June 5, 2020- Week 7: Response to Culture and Psychology

Capiz (Roxas City is the capital) )is the seafood capital of the Philippines. The province of Capiz is located in the western part of the Visayas Region. Almost all kinds of seafood are found here. This place is ideal for seafood lovers because the local price is so affordable. Despite these beautiful and interesting things this place offers, a lot of people believed, especially the older generation, that this place is full of mythical creatures. This mindset has affected the tourism sector and the way other Filipino sub-groups treat Capizenos. Some tourists hesitate to visit here because they are afraid of seeing these flesh-eating creatures.     

Others thought that Capizenos are deceitful and cannibals. Some even call them “ASWANGS”.  Even at this present time, some Capizenos are hesitant to divulge where they came from. This is the best way to avoid discrimination and time in proving other people that they are not Aswangs!  

Before we settled back in Metro Manila, my family moved in and lived in Capiz for almost 20 years. I was only in preschool when I started hearing thee Aswang stories. The older people have told us to not play in remote places because the Aswangs might attack us. They made us believe that these creatures are everywhere and are disguised as normal people. If Aswangs captured us, we will become Aswangs too! For more than 20 years of being there, I never experienced or saw these creatures though some people testified that these Aswangs exist. If someone went missing, died, or got sick instantly, they blame it on the creatures. 

Sadly, I did believe these things until I was older enough to understand that these were just old stories. The peoples’ minds got influenced and poisoned by these old scary stories. A lot of people, even the locals, have testified that these creatures do exist. For me, they were just wild and scary imaginations. Unfortunately, because of these stories, a lot of Capizenos went through this irritating and very annoying question: Are you Aswang!?

Psychology in different cultures can impact the mindset of both locals and tourists. Good impressions can help the economy and local peoples’ cultural identity. However, false interpretations of folk stories can cause misunderstandings and conflicts. Everyone must carefully study and consider the facts first before believing and making a conclusion.

Now for ESL teachers, they too must be fully aware of the beliefs and values of their foreign students. If some beliefs need to be discussed, teachers should assist students in developing responsible critical thinking skills. In this type of activity, students could practice speaking in English while expressing their own cultural beliefs regarding the subject. Generally speaking, the human brain is very powerful. What we keep in mind could either destroy or develop one's identity.

June 3, 2020: Week 7 - Response to Differences in Manners

Social media has opened the windows of tourism in almost all parts of the world. In a few clicks, people can effortlessly book accommodations and go to beautiful places. Aside from exploring different places, tourists are also up to tasting local cuisines. Some even spend thousands of money and travel to remote places just to taste exotic foods. 

From where I live, we like to eat with our bare hands. We call it Kamayan. Kamayan restaurants and fast-food chains will not give eating utensils unless the guests request it. Here, guests are instructed to wash their hands and are given plastic hand gloves. As long as they can pay the bill, guests are free to eat using either hand. This dining experience may be pleasant for Filipinos, but this is objectionable in Arab countries  

The article about 13 Examples of Good and Bad Manners Around the World (Links to an external site.) wrote, “It is impolite to pass food or eat with the left hand. If you must know why, let's just say that, historically, people living in deserts didn't have access to toilet paper, so the left hand was used for "hygienic functions," then cleaned by rubbing it in the sand.” This is how these two cultures disagree. This may be appetizing for Filipinos or other Asian countries to eat with bare hands, but in Arab countries, it is a BIG NO to use the left hand. 

Like Food, building healthy relationships with other cultures is essential to our survival. Food can bridge us in understanding the different table manners in the world. Always observe the ways of locals and the people around us. It sounds so basic but very crucial in settling differences. Our table manners can either make or break the relationship. 

Similarly, understanding the differences in table manners can help ESL teachers adjust teaching methods, especially in how they should respond to students’ unique or weird behavior. It is important for teachers to truly observe and understand the culture of each student. Meeting them half-way could be a challenging task, but this will make students feel welcome and wanted in their class.

 

Week 7: June 3, 2020: Response to Cross-Cultural Students in the Classroom

"Whenever a student is from a different place or ethnic group or something does anything weird, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt." This statement from Brother Ivers of Brigham Young University-Idaho gave me a concrete understanding of how ESL teachers should deal with students' weird behavior. It's not weirdness, but it is the students' cultural paradigm...its who they truly are.

I grew up in the province and after serving a full-time mission, my family moved to Metro  Manila (this is the capital region of the Philipines). After a month, I was hired as a customer service agent by a Canadian TELCO company. I started my training class and there I experienced what cross-cultural classroom is. The ways of the people back in the province are different from the behavior of the people living in Metro Manila. In the province, we are tactful because we care about others' feelings.

