Aguado, Emma Angelica B.
Topic 2: Deepening and Synthesis – Situate Yourself and Barrier Solution
Deepening Activity – Situate Yourself
First Scenario: Cultural Differences
Alex spend her entire summer in South Korea. She has made friends there since her older sister
is residing there. One of her friends, is Ian, they became close because he was good in speaking
in English. One night after they hang out with their friends, Ian ask her to come over to his
house and eat ramen. She responded with an obvious excitement because it is a great timing
that she was craving for ramen. When they arrive at Ian’s apartment, he immediately grabbed
her aggressively and kissed her. She responded shocked and pushed Ian away. Confusion and
embarrassment were written in their both eyes. Ian apologized to her and explained how he
mistook her affectionate gestures towards him. He also thought that they want the same thing
since she agreed to eat ramen with him late at night.
Explanation:
Communication barrier is evident between Ian and Alex because of their cultural differences.
Alex sends a wrong signal that portrays that she was interested in Ian. On the other hand, Ian
sends a simple question that hides his true intention and assume that Alex grasp the meaning.
Second Scenario: Physical Barrier
Jean’s mother and father were divorced five years ago. She was with her dad living in a small
town for the last five years. Her mother is a news anchor and lives in the city. She misses her
mom so much and always send her a text message. For the past five years she never missed a
single day without sending her a message. Her father wants her to stop chasing for her mom,
but she could not help it. During her graduation, she received a text message from her mother
congratulating her. Because of her excitement, she decided to find her mom in their old
residence. She realized that living in a city makes her wanted to stay with her mom as she
watches the city lights in awe. When she arrived at her old house, she saw her pregnant mother
with another guy grilling pork in their front yard. Ignoring a pang of jealousy, she called her
mom and waved a smile. Her mother ignored her as if she was a stranger mistakenly calling her.
She stepped out of their sight and cry. She watches her mother taking pictures of them happily.
All of a sudden, she doubted that she is the one that sent her a text message earlier. She dialed
her number and as she was expecting their taking selfies never interrupt by a single call. She
was dumbfounded by the how a single text set her hopes high without confirming if it was from
her mom.
Explanation:
Physical barrier in communication is the main culprit between Jean and her mother. There’s a
third person involved wherein he/she is the main reason for misleading Jean. The third person
took the message when it is not meant for her/him making the message failed to deliver to the
receiver and respond as a receiver.
Third Scenario: Semantic Barrier
Kathleen invited her friends to their house. They were laughing and talking loudly because they
are watching a comedy series on Netflix. Her friends left, leaving her with her mom. Her mom
called her in the kitchen and nag about her saying bad words. Her mom thought that the “LOL”
she always said earlier is a shortened form of a bad word omitting the first letter “u”. In her
defense, she explained that it was not a bad word it was an abbreviation of laugh out loud.
Explanation:
The misunderstanding above is common between the young and old generation. The barrier
that present between Kathleen and her mom is the word “LOL”. Both of them have a different
interpretation of what the word meant that caused the mother to misunderstand her daughter.
Closure Synthesis – Barrier Solution
First Scenario: Cultural Differences
Cultural differences among peers is common because of the increasing number of migrating
families around the world. Traveling as a trend is also another factor, just like how Alex
experienced it in Korea. To avoid miscommunication due to cultural differences, Alex must have
researched or observe how the culture and customs of Koreans. She must also be cautious in
her actions towards the people there. And lastly, she must have been more attentive in her
surroundings, including the people around her.
Second Scenario: Physical Barrier
Jean situation is not fully driven by a physical barrier. It also involves her own judgment and
decision. The third person may be liable for robbing her messages and deceiving her, but it will
not be going to happen if she thinks before taking an action. She can avoid it if she confirmed if
it was really her mother. Five years without any response is doubtful, she must consider all the
possibilities that may happen within all those years.
Third Scenario: Semantic Barrier
The third scenario was a minor miscommunication. The solution may simply take place right at
the time when Kathleen was being scolded by her mom. She can explain the what “Lol” means
politely. On the other side, her mother must not make a speculation in the first place if she is
being unsure of the meaning. Creating a common understanding of words between them will
help them to eliminate such barrier, they must have to be curious, ask good questions, and
respect.
