High-context cultures are those in which the rules of communication are primarily transmitted through the use of contextual elements (i.e., body language, a person's status, and tone of voice) and are not explicitly stated. Meanwhile, in low-context cultures, more explicit speech is needed in order to allow the listener to fully understand the message. Published: 2020/12/03. Create your account, 10 chapters | High Context vs. Low Context (Internet) Example of McDonalds Internet site: High: Families shown, lots of people on the website ads Low: You, your choices, easy to navigate High Context vs. Low Context (Law) High: Traditions are the laws Low: Rules and order are spelled out. High Context Culture vs Low Context Culture: Communication - TechTello In low-context cultures, gestures and facial expressions are never the primary means of communication; they only serve to clarify or complement a point. [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. Germany, Sweden, and the United States are generally classified as low-context cultures. But the fact that contexting has not been empirically validated should not necessarily be construed as a failure of the theory. Both the speaker and listener act under the assumption that all relevant information has been explicitly stated. We'll also look at how they're different and what that means for your work in global business. The aim of this report is to evaluate the concept of different communication cultures through the application of Hall's high and low-context model of culture. They rely less on context & non-verbal cues and instead convey meaning more directly. [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. In this context, we will discuss those topics also. 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. The following high-context culture examples are a few global cultures where these rules, as well as other characteristics of high-context cultures, apply predominantly: For additional context, a few examples of low-context cultures beyond the United States include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark. Cite this Article in your Essay (APA Style), Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsDisclaimerAccessibility StatementVideo Transcripts. 231 lessons. Guffey et al. Ramos suggests that "in low context culture, communication members' communication must be more explicit. If you want to appear polite, you need to be willing to greet strangers and thank . This means that the members' identity is heavily rooted in groups, i.e., families and work units. Power Distance Index & Examples | What is Power Distance? What is an Interculturally Effective Person (IEP)? For example, it could be argued that the Canadian French language is higher context than Canadian English, but lower context than Spanish or French French. - Effects & Types, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Definition, effects & Types, Trepanning: Tools, Specialties & Definition, What is Pseudoephedrine? 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. Teachers can illustrate the differences between high- and low- context cultures by providing examples of behaviors. Data was gathered in India, Ireland, Thailand, and the United States where the results confirm that "high-context nations (India and Thailand) prefer the avoiding and obliging conflict styles more than low-context nations (Ireland and the United States), whereas low-context nations prefer the uncompromising and dominating communication style more than high-context nations."[16]. [18] A trade language will typically need to explicitly explain more of the context than a dialect which can assume a high level of shared context. Communicating with high-context cultures can require you to focus on politeness strategies that demonstrate your respect for readers and listeners. Explain the differences between high- and low-context cultures, giving examples of each. Communication cultures differ societally between high-context and low-context cultures, a concept first described by anthropologist Edward T. Hall in his 1976 publication Beyond Culture. A few relevant examples of differences in communication between low- and high-context cultures are found in Table 1. Unlike the linear communication style preferred in low-context cultures, high-context communicators may use spiral logic, circling around a topic indirectly and looking at it from many tangential or divergent viewpoints. For example, the body language and methods of communication experienced by a group of close friends in a casual setting differs greatly from a group of peers presenting at a professional business meeting. Members of high-context cultures usually have close relationships that last for an extended period of time. High-context cultures are built on a sense of shared experiences and history. Instead, a comparison between cultures may find communication differences to a greater or lesser degree. Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices. Members of ingroups usually share many characteristics and experiences. The study collected three samples from different cultures - the US, China, and Korea - with 96 business managers surveyed in the American and Chinese sample and 50 managers in the Korean sample. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cultural communications are highly important to understand for a number of reasons and the concept of high-context vs. low-context culture was first elaborated by anthropologist Edward T. Hall in 1976. But we can also use them to talk about smaller groups, such as corporate cultures or a specific setting like the airport. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many European countries. Most of the contexting categories simply have not been researched enough to make firm conclusions. Sourabh Yadav is a freelance writer & filmmaker. Language may be used to achieve goals or exchange information. Context is Everything - United States Department of State They tend to use more slangs, idioms and are generally high pace speakers. Due to this shared understanding, high-context cultures are slightly more informal. They are not simply complementary but are often used as the primary means of conveying a message and require the members to have greater cultural understanding. Cultures and languages are defined as higher or lower context on a spectrum. 