I felt  I was I did not fit in the group during the first few days of our training. I am not pleased with how my co-trainees talk to each other. It's like they are nice and rude at the same time. I was culture-shocked and so disturbed because I am not used to hearing so much swearing in one day. So I decided to talk it out with my older sister. She just told me to ignore them and soon, I'll get used to it. And she was right. 

I was able to adjust because I focused on my co-trainees good attribute. I made friends with them and they even change their tone of voice when they talk to me. We are all unique in many ways and we should respect that. We should try to understand individual differences in culture, religion, race, and values. Don't judge too quickly and treat others the way we wanted to be treated in return. Despite our unique values and backgrounds, we can still live civilly together,

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May 30, 2020 Week 6: Response to Personal Space Differences

Space, everyone needs personal space! But how do different cultures define the space needed by a person? Let us see how personal space is determined according to circumstance, culture, and religion of an individual.

CIRCUMSTANCE

It was stated from our personal space reading assignment that each person has a portable personal space bubble. This bubble adjusts depending on the crowd or his circumstance. For example, compared to men, women talk a bit closer to each other. Another example is the situation we have because of the pandemic. No matter how close kins are, still, social distancing must be strictly observed. 

CULTURE

Courtship in the olden days has restrictions. My grandmother told me that it was in our Filipino culture that no matter how romantic your relationship is, it was forbidden to hold the lady's hand. Once a guy held a maiden's hand, he will then be obliged to marry her. It was considered immoral when a guy touches a lady's hand outside marriage. Some studies also proved that South Americans are not particular with personal space compared to Asians. Even in Arab countries, both foreigners and locals respect personal space. A big no to the public display of affection.

RELIGION

There is an article published in https://www.pri.org/people/iran-globalpost-correspondent saying, "Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, women have been prohibited from baring skin in public. Men and women are segregated in many places. There are different lines for airport security, and entrance to universities. Men and women have different reading rooms at the library. They pray separately in mosques and ride on separated sections of buses and metros. Even weddings are separate affairs, with women in one room and men in the other." The Islam religion determines the personal space between men and women. They religiously follow these laws to avoid charges and to preserve their women's right to personal space.

ESL CLASSROOM

Maintaining proper social spacing for students and teachers is crucial. Teachers should keep a friendly yet respectful ambiance in their classes. To do these, teachers should study the basic cultural background of foreign students. The more they are aware, the better they could give just attributions. 

May 30 2020 Week 6: Response to Attributional Tendencies

"Somboedy's got to take the blame!" or "the credits goes to..." are common phrases heard when people give attributions. These attributions are how people perceive and judge when good or bad things happen.

As human beings we are capable of cotrolling our thoughts and emotions. In this lifetime, we will have many decision making opportu ities. We would be in situations when we need to decide for ourselves and for others. We are free to choose our paths, but have no cotrol of the consequnce of our actions and decisions. Life is full of up and downs. So, who takes the blame and credits when these happen? Should our attribution internal (we take both blame and credits for ourselves) or external ( others should take the blame/credits)?

These types of attributions are seen around us because of the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic. We've seen how people judged the government policies and official. Some thought that the virus were sort of a biological weapon and the Chinese should be blamed for this! Some thought that the mother nature has cursed humanity for exploting the natural resouces. Others said that the virus mutated because we polluted the earth. Plus, news networks and social media posts had been blamming the government's incompetency in hadling the pandemic.

So, are these internal and external attributions about the pandemic fair? Will it be give us world peace if someone is going to take the blame and if yes, will this be the solution then? Sadly, these countless attributions had been influencing the society's personal and social outlook and will continue to poison our mind if we are careless with our own attribution.

Apparently, many countries raced to produce the covid-19 vaccine. A lot of promising inventions were provided to expedite the test and recovery of many patients. In fact, my sister and brother-in-law are beneficiaries of this inventions. I wonder though, would the attributions to give credits be external or internal for the people who could produce the most effective vaccine? I hope its both, for they all tirelessly worked and each made remarkable contribution in making these vaccines effective.

Now in the field of ESL education. Instructors should be patient and understanding to uncommon or even repeated behavior of students. Undesrtanding student's cause of behavior can help teachers effectively comminicate their students. Being fair is always better. 

Week 6 - 27 May 2020: Response to Individualism vs. Collectivism

Do security and economic status determine our society's individualism or collectivism? Why is collectivism common to low-income countries if the future is more promising to individuals who live independently? These are a few of the questions we ask when talking about individualism and collectivism culture. 

