When it comes to emails, texts, and online messaging, low-context cultures use it to fire off quick, frequent messages. For example, if you have ever been to a family gathering, then you have experience with a high-context culture. We also make strong distinctions between those who are a part of our family and those who are not. (The pedestrians example) High-context cultures: Much of the society's communication takes place through . In his work, "Beyond Culture", Hall described these two different types of cultural relationships as they applied to information. Unlike low-context cultures, high-context cultures prioritize the group over the individual (Hofstede, 1984). High context cultures have a communication style based on body language, tone, and overall context; while low context cultures are more straightforward and explicit in communication. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. What is a high-context culture and how does this communication culture differ from a low-context culture? According to Hall's theory, Chinese and Korean samples represented higher-context cultures while the American sample represents lower context. It is important to note that no culture is completely high-context or low-context, since all societies contain at least some parts that are both high and low. Wurtz found something similar while analyzing website design. On the other hand, certain intercultural communication skills are unique for each culture and it is significant to note that these overlaps in communication techniques are represented subgroups within social interactions or family settings. Furthermore, cultural aspects such as tradition, ceremony, and history are also highly valued. High-context defines cultures that are usually relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. For example, in one country a cow is seen as leather, in another one - as a deity and in another one as dinner. Edward Hall is a famous theorist and anthropologist who has contributed a renowned theory of high- and low-context cultures to facilitate students, researchers . High-context cultures are collectivist, value interpersonal relationships, and have members that form stable, close relationships. [36], High-context cultures tend to be more stable, as their communication is more economical, fast, efficient and satisfying; but these are gained at a price of devoting time into preprogramming cultural background, and their high stability might come with a price of a high barrier for development. Ironically, contexting is most frequently discussed in terms of directness, yet empirical studies nearly all fail to support this relationship. Meyer defines low-context cultures as cultures where people communicate and receive messages at face value. About The Helpful Professor [14] However, understanding the broad tendencies of predominant cultures can help inform and educate individuals on how to better facilitate communication between individuals of differing cultural backgrounds. classifications are discussed below. The law is important! Members of the culture place emphasis on interpersonal relationships. After completing this chapter, you will be able to: Now that we know, broadly, what culture is, lets discuss some ways to categorize aspects of different cultures. High context cultures are more common in the eastern nations than in western and in countries with low racial diversity. Trust must be developed before business transactions can begin. The hypotheses tested indicated the high-context culture in Mexico would provide different motives for communication when compared with the low-context culture of the U.S. In his model, context refers to the stimuli, environment, or ambiance surrounding an event. Low context cultures emphasize individuality and tasks. What is culture? In contrast, a high-context language like Japanese or Chinese can use a high number of homophones but still be understood by a listener who knows the context. Primarily use non-verbal methods to relay meaningful information in conversations, such as facial expressions, eye movement, and tone of voice. A 2008 meta-analysis concluded that the model was "unsubstantiated and underdeveloped".[5]. Wurtz studied McDonalds online advertising in various countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States, etc. "[17] On the other hand, he identified countries such as Germany, the United States and Scandinavia as low-context cultures. Verbal message is direct; one spells things out exactly. In anthropology, high-context culture and low-context culture are ends of a continuum of how explicit the messages exchanged in a culture are and how important the context is in communication. What is high and low context culture examples? [1] "High-" and "low-" context cultures typically refer to language groups, nationalities, or regional communities. She found out that in high-context countries, the advertising campaigns used more colors, movements, and sounds to provide context. The High Context / Low Context cultural dimension is a broad and far reaching theory which touches on many aspects of cultural communication including verbal and non-verbal messaging, internal and external locus of control, inward and outward reaction, cohesion of groups, people's bonds and commitments, as well . These rules of communication are understood without being explicitly stated. [5]:4223, Characteristics of high-context and low-context cultures, Examples of higher- and lower-context cultures, Overlap and contrast between context cultures, How higher context relates to other cultural metrics. For example, the head wobble (tilting the head from side to side) in India is a gesture that can convey a variety of meanings depending on the situation. [30] Many singular cultures that are large have subcultures inside of them, making communication and defining them more complicated than the low-context and high-context culture