18 Examples of Low Culture. High-context defines cultures that are usually relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. In a low-context culture, communication occurs through explicitly spelled out and defined words, and listeners just have to interpret spoken or written words as they are. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. [18], Therefore, higher-context cultures tend to correlate with cultures that also have a strong sense of tradition and history, and change little over time. 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. [6] How does her experience in Japan demonstrate what youve learned so far about the different dimensions of culture? High-context cultures are more likely to be intuitive, contemplative, and concerned with the collective. [25] Pleasure, affection and inclusion were the highest motives for communication in both cultures, and control was the lowest for both cultures. A person's identity in a high context society tends to be based on one's roles and experiences within the group. In contrast, low-context websites had lesser animation and images, focusing instead on the information. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. High-context cultures also value group harmony above individual achievement. France and French Culture - Tufts European Center This allows individuals of different generations to communicate through a shared set of values, which, in turn, provides stability to the culture. for only $11.00 $9.35/page. 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. In Low Context Culture it is normal to be self reliant and yet have many relationships. High-context cultures, on the other hand, depend on both the spoken words and the context of the situationincluding the shared values/assumptions of the groupto convey meaning. Want to create or adapt books like this? London: Routledge. However, no country is low-context or high-context in absolute terms; instead, there is a mix of explicit & implicit communication everywhere. Within high-context cultures, people rely on their networks of friends and family, viewing their relationships as part of one large community. Intercultural Business Communication: High Context vs. Low - HubPages Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what . Your email address will not be published. Cultures and communication in which the context of the message is of great importance to structuring actions are referred to as high context. Members of high-context cultures are relatively comfortable interacting with others because a close-knit community has been formed, such as that of a family or religious congregation. For example, people in traditional high context cultures have been described as developing "shared identities." In direct contrast to low context behavior, in a negotiation, high context cultures communicate in Once again we return to the differences between high-context and low-context cultures. According to Hall's theory, the Chinese and Korean samples represented higher-context cultures while the American sample represents a lower context culture. It is important to note that while a nation or society may be widely considered a high-context or low-context culture, certain events occur in the opposite context regularly (such as family gatherings in the United States). High context is where the groups of people or societies in which individuals have had close links in the course of a long period. [25] There were 225 Mexican participants from three different undergraduate universities in Mexico City and 447 participants from Kent State University in the U.S.[25] The case study looked into culture shock experienced by Mexicans studying in the U.S. Hofstede, G. (1984). So the poor cow's life depends on the country, where it was born: whether it is going to be worshipped or to end up on someone's . It describes the level of explicit information and the importance of context in a given culture, indicating the range of communicative abilities (verbal messages, gestures, etc.) High-context cultures promote the development of ingroups. 8 Examples of Low Context - Simplicable Communication Culture: Hall's High and Low-Context Model of Culture Culture is a combination of our thoughts, roles, manners, values, etc. Examples of High Context Small religious gatherings, party with close friends, family functions, dining out with family or friends, and sleep over at friend's place, etc. Having a firm grasp on what constitutes high- and low-context, particularly in a communication setting, will truly help you better understand each . 15 Examples of High Context - Simplicable Cultural contexts are not absolutely "high" or "low". Words: 825. How Do Chinese and American Culture Compare - Medium [20][21], Cultural context can also shift and evolve. [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. This also means that low-context communication may fail due to the overload of information, which makes culture lose its screening[definition needed] function. Beyond Culture. Hall is also credited for developing the idea of chronemics, or the study of the use of time during nonverbal communications. Hall and Hall proposed a "spectrum" of national cultures from "High-Context cultures" to "Low-Context Cultures. This study, done by Kim Dunghoon, was to test the major aspects the high versus low-context culture concepts. However, no country is low-context or high-context in absolute terms; instead, there is a mix of explicit & implicit communication everywhere. The composite score also indicates a significant difference among the three samples at the .01 level. [2] High-context cultures often exhibit less-direct verbal and nonverbal communication, utilizing small communication gestures and reading more meaning into these less-direct messages. Traditionally, Western cultures are known for being more individualistic or communicating with a low context style. High and Low Cultural Contexts - Intercultural Business Communication classifications are discussed below. Focusing on tradition creates opportunities for higher-context messages between individuals of each new generation, and the high-context culture feeds back to the stability hence allows the tradition to be