Countries like the United States of America and Canada are known for their self-reliant culture.  At an early stage, babies are trained to sleep in their rooms. As these kids grow older, they are trained and strongly encouraged to do things on their own. Their sense of independence will prepare them for college life and future careers. Individualism culture also helped them cultivate their unique talents and their right to decide for themselves. These countries are now known to be successful economically. They have also proved how prepared they are in protecting the rights of their citizens. Is it not evident that individualism has been and still is the reason why they are way more independent and successful than the other nations who believe in collectivism?

Diane Ravich's article "The Myth of Chinese Super School stated how collectivism dominates in the Philippines. She said, “Children are rarely allowed if at all, to do their own thing without the consent of their parents. Consultation with parents, older siblings, aunts, and uncles, or grandparents is always sought.” Well, I am from the Philippines and I believe what she stated is true to some points.

True because we have that very strong family bond. But sometimes strong family bonds hinder us from moving out. We fear to fail in doing things independently. This fear discourages us to live a new lifestyle or religion and be free to chase our dreams. We thought that working as a group will most likely give us the best results. Maybe these are the reasons why our economic progress is lower than the other neighboring countries. We have the culture of a need to get everyone's approval before saying YES! 

On the other hand, we now have younger generations known as “The Millennials”. This generation is open to changes and adventurous explorations because most of them are already aware of the western way of living. But their independent lifestyles are sometimes questioned by their families who are still living the old collectivist culture. They ask, "Why do you need to pay rent for your own place if you can live at your parents’ house for free!

In my opinion, there must be limits on all things. I admire how the Japanese become successful for having both cultures, for knowing when and where collectivism and individualism apply. Hence, we should do our best to be self-reliant so we could efficiently help the needy. Just like in ESL class, the teacher should be self-sufficient in preparing the lesson plan, so she can teach lessons that would develop each student’s ability to work independently and in groups.

 

 

Week 6: O5/26/2020 Response to Difference in Emotional Expressvity

Can dialects and accents influence our emotional expressivity? Let me start by showing how Filipinos' languages strongly influence their emotional expressivity.

Allow me to give you a brief "Wikipedia" this amazing country, The Philippines. The Republic of the Philippines is a beautiful archipelago located in the South East of Asia. This country has more than 7,000 islands and is using English and Tagalog as the unified language. Aside from Tagalog (their national language), the Philippines also have Bisaya, Ilocano, Bicolano, Waray, Tausug, Capampangan, Cebuano, and Pangasinan as its major dialects. Interestingly, each major dialects branches out to more than 70 local dialects.

From these major dialects, I would like to show how Ilonggo and Bisaya speakers' emotional expressivity differs. If a person is raced in the Ilonggo region, he is known for his "friendly" regional accent and a very appreciative Hispanic culture. Now for the neighboring Bisaya region. Bisaya people are known for their loudness and boldness. When they talk, you might think that they are in an argument. More or less Ilonggo visitors could experience a slight culture shock when they go to the Bisaya region. Their fast accent and boldness are only normal conversations. While, if Bisaya will encounter an angry Ilonggo, they might take it lightly because Ilonggos would still sound sweet and friendly, even when disappointed.

These regional accents can influence emotional expressivity. Though it is just natural, foreign accents could sound offensive and rude to some people. And some could sound very entertaining, that others would make fun with. So, whether you are a visitor or not, always consider studying the new culture before you judge.

This kind of scenario applies to ESL classes. Students come from different cultures and most likely will have strong regional accents or different ways of expressing themselves in public. Some students might be conscious to speak up and pronounce the English word because of their accent. Therefore, ESL teachers should know the background and become familiar with the basic local expressions to properly sense and address their students' emotions.

Week 5: May 24, 2020 Response to "Cultural Miscommunication"

HEY is a common and casual greeting used in western countries. It is an informal or slang way of saying Hi or Hello! Hey is also used when a person needs to attract attention. However, in some places, it is considered impolite to use hey as a greeting and should not be used in formal writings. So, how is this simple and seemingly harmless greeting causes cultural misunderstanding?

Years ago, we had an American visitor who greeted my mom by saying, “Hey, Sister!’’ My mom misunderstood that casual greeting and confronted our visitor. She told our American visitor that he was rude and impolite to call her hey! She frankly told him not to visit us again because he was disrespectful for calling her HEY! Our visitor was shocked! He then sincerely apologized and explained that he was just saying Hi to her and did not mean to be ill-mannered.

Simple phrases can be misinterpreted if people are not familiar with the culture and customs of other people. It is important to immediately settle the conflict or cultural differences by explaining oneself. It is safer to use formal and proper greetings if a visitor is new in the local society.

