Culture
STUDENT EXAMPLE
Intercultural Communications
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Terri’s comments:**This was a “C” outline – it has the basic components but it is not developed enough – sections are all very short and shallow – needs much more information!
The Philippines
Why did I choose The Philippines?
Have prior knowledge from time spent living there
To better understand the culture and some of my experiences had there
Geography
Archipelago
Made of 7107 islands
Only 2773 have names and only 1190 are inhabited (Gonzalez, 2001, 6)
Total area of land is comparable to the state of Arizona (Tope, 2002, 7)
Seasons
Tropical climate experiences both wet and dry seasons
Average number of typhoons every year is 21 (Tope, 2002, 13)
Wet/typhoon season occurs in the northeast from December to May while occurring from June to November in the southwest (Wee, 26, 1999, )
Heavy rain and winds contribute to flooding and mudslides
Climate
Hot and humid in the low lying areas
Milder cool temps in the mountains.
Population
The population is expected to reach over 130,000,000 in July of 2012 (Central Intelligence Agency)
Multiple ethnic groups under the classification of ‘Filipino’
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3%
Nearly 11.5 million people live within the City of Manila (Central Intelligence Agency)
Government
Full name is The Republic of The Philippines (Wee, 1999, 8)
Government type is Republic, but not always so
The Philippines have been ruled by many nations which have led to a very mixed pot of cultures.
Was under Japanese occupancy during WWII (Wee, 1999, 8)
In 1946, gained full independence and maintained a Republican government until 1964.
Communist insurgents take over; in 1972 Ferdinand Marcos assumes presidency and dictator for the nation.
In 1986 Marcos is beat out for the presidency and flees the nation; freedom ever since.
Local districts are called Barangays and are headed by a mayor (Tope, 30, 2002)
Implements policies at the township level (Tope, 30, 2002)
Supports the youth with scholarships for the poor (Tope, 30, 2002)
Religion
First and only ‘Christian’ Nation in Southeast Asia
The most commonly practiced religion is Roman Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century by Ferdinand Magellen. (Wee, 1999, 55)
83% of the population is Catholic (Wee, 1999, 55)
Many cults have risen in popularity over the years
Iglasia Ni Christo
Jehovah’s Witness
The Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
Islam was introduced to the Philippines over 200 years before Christianity (Wee, 1999, 57)
Predominately contained in the southern regions of Mindanao (Wee, 1999, 57)
Population is only at about 4% Muslim (Wee, 1999, 57)
Holidays
Lent and Holy Week are major celebrations
During the Lenten season, numerous Passion Plays are performed (Mendoza, 1999, 12)
Holy week is celebrated for an entire week rather than just Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
It is not uncommon to see shirtless men beating themselves as an act of panata (Tope, 2002, 108)
Christmas celebrations
Not unlike North American celebration of Christmas
Mass at 4 am for the 9 days leading up to Christmas day (Mendoza, 1999, 20)
Gifts are exchanged with friends and family (Mendoza, 1999, 20)
Feast of the Three Kings held post Christmas (Mendoza, 1999, 23)
Colorful Fiestas
Ati-Atihan celebrates friendship between the Negritos and Malay datus. (Wee, 1999, 88)
3 day celebration of Ati-Atihan, Santo Nino, and the harvest thanksgiving (Wee, 1999, 89)
Colorful headdresses are worn and ‘warriors’ cover themselves from head to toe in soot (Wee, 1999, 90)
Feast of the Black Nazarene (Wee, 1999, 90)
Every January 9th, male devotees carry a life-sized statue of Christ out of the Quiapo Church in Manila (Wee, 1999, 90)
The statue is believed to have miraculous powers and people try to touch it as it passes by.
At the end of the day, the statue is returned to it’s shrine in the Church (Wee, 1999, 91)
Bibliography
Books:
Wee, J. (1999). Major World Nations: Philippines. Pennsylvania: Chelsea House Publishers.
Mendoza, L. (1999). Philippines. Wisconsin: Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Tope, L.R.R, & Nonan-Mercado, D.P. (2002). Cultures of the World: Philippines. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
Gonzales III, J.L. (2001). Countries of the World: Philippines. Wisconsin: Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Online:
Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. Retrieved February 23, 2012, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html
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