maintained. "[17] On the other hand, he identified countries such as Germany, the United States and Scandinavia as low-context cultures. Japan and China are some of the best examples of high-context cultures, in addition to Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and many nations throughout Africa and the Middle East. Your email address will not be published. The designation "high and low context culture" broadly refers to the way people communicate in cultures. Your message needs to be clear and precise. The tools are used to establish context by adding additional information as personal and social cues are not as presentable as they are in face-to-face negotiations. Typically a high-context culture will be relational, collectivist, intuitive, and contemplative. The continuum pictures how people communicate with others through their range of communication abilities: utilizing gestures, relations, body language . The reverse holds true for High (Collectivistic) Context Cultures. [32] Awareness of miscommunication between high- and low-context cultures within the workplace or intercultural communication settings advocates for collected unification within a group through the flexibility and ability to understand one another. "[27] This implies that communication is quite direct and detailed because members of the culture are not expected to have knowledge of each other's histories, past experience or background. Teachers can share their own experiences and examples with their students. 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. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. High-context cultures: Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, China, India, and Saudi Arabia are some of the highest-context cultures in the world. Communicators in low-context cultures (such as those in North America, Scandinavia, and Germany) depend little on the context of a situation to convey their meaning. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many Western countries. High-context cultures include close-knit groups of people, while low-context cultures are generally more diverse. Conflict Styles and HighLow Context Cultures: A Cross-Cultural Extension. Croucher's study examines the assertion that culture influences communication style (high/low-context) preference. 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. Intercultural Communication in the Workplace, 18. Intercultural Business Communication by Confederation College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. - Uses & Side Effects, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Japan, China, Korea, and many other countries in Asia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and some other countries in South America, Tribal groups and most nations in Africa, such as Kenya, Iraq, Iran, and other countries located in the Middle East. Low context can describe situations, environments and cultures. High-context and low-context cultures - Wikipedia Members of the culture place emphasis on interpersonal relationships. A case study was done on 30 Romanian and 30 Russian employees, to compare high- and low-context cultures, and results strongly suggested that Russia and Romania are both high-context cultures. 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. Cultures where the group is valued over the individual promote. The most prominent characteristics of high context culture is non-verbal communication, while for low context culture, it is obvious to have verbal and written communication. Most of the cultural behavior aspects are not open for the reason that many of the members are aware of what to do and what thoughts to engage in. Asia, Africa, Latin America, and central Europe are predominantly countries with a high context culture. Anthropologist Edward T. Hall first discussed high-context culture in his 1976 book titled Beyond Culture. In the 1970's, anthropologist Edward T. Hall coined the phrases "high-context culture" and "low- context culture.". PDF Context Matters: An Ethiopian Case Study Adapting Leadership - CCL High-context cultures are those that communicate in ways that are implicit and rely heavily on context. He studied English literature at the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University. In low-context cultures, communication tends to be more direct and to the point. Cultures Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. [6] In high cultures, much of the communication is understood by the group either by non-verbal coding, which refers to common body language; distinct in-groups and out-group's, which refers to the cohesiveness of the group; and covert and implicit messages, which refers to what we refer . - Definition & Assessment, Bipolar vs. Borderline Personality Disorder, Atypical Antipsychotics: Effects & Mechanism of Action, What Is a Mood Stabilizer? Since they value collectivism and interdependence, it makes sense that their communication requires an understanding of the communitys shared values. Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A graph which shows the level of context in various world cultures. Generally, the situation, people, and non-verbal elements are more important than the actual words that are communicated in a high-context culture. Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). For high-context cultures, language is a kind of social lubricant, easing and harmonizing relations that are defined according to a group or collectivist orientation where we rather than I is the key to identity. Guffey, M.E., Lowey, D., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2013). Relationships: The components of these cultures tend to value long-term relationships. The same applies for the other characteristics in varied countries. What are the effects on the communication process? Three samples were gathered from the US, China, and Korea, three different cultures. Message is carried more by words than by nonverbal means. [30] The diversity within a main culture shows how the high and low scale differs depending on social settings such as school, work, home, and in other countries; variation is what allows the scale to fluctuate even if a large culture is categorized as primarily one or the other.
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