According to some people the affection or emotion gets intense when more Y’s are added to it. So be careful in how you send your HEYs. Therefore, the word hey has many forms, interpretations, and changes depending on the manner this word was conveyed.

As a future ESL teacher, it is significant to study different greetings. Moreover, ESL students should know the customs and cultures of the new place. They should be careful with their tone of voice and they better use formal greetings for first meetings. "The first impression lasts", so be careful with salutations.  Salutations could either make or break new connections.

Week 5: May 22, 2020 Response to "Cultural Differences Concerning Time"

Monochronic time is focused on obeying the rules to the letter, at all cost. On the other hand, Polychronic time gives high regard to preserving harmonious relationships and connections with others, even if some rules are compromised. Monochronic believes that "time is Gold," but Polychronic says connections and family is always the priority. M-time (Monochronic time) can help keep and maintain the standards of the society, but P-time (Polychronic time) can sometimes put career and safety at stake.

In my opinion, a person can both be aware and cautious about their polychronic and monochronic time. I would like to share my personal experience with how P-time and Me-time improved my health condition. My husband works as a programmer in the biggest hospital in our country. He is well acquainted with the hospital’s department heads, directors, and their staff. When I suffered from spine disease, my husband contacted the people that would help expedite my MRI, admission, and lab requests. I did not have to wait in lines anymore, all were done smoothly because of my husband's connection. The M-time here is: My husband maintained a good reputation as the hospital’s senior programmer. He is a mentor and a fix-it kind of person. Hence, all these good networks were fruits of him having the M-time at work and even at home. Though there are different views and opinions about the P and M-time, people can still follow the rules and be compassionate or considerate, with limitations, at the same time.

M-time and P-time have pros and cons when it comes to compliance with the rules, sociology, network, and relationship. If this is the case how, when, and where should this cultural difference in time be applicable. Which TIME can help us get a better career or save lives? Can a person be excused or be given some consideration for having P-time?

Now how will these cultural differences in time affect our ESL students? From what I have experienced as a second language learner, teachers should know the different cultures of their students so they would understand the students' behavior and values when it comes to time. Only then teachers will know how to deal and resolve the differences.

Week 5: May 20, 2020 Response to "Cultural Paradigms"

  

    Here in the Philippines, most classes start in June. This is the season when parents or students are shopping for new school wears and school supplies. Big discounts and special promotions are being offered by the malls and bookstores. Also, expect longer queues at the checkout counters, fast food chains, and even restrooms! But is this the best time to buy? Would you go out and suffer heavy traffic, because most people in the metro wanted to take advantage of the big sale!? Do we have to buy new stuff every school year or are there better ways to stay away from all these hustles and still get the "school ready" checklist done? In short, are we truly aware of when, where and when is the best time to do our "back to school" shopping?

    I must admit that I have enjoyed going to the mall and helped my mom choose my new backpack. New bags, shoes, supplies, even my socks were all new. Besides, my parents said that if I have new school uniforms and supplies, I'll be motivated to study well. Well, yes it did. New stuff gave me extra confidence and motivation not to be absent or late for school. I was very excited to go to school to show my friends the new stuff my parents bought for me.

    When I was in high school, my mother got so ill, and we spend a large sum of money to sustain her medical needs. During those trying times, my sisters and I learned and eventually got used to starting the school year reusing our old school shoes, backpacks, and some recycled school supplies too. Then I realized that not all parents are capable of providing new and complete school essentials, and I am still blessed that I was able to attend school despite our financial struggles.

    My life back then opened my eyes that it was not about the new, trendy, or refurbished stuff I had at school that mattered, but my dreams and future goals for myself and loved ones were the reasons why I pursued my education.

    Now, I am sending my kids to school. I am very particular with what, when, and where I should purchase their school needs. I can strongly recommend that shoppers should buy their back to school items during off-seasons or lean months. This saves me time because if I buy them during the sale, the 2 hour shopping time extends up to 5 hours or more, plus traffic. This means the savings from the discounts would just go to snacks and more expensive taxi fare. So, it is wiser to shop during slack days, when I can move comfortably around the shops, go home on time, and eat home-cooked meals (which I usually prepare before going out to shop).

These principles mentioned above are applicable in ESL classes. Expect that each student has unique values and characteristics. Teachers should be very sensitive and observant about the affective filters of their students and strive to resolve them as early as possible. Murasaki Shikibu said, "There is more here than meets the eye." Not all that we see people, even our closest kin, patronize and do are the best or even true. Hence, ESL teachers should take the time to prepare interesting teaching methods to meet their students' practical needs. Just like a wise shopper, teachers should carefully consider what, where, and when to teach the ESL lesson that would motivate their students to actively participate in the class.