English Accents

a. From the video that I just watched, I learned that there were loads of English accents around the world and it also depends upon the speaker’s voice, accent and speech patterns and rhythms. Well, Americans and the British clearly speak the same language, but there are still differences. According to my observations, Americans usually pronounce every “r” in a word, while the British tend to only pronounce the “r” when it’s the first letter of a word. There are some words that the other side can’t pronounce while the others can. British people and American people can always understand each other – but there are a few notable differences between British English and
American English. Some words have different meanings, although they pronounced it the same but on the other side it has different meaning. English does not have different pronouns for addressing others in different registers. The video elaborated how the English accent of British is pronounced differently from American and also this is not only for the American and British accents because there are wide varieties of English accents around the world.  In order for us to fully understand the language, we should try to listen to different accents as much as possible just like on the video. I’m not saying that one accent is better or worse than any other, but it’s cool and fun to hear how somebody speaks differently, even though they’re using the same language. We should always remember that we should respect our differences for we could learn from it.

b.  English is the most widely spoken language in the United States and is the common language used by the federal government. British English is the standard dialect of English language as spoken and written in the United Kingdom. English has always been one of the official languages of the Philippines and is spoken by more than 14 million Filipinos. It is considered as a major subject and is taught in the Philippines from grade one to college and is the medium of instructions in many schools.  It is the language of commerce and law, as well as the primary medium of instruction in education. English is widely spoken and is the primary language in business communication. It is the official language of many countries and spoken by around million people across the globe. Being able to speak English is not just about being able to communicate with native English speakers; it is the most common second language in the world. Through proper knowledge in English it helps a country to be more globally competitive.

c.        

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1.      I enjoy listening to people from other cultures	ü
2.      I am aware that I can offend the feelings of people belonging to other linguistic and cultural environments.	ü
3.      I apologize whenever I hurt the feelings of people from other cultures.	ü
4.      I insist on my own views and beliefs even if I am aware that cultures vary significantly.			ü
5.      I go out of my way to adjust to the culture of other people.	ü
6.      I am aware that no culture is superior or inferior.	ü
7.      I am aware that all linguistic and cultural environments are equal.	ü
8.      I am aware that all linguistic and cultural environments should be respected.	ü
9.      I can easily shift from one language register to another when speaking depending on the communication situation.		ü
10.  I can easily shift from one language register to another when writing depending on the kind of readers that I have.	ü

Language Registers

a. Define language registers and how are these used. 

Language Register is the level and style of the speaker’s words. It should be appropriate for the situation you are in. The language register involves the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in your writing and speaking. We use different language registers for different types of writing depends upon the person we are talking with. For instance, the language you use when talking to your friends is not the same language you would use when meeting someone as important as the President Duterte.  Should also consider about the words you choose, your tone of voice, even your body language. There are formal and informal registers in spoken and written language. There are also varieties of informal registers. Informal language occurs between people who know each other well and who speak without trying to be 'proper'. Sometimes this includes speaking in slang and other times it's simply a more casual delivery. There are five distinct language registers, the Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual and Intimate Register. Frozen Register is intended to remain unchanged, like a constitution or prayer. The Formal Register is impersonal and often follows a prescriptive format. The speaker uses complete sentences, avoids slang and may use technical or academic vocabulary. It is likely that the speaker will use fewer contractions, but opt instead for complete words. Consultative Register used when consulting an expert such as a doctor.  People use this register often in conversation when they're speaking with someone who has specialized knowledge or who is offering advice. The Casual Register is conversational in tone. It is the language used among and between friends. Words are general, rather than technical. This register may include more slang and colloquialism. While the Intimate Register is usually used between only two people and often in private.

b. Give your view/opinion regarding the article you have just read.

The article that I have just read really helped me to gain more knowledge about language registers and what are some considerations to do when we talk to different people. It gives us proper learning regarding to our communication skills. It gives us ideas about language registers. I believe that the one who communicates well doesn’t only know how to communicate but also had the knowledge on the Language Registers. It is impressive and adds formality to us depending upon the situation and the one we are speaking with. I, as a student, was so fortunate that I have read this article because it will really give me benefits in speaking and writing especially when I write, applying jobs and for my future career.

Intercultural Communication

Define Intercultural Communication. 

Intercultural Communication is the verbal and nonverbal interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds to communicate or share information. It also requires an understanding that different cultures have different customs, standards, social mores, and even thought patterns. A person who has good intercultural communication skills has willingness to accept differences from others and adapt to them.

1. Have you been immersed in a foreign land or culture? As a result of this experience, what changes has it brought to you?

I have been immersed in a foreign land near our province for 4 days and it really gave me an amazing experience. Of course, they have different culture and language. I can’t speak their language but luckily I can understand them because I’m an Aklanon who is flexible in other Bisaya dialects. I talked to them using the Filipino language so that we could talk each other comfortably and understand each other. It made me realize how so much important our very own Filipino Language is. 

2. How can you become more intercultural without having to immerse first – hand in a foreign culture?

Without having to immerse first – hand in a foreign culture we can still become more intercultural by the help of technology. We’re now living in the modern world where it provides everything to us. We can search or find any places around the world and know more everything about it. Whatever we want to learn, wherever we want to go we can see it and learn it.

3. Has there been a time when you have offended someone of a different linguistic and cultural background? What was the situation? How was the conflict resolved?

I don’t know if she got offended. It was in our classroom when where talking in a group, suddenly our classmate from other province spoke on their own language and I eventually laughed hearing it. One of my classmate told me to not be like that but in a joke way and not only me who laughed at those times. I think there was no any conflict happened because we’re both flexible people and knowing that the one who came from the other province is also flexible too. She’s a person who doesn’t treat it seriously knowing that we are not serious also. We know to each other that it is fun hearing new words came from the person who has different language; we understand each other and still learning new things from them also they’re learning from us.

4. What factors can increase your effectiveness in communicating with people from other cultures?

In communicating with people from other cultures, it has factors in order for us to be a good communicator. First is the cultural factor, we should understand first the cultural distinctions across the world and know what culture you’re in to. Interact with them respectfully and learn from each other.  Second is the self – awareness, be aware of how you act around people: some jokes, words, expressions or phrases may be offensive to people with a different background from you. We should keep our mind open at all times to avoid conflicts. Lastly, the experience, be a learner and observant. Try to experience different cultures.  Traveling is the best way to inspire curiosity about other cultures but you can also have exposure to different cultures by starting to visit different places near you . You can also join social groups for international professionals or even attend plays, art museums or watch movies that are from another culture. Increase the variety of cultures that you encounter in your daily life.

5. Using the Scale below, how would you rate yourself as an intercultural communication? Why?

Excellent = 4; Good = 3; Fair = 2; Poor = 1

I will rate myself as Good in Intercultural Communication because I understand that different cultures have different customs, standards, and even thought patterns. I accept differences and learning how to adapt to them.