scale. The situation, people, and non-verbal elements are more important than the actual words that are communicated. Writing Topic Sentences and Body Paragraphs, 38. You can find his work on The Print, Live Wire, and YouTube. In high-context cultures, people are said to prefer symbolic, artful language that is implicit. Culture and Interpersonal Communication. Information has to be explicit and detailed for the message to be conveyed without distortion. This means that the members' identity is heavily rooted in groups, i.e., families and work units. The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice states that, "high context defines cultures that are relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. But the fact that contexting has not been empirically validated should not necessarily be construed as a failure of the theory. Examples of low- and high-context cultures are those based in the following culture clusters: High-context cultures The Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster The Middle East Cluster The Latin Europe Cluster The Eastern Europe Cluster The Latin America Cluster The Southern Asia Cluster The Confucian Asia Cluster Low-context cultures The Anglo Cluster Because directness may be thought of as disrespectful, discussions in high-context cultures can be circuitous, circling key issues rather than addressing them head-on. A high-context culture is a culture or society that communicates dominantly through the use of contextual elements, such as specific forms of body language, the status of an individual, and the tone of voice employed during speech. Bernstein, B. High Context vs. Low Context. Your message needs to be clear and precise. Japan is generally considered a high-context culture, meaning people communicate based on inherent understanding. By comparison, low-context cultures refer to cultures whereby most communications take place through verbal language and rules are directly written out or stated for all to view. A few examples of high-context cultures include China, Japan, South Africa, Argentina, and Spain; While low-context cultures are found more dominantly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Low-context countries, on the other hand, relied more on linear processes and verbal communication. [25], The categories of context cultures are not totally separate. Since understanding every culture has its level of complexity, it is hard for other country people to determine what is the state of culture of the country they visit as a traveller. Edward T. Hall describes low-context culture as one in which: most of the information is either in the explicit code or readily available elsewhere (Hall, 1976). Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many European countries. Sourabh Yadav is a freelance writer & filmmaker. Low-context cultures (including North America and much of Western Europe) are logical, linear, individualistic, and action-oriented. Same as low context communication high context do have its own peculiarities like they talk in hidden meanings and often double meanings or coded information. Communication Differences in Low-Context vs. High-Context Cultures, Comparing Communication Styles in Low- and High-Context Cultures, Additional Resources for Determining Cultural Contexts, Ethnocentrism and Cross-Cultural Competence, Additional Resources for Understanding Trompenaars Dimensions, Three Prototypes: Dignity, Face, and Honor Cultures, Ethnocentrism, Culture Shock, and Cultural Relativism. Low-context communicators dont need to be provided with much background information, but they do expect messages to be professional, efficient, and linear in their logic. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Many low context cultures are individualist so people openly express their views, and tend to make important information obvious to others. In high-context cultures (such as those in Japan, China, and Arab countries), the listener is already "contexted" and does not need to be given much background information [3]. Strategies to work effectively with people from high context and low context cultures Follow these 4 key strategies to communicate effectively across cultures: 1. In high-context cultures, communication cues are transmitted by posture, voice inflection, gestures, and facial expression. A 2005 study by Elizabeth Wurtz demonstrates how cultural differences shape marketing and advertising. Their communication is often indirect and requires a nuanced understanding, so outsiders might find it more difficult to enter their culture. Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). High-context cultures are more likely to be intuitive, contemplative, and concerned with the collective. Your email address will not be published. Remember that culture is dynamic, and that every individual within a culture is unique and may not conform exactly to the general characteristics of that culture. Trompenaars' Cultural Dimensions Model & Examples | 7 Dimensions of Culture, Hofstede's Uncertainty Avoidance | Culture, Example & Index, Developing an Audience-Centered Presentation, Methods to Increase the Accuracy of Impressions, Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation | Hofstede, Culture & Concept, Cross-Cultural Interactions & Relationships in Agile Organizations. In contrast, high-context cultures use facial expressions, body language, and gestures in a nuanced manner. Meaning depends on what is said- the literal content of the message- rather than how it is said. Because of this, many features of cultural behavior in high-context cultures, such as individual roles and expectations, do not need much detailed or thought-out explanation. [13] Not all individuals in a culture can be defined by cultural stereotypes, and there will be variations within a national culture in different settings.
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