Notes on Language Variation and Global Communication (Video 4)

  • Language variation is shaped by local culture and global context
    • Local: bonds among fellow nationals (e.g., Filipinos) influence how we speak
    • Global: accommodation of other cultures; language as a bridge in cross-cultural interaction
  • Spoken vs written language: time as a key factor
    • Spoken: real-time processing; easier with recordings to replay and digest later
    • Written: more time to analyze; availability of print, hard copy, or online hypertext
    • In public Speaking vs manuscript reading, time constraints affect understanding and clarity
  • Everyday vs specialized discourses (local and global)
    • Local everyday written: neighborhood posters, small business promos (work-from-home context, sideline ventures)
    • Local everyday oral: casual, day-to-day talk within community
    • Local specialized written: LGU/public health communications, targeted public advisories (e.g., vaccination, vulnerable groups)
    • Local specialized oral: environment-based jargon used in local workplaces or institutions
    • Global everyday written: international newspapers/magazines (online or paid)
    • Global everyday oral: cross-national casual talk (Zoom calls, off-duty chats)
    • Global specialized written: research publications and reputable websites
    • Global specialized oral: international conventions/conferences/webinars; online formats ease scheduling and logistics
  • Globalization and communication skills
    • Globalization and cross-cultural interaction drive demand for adaptable communication
    • ASEAN 2015 signatory status influences graduates to be globally ready
    • Long-distance collaboration requires understanding of culture, manners of speaking, and body language
    • Technology enables faster global communication; adapt to new platforms and audiences
  • Time zones and standardization in meetings
    • Establish a standard world time reference (e.g., Bangkok Time, Philippine Standard Time, US time zones)
    • Be explicit about which time zone is used to avoid confusion
  • Generations and digital literacy landscape
    • Generations: Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z; terms include:
    • Screenager (Rushkoff, 1997)
    • Digital native vs digital immigrant (Prensky, 2001)
    • Generation Me (Twenge, 2006)
    • Generation C (Strauss & Howe, 2006)
    • Social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, blogs, etc.
  • Top skills for the future (OECD / World Economic Forum, 2020)
    • Complex problem solving
    • Critical thinking
    • Creativity
    • People management
    • Coordinating with others
    • Emotional intelligence
    • Judgement and decision making
    • Service orientation
    • Negotiation
    • Cognitive flexibility
  • Lifelong learning framework and institutional framing
    • Lifelong learning: learning is responsive to change; context matters; learning to learn
    • Skills to mobilize an individual’s ability to learn; intersectoral policy places individuals at the center
    • University context: Seal of Thomasian Educators foregrounds lifelong learning as a graduate attribute
    • Why: clear motivation makes the how easier; learning is a response to changing needs
  • Padagogy Wheel (version 5) and the focus on learning skills
    • Core idea: tools (apps) are for learning; focus on developing learning skills
    • Sequence from inner to outer: remember → understand → apply → analyze → evaluate → create
    • If you had more opportunity to develop these skills and technologies, you would increase learning outcomes
    • Principle: to whom much is given, much is expected; lifelong learning enables high performance (analogy to athletes)
  • Howard Gardner and the five minds for the future (Project Zero)
    • The five minds: disciplined, synthesizing, creative, respectful, ethical
    • Central emphasis: synthesizing mind is foundational because it enables the development of the other four
  • Practical takeaways
    • Continuous upgrade of skills is essential; there is no final state of being “made”
    • Be mindful of recorded communications (speech and body language) as future records can be traced
    • In global virtual settings, manage time zones effectively and communicate with clarity
    • Embrace deliberate practice toward generativity (contributing beyond self) and service learning