Ramos suggests that "in low context culture, communication members' communication must be more explicit. 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. The reverse holds true for High (Collectivistic) Context Cultures. Intercultural Communication on Websites: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Websites from High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures. An experiment performed by the University of Glasgow shows that different cultures have different understanding of the facial expression signals of the six basic emotions, which are the so-called "universal language of emotion"happiness, surprise, fear, disgust, anger and sadness. Relationships: The components of these cultures tend to value long-term relationships. High- context cultures are often collectivist in nature and largely defined by group communications, as well as the development or promotion of ingroups, or groups that individuals may become loyal to. These are some important high-context culture characteristics to look out for. Ramos, D. C. (2014). "Understanding cultural differences. High context communication cultures . Croucher, S., Bruno, A, McGrath, P, Adams, C, McGahan, C, Suits, A & Huckins, A. The cultural context. Some common characteristics of high-context cultures include: Though the United States has a low-context culture, we have all been placed in situations that are considered high-context. 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. High-context cultures include close-knit groups of people, while low-context cultures are generally more diverse. Meanwhile, in low-context cultures, more explicit speech is needed in order to allow the listener to fully understand the message. [6] This study is a result of a cross-cultural examination between students from the United States, a low-context culture, and Mexico, a high-context culture, to study the reasons people communicate in each culture. Low-context cultures tend to focus more on the individual than the group, which is why they value individualism and autonomy. Examples of high-context cultures include China, India, and many non-Western societies. [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. 2. In contrast, low-context cultures rely on explicit verbal communication. 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. As such, what is said is what is meant, and further analysis of the message is usually unnecessary. 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. I feel like its a lifeline. [5], These concepts were first introduced by the anthropologist Edward T. Hall in his 1959 book The Silent Language. 3. In these cultures, people may rely on body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to convey meaning, and may not always say exactly what they mean directly. One approach to gaining such an insight is through the use of the high and low context culture framework, which was established by anthropologist Edward T. Examples of low context cultures are countries such as China, Brazil or Saudi Arabia. All articles are edited by a PhD level academic. Answer (1 of 2): Examples of high context countries include: Japan, China, and the Arab countries. Information is transmitted not through words alone but also through non-verbal cues such as gestures, voice inflection, and facial expression, which can have different meanings in different cultures. Cultures Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. 9. A low-context (LC) communication is just the opposite; i.e., the mass of the information is vested in the explicit code.". 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. What is a high-context culture and how does this communication culture differ from a low-context culture? Meanwhile, in a high-context culture, nonverbal cues and unspoken background . There are smaller communities and specific settings within national/linguistic cultures, and they may exhibit different communication patterns. In high-context cultures, people are said to prefer symbolic, artful language that is implicit. Since they value collectivism and interdependence, it makes sense that their communication requires an understanding of the communitys shared values. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. [12] Typically a low-context culture will be less close-knit, and so individuals communicating will have fewer relational cues when interpreting messages. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Indeed, Vietnamese communication style has all the characteristics of highcontext cultures, such as indirect and digressive communication, use of few words, reliance on contextual cues, avoidance of the use of personal names, respect for long silences, and waiting politely until the other person has stopped speaking before taking turns. Low context communication is more common in the English speaking world, whereas high context communication is more common in Eastern cultures such as Japan and China. We also make strong distinctions between those who are a part of our family and those who are not. Cite this Article in your Essay (APA Style), Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsDisclaimerAccessibility StatementVideo Transcripts. 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. Sourabh Yadav is a freelance writer & filmmaker. For example, the Native Americans in the United States rely heavily on their tradition. High-context cultures are collectivist cultures. 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. Both often take many aspects of the other's cultural communication abilities and strengths into account. Establishing relationships is an important part of communicating and interacting. Effectively communicating within this culture, therefore, requires messaging that is perceived as objective, professional, and efficient. (2014, May 9). [4] The model of high-context and low-context cultures offers a popular framework in intercultural-communication studies, but has been criticized as lacking empirical validation. In addition, Hall identified countries such as Japan, Arabic countries and some Latin American Countries to practice high-context culture; "High context communication carries most of its information within physical acts and features such as avoiding eye contact or even the shrug of a shoulder. Low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, action-oriented, and concerned with the individual. They rely less on the shared values/assumptions of the group and the context of the situation. While some cultures are low or high . Culture and Interpersonal Communication. [30][32], Families, subcultures and in-groups typically favour higher-context communication. Hofstede, G. (1984). Within high-context cultures, people rely on their networks of friends and family, viewing their relationships as part of one large community. A few relevant examples of differences in communication between low- and high-context cultures are found in Table 1. This is in contrast to lower-context cultures in which the shared experiences upon which communication is built can change drastically from one generation to the next, creating communication gaps between parents and children, as in the United States.[18]. People are comfortable standing close to each other. succeed. Topic: Culture, Context, Communication, Middle East, Business, Conflict, People, Relationships. The high and low context cultures in this concept refers to how important contextual cues are in interpreting a message. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. The results show significant differences between the American, Chinese, and Korean samples on 15 out of 16 items, with 11 items significant at the .01 level, one at the .05 level, and three at the .10 level. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many European countries. Wurtz studied McDonalds online advertising in various countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States, etc. High-Context and Low-Context Cultures: Understanding the Differences May 17, 2022 May 17, 2022 Reading Time: 5 minutes Read More High-Context and Low-Context Cultures: Understanding the Differences 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. In a low-context culture, the onus for communication lies with the speaker. Watch this video from international business expert Erin Meyer [1]. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. For a communicator to successfully interact with others from a different culture he must know whether his own culture is high or low context and which context is the culture in the interaction. [22], The concept of elaborated and restricted codes was introduced by sociologist Basil Bernstein in his book Class, Codes and Control. The continuum pictures how people communicate with others through their range of communication abilities: utilizing gestures, relations, body language . Moreover, their communication is often task-oriented and driven by rational decision-making, which can further add to their formality.. Japan and other countries located in Asia, Brazil and other countries located in South America, African tribal groups and most countries located in Africa, A majority of the Middle East, including Iraq and Iran, Describe Edward T. Hall's characterization of high-context cultures, Distinguish between high-context and low-context cultures, Explain the characteristics of high-context cultures, Recall the importance of ingroups to high-context cultures. A 2008 meta-analysis concluded that the model was "unsubstantiated and underdeveloped".[5]. A high-context culture is one in which communication may be more unspoken rather than explicit - for example, much attention is paid to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues in order to discern a speaker's meaning. [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. From each culture, 96 business managers were surveyed for the American and Chinese sample and 50 managers were surveyed from Korea. 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. The law is important! Kim Dunghoon conducted a study to test the major aspects of high-context versus low-context culture concepts. Note: Comparison of low- and high-context cultures reprinted from Business communication: Process & product (p. 64) by M.E. China, Japan, Turkey, and Mexico are some countries that lean towards high-context. What is high and low context culture examples? Examples of low context cultures include: Scandinavia; Germany, and the US. The differences between high-context and low-context cultures is one of the most challenging things to navigate and one of the most important and distinct differences that exists across cultures. 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]. Anchor Press/Doubleday. People have many acquaintances they have fewer close friends. 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. High-context cultures usually do not have rules that are explicitly written or stated. Traditionally, Western cultures are known for being more individualistic or communicating with a low context style. A person's identity in a high context society tends to be based on one's roles and experiences within the group. [37] Because individualistic cultures may value cultural diversity, a more explicit way of communicating is often required to avoid misunderstanding. Instead, a comparison between cultures may find communication differences to a greater or lesser degree. Low-context cultures rely on explicit communication. This is in direct contrast to low-context cultures, in which information is communicated primarily through language and rules are explicitly spelled out. This study, done by Kim Dunghoon, was to test the major aspects the high versus low-context culture concepts. Cultures and communication in which the context of the message is of great importance to structuring actions are referred to as high context. We will write a custom Report on Communication Culture: Hall's High and Low-Context Model of Culture specifically for you. We'll also look at how they're different and what that means for your work in global business. - 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. Cultural contexts are not absolutely "high" or "low". Devon has tutored for almost two years. What is the role of such non-verbal communication in business relationships? [5]. Listen to business speaker Erin Meyer explain how cultural differences can affect communication. Croucher's study examines the assertion that culture influences communication style (high/low-context) preference. Examples of high-context cultures include Asian, African, Latin American, and some European countries. classifications are discussed below. Therefore, it is necessary for more explicit information to be included in the message so it is not misinterpreted. Examples of a low context communication cultures include The United States, the UK, Switzerland, Canada and Germany. A first step in achieving this goal is to identify one's own culture before delving into the rigors of another. Culture and Interpersonal Communication. A high-context culture is one in which communication may be more unspoken rather than explicit - for example, much attention is paid to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues in order to discern a speaker's meaning. https://helpfulprofessor.com/low-context-culture-examples/. The terms low-context and high-context usually refer to language groups or nationalities. In this article, we will give you examples of high and low context mediation. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many Western countries. [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. Two Types of Reflective Writing Assignments, Additional Resources for Improving Writing, Consistency in comparatives and listed elements: Parallelism, Hofstede Insights country comparison tool, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oYfhTC9lIQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQvqDv4vbEg, https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/42958_2_The_Cultural_Context.pdf, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, Tend to prefer indirect verbal interaction, Tend to understand meaning at one level only, Tend to understand meanings embedded at many sociocultural levels, Are generally less proficient in reading nonverbal cues, Are generally more proficient in reading nonverbal cues, Communication in highly structured messages, provide details, stress literal meaning, Communication is simple, sometimes ambiguous, messages; understand visual messages readily, Define cultural context (Guffey et al., 2013, p. 64), Contrast communicate styles for low-context and high-context cultures (Meyer, 2017, p. 59), Explain how cultural differences can affect workplace communication (Lavin Agency Speakers Bureau, 2014). High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Generally, the situation, people, and non-verbal elements are more important than the actual words that are communicated in a high-context culture. Generally, high-context cultures prefer oral communications, while low-context cultures favor written communications. [36], Individualistic cultures promote the development of individual values and independent social groups. 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. Developing Cultural Intelligence in Corporations, Cultural Perceptions of Time in Organizations: Monochronic and Polychronic Time, Using CRM to Improve Marketing & Customer Acquisition, Comparing Communication in Cultures with High & Low Tolerance for Ambiguity.