Photo By Master Sgt. Rebekka Heite | Maj. Patrick Nelson, who was a foreign area officer in Manila, Republic of the...... read more read more
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CAMP COURTNEY, Japan - Marines with Communications Company prepared for upcoming exercises by learning about culture in the Republic of the Philippines Jan. 12.
When Marines go to another country they learn about that culture, so they know how to conduct themselves without violating local customs and traditions, said Master Sgt. Jacinto G. Bernardo III, communications chief with Comm. Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“It’s important because the cultural sensitivities can have an impact on U.S. military and political goals,” said Maj. Patrick Nelson, who was a foreign area officer in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, and was the key speaker during the training.
“My goal was for Marines here to understand the regional and strategic importance of our relationship with the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.
During the training, the Marines learned that English is one of the two languages used in the Philippines.
“Speak slowly and don’t use big words,” warned Nelson. “Expect to have to explain what you say multiple times.”
The primary language used is Tagalog, which has a strong Spanish influence, he said. In fact, the words for Monday through Saturday are the same in Tagalog and Spanish.
“Sunday is Linggo, not Domingo,” he explained.
The Marines were also taught to show respect by putting the word ‘po’ at the end of the sentence, as it means sir or ma’am.
Another key part of the training was about the food in the Philippines.
“Food is very serious (in the Philippines),” said Nelson. “If you are invited to a dinner do not expect it to be a quick affair.”
In addition, “Don’t refuse offers of food,” he added.
After strenuous training, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to host a ‘Boodle Fight,’ which is a banquet placed on banana leaves where everyone stands and eats together with their hands to build morale, said Nelson.
The training was very informative and very in-depth, said Cpl. Zachary Aumick, a satellite communications operator and maintainer with Comm. Company.
Training like this sets the foundation for building relationships with our partner nation, said Nelson.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.19.2012 18:49 |
| Story ID: | 82591 |
| Location: | CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 196 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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