Table of Contents
Introduction
The call center industry in the Philippines is one of the largest in the world, with thousands of Filipinos working in customer service roles for international clients. To effectively manage and communicate with a Filipino workforce, it is essential to understand the local expressions, known as Filipinisms. These expressions, often a mix of English and Filipino, reflect cultural nuances that shape workplace communication. This article explores 32 unique Filipinisms commonly used in Philippine call centers, helping managers and team leaders enhance workplace interactions and efficiency.
What Are Filipinisms?
Filipinisms are phrases, expressions, or language patterns influenced by Filipino culture and linguistic habits. These expressions often arise from direct translations, local idioms, or cultural behaviors that influence communication. While Filipinisms make workplace conversations more relatable for Filipino employees, they can sometimes lead to misunderstandings when dealing with international clients. Recognizing and understanding these expressions can help bridge communication gaps and improve interactions in a professional setting.
The Role of Filipinisms in Philippine Call Centers
Filipinisms play a significant role in workplace communication, shaping how Filipino employees interact with their colleagues and customers. Some of the most common Filipinisms found in Philippine call centers include:
- Workplace Jargon: Expressions used within the company, often specific to team dynamics and office culture.
- Customer Service Phrases: Frequently used lines when dealing with clients that may have different meanings in a global context.
- Casual and Humorous Expressions: Words and phrases that showcase Filipino humor and camaraderie.
- Motivational and Encouraging Phrases: Terms that boost morale and promote teamwork.
By understanding these phrases, team leaders and managers can create a more inclusive and efficient work environment.
32 Unique Filipinisms in Philippine Call Centers
Here are some common Filipinisms used in call centers across the Philippines:
Workplace Jargon:
- “I’ll be the one to do it.” (Instead of “I will do it.”)
- “Can you repeat again?” (Instead of “Can you repeat that?”)
- “Kindly revert back to me.” (Instead of “Please reply to me.”)
- “For your reference.” (Often used redundantly.)
- “Do the needful.” (An Indian-English influence, meaning “Take the necessary action.”)
- “Next next week.” (Instead of “The week after next.”)
- “I will go home now already.” (Instead of “I am going home now.”)
- “Close-open the computer.” (Instead of “Restart the computer.”)
Customer Service Expressions:
- “Sir/Ma’am” (Overused, even when unnecessary.)
- “Our manager is not around.” (Instead of “Our manager is currently unavailable.”)
- “Please bare with me.” (Common spelling mistake; should be “bear with me.”)
- “What is your good name?” (A direct translation from Filipino, meaning “What is your name?”)
- “Where are you now?” (Instead of “Where are you located?”)
- “For a while, Sir/Ma’am.” (Instead of “One moment, please.”)
- “I’ll go ahead.” (Instead of “I’m leaving now.”)
- “Avail of our promo!” (Instead of “Take advantage of our promo!”)
Humorous and Casual Terms:
- “It’s okay lang.” (Mix of English and Filipino, meaning “It’s just okay.”)
- “Wait lang.” (Instead of “Just a moment.”)
- “One time, big time!” (Refers to a major event or task completed at once.)
- “Take home nalang.” (Instead of “I’ll take it home.”)
- “Traffic is so very bad!” (Overuse of intensifiers.)
- “Joke only!” (Instead of “Just kidding!”)
- “Many many times!” (Instead of “So many times.”)
- “She’s nosebleeding!” (Used when someone struggles to speak English.)
Motivational and Encouraging Phrases:
- “Fighting spirit!” (Used to encourage colleagues.)
- “You can do it, promise!” (Meant as strong encouragement.)
- “Push lang ng push!” (Means “Keep pushing forward!”)
- “Kaya mo yan!” (Filipino for “You can do it!”)
- “Work hard, play hard!” (Commonly used to maintain motivation.)
- “Charge to experience!” (Instead of “Learn from your mistake.”)
- “Bahala na si Batman!” (A humorous way of saying “Let’s leave it to fate.”)
- “Keep the faith!” (Used as encouragement to stay positive.)
How to Navigate Filipinisms in a Professional Setting
While Filipinisms are an essential part of Filipino culture, it is important to maintain professionalism, especially when dealing with international clients. Here are some ways to navigate them in the workplace:
- Training Programs: Conduct language and communication training to align workplace language with international business standards.
- Awareness Campaigns: Encourage employees to be mindful of language use and provide alternatives for more professional communication.
- Balance Cultural Identity and Professionalism: Allow employees to express their culture while ensuring clarity and professionalism in client interactions.
By addressing these aspects, businesses can maintain a productive work environment while respecting cultural uniqueness.
Tips for Working Effectively with Filipino Call Center Agents
To create a positive and efficient work environment, managers and foreign clients should:
- Understand Filipino Work Culture: Recognize traits like hospitality, respect for hierarchy, and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and clarifying instructions.
- Be Patient with Language Differences: Some Filipinisms may lead to misunderstandings, so it’s best to correct them constructively.
- Provide Language Enhancement Programs: Offer English proficiency training to refine communication skills.
- Acknowledge Filipino Humor and Friendliness: Embrace their warm and engaging communication style while ensuring professionalism in customer interactions.
Conclusion
Filipinisms add a unique cultural touch to workplace conversations in Philippine call centers. While they foster camaraderie and create a friendly work atmosphere, it is essential to balance them with professional language standards in global business settings. By understanding and adapting to these expressions, employers and managers can improve communication, enhance productivity, and build stronger relationships with their Filipino workforce. Embracing cultural diversity while maintaining clear and effective communication is the key to success in the call center industry.