10 Cultural Differences Between America vs. The Philippines

Summary

This video explores 10 cultural differences between America and the Philippines, based on the personal experiences of an expat. The list covers various topics, including communication styles, use of language, social behaviors, pace of life, respect for elders, and tipping practices. The video highlights the contrasts between the two cultures, such as Filipinos' polite and non-confrontational nature versus Americans' directness, and how cultural norms shape everyday interactions. The host emphasizes that these observations are generalizations and shares them to provide insight into the cultural nuances of both countries.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Cultural differences between America and the Philippines are diverse, particularly in expressions and daily habits.
• 👄 Filipinos often point with their lips, while Americans use their fingers.
• 🌞 In the Philippines, people avoid the sun and use umbrellas for shade, while in the U.S., being tan is seen as attractive.
• 🗣️ Language differences include terms like 'soft drinks' in the Philippines vs. 'soda' in the U.S., and 'aircon' vs. 'AC'.
• 🙏 Politeness and sensitivity are key in Filipino culture, with a non-confrontational approach, unlike the more direct American style.
• 🏃‍♂️ The pace of life in the U.S. is fast, while Filipinos have a more laid-back, slower approach.
• 🍲 Sharing is a strong cultural norm in the Philippines, especially when it comes to food, while Americans tend to emphasize independence.
• 🚶‍♂️ Americans value personal space, while Filipinos are more comfortable being close to others in public spaces.
• 👵 Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, with special terms and gestures, while in the U.S., it's more casual.
• 🍽️ Meal structures differ, with Filipinos often eating five to six smaller meals a day, compared to three larger meals in the U.S.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The video discusses 10 cultural differences between America and the Philippines, based on the personal experiences of someone who was raised in the U.S. and currently lives in the Philippines.

How do Filipinos and Americans differ in non-verbal expressions?

Filipinos often point with their lips and raise their eyebrows to indicate 'yes,' while Americans point with their fingers, nod their heads, give a thumbs up, or use an 'OK' gesture to indicate agreement.

What is the significance of using umbrellas in the Philippines compared to the U.S.?

In the Philippines, umbrellas are used not only for rain but also to protect from the sun, as being dark-skinned can be seen as lower class or frowned upon. In contrast, Americans generally use umbrellas only for rain and often seek to tan under the sun.

Can you give examples of word differences between American and Filipino English?

Yes, some examples include: 'soft drinks' in the Philippines vs. 'soda' in the U.S.; 'aircon' in the Philippines vs. 'AC' or 'air conditioning' in the U.S.; 'tissue' in the Philippines vs. 'napkins' in the U.S.; and 'slippers' in the Philippines vs. 'flip-flops' in the U.S.

How do Americans and Filipinos differ in terms of politeness and sensitivity?

Filipinos tend to be polite, subtle, sensitive, and non-confrontational, while Americans are more assertive, direct, and confrontational. In the Philippines, even a small negative comment can be impactful, whereas in the U.S., such comments might go unnoticed.

What are the differences in the pace of life between the U.S. and the Philippines?

Americans generally have a fast-paced lifestyle, focusing on punctuality and efficiency. In contrast, Filipinos tend to have a more relaxed and laid-back approach to life, often arriving late to events and moving at a slower pace.

How is the concept of sharing different between Filipinos and Americans?

Sharing is very common in Filipino culture, with people often willing to share personal items and food generously, even with strangers. In American culture, there is a stronger emphasis on independence, and sharing is less common.

What is the American perspective on personal space compared to the Filipino perspective?

Americans value personal space highly and typically maintain physical boundaries, especially with strangers. In contrast, Filipinos are more comfortable being close to others, even in public spaces, and may not adhere as strictly to personal space norms.

How do Filipinos show respect for their elders?

Filipinos address older individuals with terms like 'Ate,' 'Kuya,' 'Tito,' and 'Lola,' and they practice 'mano,' where they place an elder's hand on their forehead as a sign of respect. This shows deep respect for elders, which is more pronounced than in the U.S.

What is the difference in meal structures between the Philippines and the U.S.?

Filipinos often eat five to six meals a day, including several 'marienda' (snacks), while Americans typically have three larger meals per day. The total amount of food consumed may be similar, but the structure and frequency of meals differ.