocabulary.
Strategies include recognizing cultural biases, asking clarifying questions, and adapting expressions to be culturally respectful.
When communicating ideas, select terms and images that avoid reinforcing stereotypes or biases and that reflect intercultural sensitivity.

Links to global citizenship, cross-cultural respect, and ethical communication in professional and educational settings.
Relevance to multinational teams, international education, and global leadership development.

Reading source: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Institution branding and course context (Emilio Aguinaldo College, Cavite) emphasize virtue, excellence, and service as guiding values.
Edition reference in the course materials: Rev.03, dated 03.07.2024 (QF-PQM-051)

The lesson emphasizes that effective intercultural communication arises from understanding both linguistic proficiency and cultural context.
Encourages ongoing learning, cultural humility, and proactive engagement with diverse communities to solve shared global issues.