I have stayed in Cebu, Philippines for over 17 years and have worked with Filipinos all the time. Also, since I came here alone, I got married here for 15 years. We have two daughters, the eldest daughter and the eldest son, with his wife (Filipino). Under such circumstances, for me, working with foreigners and communicating with them are everyday, and it is a matter of course, but my working environment is in a Japanese company and the functions I expect In general, it will be the coordination between the Japanese side and the local Futaf (Filipino), so every day I am working while feeling the difference and gap between Japan and the Philippines.
Language and people
Linguistic environment in Philippines
The Philippines is generally Filipino (standard language based on Tagalog), English, and local dialects (although dialects generally differ between Japanese and Korean). I was originally a so-called ‘English shop’ (I’m okay with English and I used to use this skill for work) so communication with local staff is basically English, sometimes with local language (Visayan).
How to interact with the Philippines or Filipino
Now, I think that the cases of relationships with the Philippines or Filipinos have become diversified in recent years. There are some cases as shown below.
1.English learning (including both online English conversation and studying abroad)
2.Work (as a local entrepreneur, trade partner)
3.International marriage
4.Sightseeing
I think it’s briefly summarized in the above four points. In my case, as mentioned in the self-introduction, this applies to 2) and 3) above. Also, when it comes to work relationships.
1.Business trip
2.Living in other country to work
3.Living in other country permanently
… and 1) to 3) above. The larger the number, the longer the period of stay here.
However, in all cases, there is that level of problem, but if you can communicate well, it’s okay.
Good communication with Philippines
So far, I’ve found two tips to make communication great.
1.Linguistic skills
2.Understanding of culture, atmosphere, tradition, religious… social environment
This is just an example for communication with Philippines.
（A = me, B = shop keeper）
A “I’d like to have one Cheesy Eggdesal with coffee to go”
B “What drink?”
A “Coffee.”
B “For dining?”
A “To go.”
It’s like a comedy, right!?
In short, when I first place the order, the clerk side (ordering side) says all the information necessary for the clerk side, but the clerk side can only catch the product name and follow the manual. There is only a single response … that is, conversation isn’t working well. And this is not a special case, and in all other situations, perhaps more than half of the Filipinos do the same thing as the clerk B above.
It’s important to get used to the culture
Be creative for communication
Now, there is a reason to break up the case like this, and there are things like the above in every aspect of life and work here (in other words, this is, It is to explain that if you do not get used to it, understand it, and take corrective measures, it will cause great stress on the Japanese side.
For example, even in a situation where I ask a Filipino employee to do something or give a business order at my place of work, if the content is a little complicated, Although it depends, it is common to first provide an overview and ask for the first step of the first thing you will do to get there. After confirming that it is possible, it is an image to say next. At that time, not only verbally but also using notes and throwing the same contents by e-mail as necessary.
The same is true at home. If the content of the request is a little complicated, ask for things after confirming her understanding using notes as well as verbal explanations.
However, even if you do so, omissions, leaks, and forgets will occur, so if you think something is wrong, be sure to follow up again.
Even at the expensive restaurants…
Actually, this goes back to the ordering at the restaurant, but the same goes for other slightly high-end restaurants, ordering, replaying over, and still not getting any good … In such a case, suspicious If you do not follow it immediately, you will not have a ton demo. Also, don’t be tempted to ask your opponent to repeat. Listen carefully, and if there are mistakes or misunderstandings, you need to point out immediately. If you don’t do that and make a mistake, you have to give up. On the other hand, even if you make a mistake on the other side, you need to be careful enough to avoid it unless it is too much.
Actually, this is also a kind of culture, but there is definitely a feeling in them that “Negligence is exempt” … In short, it is safe to say that their culture is to be guilty of anything other than doing something deliberately (maliciously) (ie negligence). Like Japan, if they blame their failure with a sense of “can be done” or “all the results”, they are desperate to make excuses (ie, a means of avoiding punishment for negligence) and cannot find the true cause. Not only that, but you can buy a grudge by hitting it badly. Furthermore, when something goes wrong, you must absolutely avoid scolding the Filipinos in front of others. If necessary, hesitate in a state that is individually unknown. If you don’t, you can’t help reflecting on your mistakes, but if you feel embarrassed in front of others. That’s their culture …
That’s why, even if it takes a little time, break things up into simple steps as much as possible, step by step, step by step, and be sure to kindly check each step … this process is necessary.
My own experience
As an aside, I had forgotten the details of my interaction with my family, but she had a mistake and when I complained, I happened to be in the shopping mall. As she walked, she did it in the eyes of others, and she protested “embarrassed in public.” I thought that there was no reason for others to listen to the story of our couple, but as she protested me in that way, the delicate and I could understand the sensitive part better.
Don’t look them down but be generous
For Japanese, those people tend to be
1.They don’t plan
2.They aren’t effective
They are really not thinking to make things quick.
Since the source is not clear, it is only a reference level, but there is a figure that the average of the Japanese intelligence index is 105 and the average of the Filipino is 86. However, as for the average of Japanese people, the enrollment rate of compulsory education is almost 100%, so it seems that it probably reflects the actual situation. In addition, when the population of remote areas is included in the statistics, the school enrollment rate was probably less than 50% (* distant from the figures announced by the government). The number may be a considerable overestimation.
According to one theory, if the intelligence quotient is 30 or more, some people who speak the same language will be extremely difficult to communicate with each other. And there are many cases where we meet.
I can say for sure that this Philippine nation does not have a history and culture as long as Japan, but was finally established as a nation by the colonial rule of Spain. It is said that the formation reflects the convenience of the sectarian country. (Making people stupid policy, etc.)
Under such circumstances, the Philippines in this country is positioned as a developing country in the current world situation, and it is at a level that is not comparable to Japan, which is an advanced country in science and technology. In terms of school subjects, I have to say that science and mathematics are really weak.
As an example, when I translated a Japanese math-level math-level textbook into English and imposed it as part of an entrance exam, most of the university graduates here had about 50 points. , On average 80 points or more). (However, even among these Filipinos, there are sometimes talented people who get perfect marks even if they are not from prestigious universities. Retention rate is not good because I change jobs in search of opportunities)
By the way, according to the story so far, depending on the person, there may be a direction that they regard the Filipinos as a samurai and an inferior ethnic group.
But this is historically unavoidable, and even if it is important to take these facts as facts, there is no need to do it and look down on them.
On the other hand, their English commands are generally much higher than Japanese standards, and there is no problem in using English at work if you are at the university level.
I think they are really emotional, cheerful, and kind, so if you get the trust from them, you may be able to do something that is truly amazing for you.
So, rather than trying to deny or correct what they are not good at, the Japanese side will follow well and make good use of the good part will lead to building a win-win relationship exactly think.
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