What is Emotional Expressivity in Cross-Cultural Differences?
This question is very interesting in the study of cultural differences. It simply means the emotions people are showing in public which is controlled by the culture they belong.
Professor Ivers (2020) in one of his BYU lectures mentioned that we all have the same emotions which is referred to as cultural universal. Studies show that people would often show the same emotion as a reaction to a scene in private but public showing of emotion depends on their culture.
Graph showing the different expressivity tendency of different cultures
Google image
I am from the Philippines and I would say that this is true. I am also surprise to find out where my people is found in the graph as compared to others. Yes, we are already learning how to be expressive owing to the Western influence I guess, but we still avoid confrontations subconsciously. It means most of us would not refuse any invitation but may not be really serious about it.
Filipinos by nature are happy, friendly and very accommodating people that refusing to invitation would cost you more time to explain or embarrassment or offense, so people would just say yes but don't be very offended if they don't show up. Follow ups will do the trick.
Filipinos always have the tendency to smile or laugh and be very excited about things. Public display of affection such as holding hands or a kiss can be seen from time to time but more than that is already considered immodest and non-Filipino ways (but there are people who would really do that and you will end up viral or the talk of the town).
We also laugh when we are embarrassed but be very observant about this. The most intriguing attitude of Filipinos that I have noticed is the way we behave as audience in a show like concert or any program. Mistakes whether scripted or not are more loudly applauded than really good ones. International performers would also often comment that Filipino audience are the best ones because people would really be happy during the event.
Important lessons:
1. Don't be quick to judge others when they show public emotions; just respect them and try to understand their background.
2. We have the same emotions and would show the same in private.
3. Respecting others and helping them if necessary is already a kind gesture.
Ref:
Google image https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cross-cultural-conflict-use-anthropologists-map-cardillo-piccolino
Ivers, J. (2020). Differences in Emotional Expressivity BYUI lectures https://video.byui.edu/media/05+Differences+in+Emotional+Expressivity/0_753le546
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