Learn more about our academic and editorial standards. The Self in a Social Context: Help and Review, Figure-Ground Perception: Definition & Examples, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, High Context vs. Low Context Characteristics, Introduction to Social Psychology: Help and Review, Research Methods and Ethics: Help and Review, Social Cognition & Perception: Help and Review, The Self: Executive and Organizational Functions & Gender and Cultural Differences, Introspection and Self-Awareness Theory in Psychology: Definition & Examples, Self-Perception Theory: Definition and Examples, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Education: Definition & Examples, Two-Factor Theory of Emotions: Definition and Relation to the Misattribution of Arousal, Social-Comparison Theory: Upward vs. The study identifies whether and how variables that characterize high- and low-context cultures are reflected on Web sites. High - low context communication: Vietnamese style 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 Low-context cultures (including North America and much of Western Europe) are logical, linear, individualistic, and action-oriented. France. High context communication cultures . The results found that U.S. participants used communication for pleasure more often than Mexican participants. In the 1970's, anthropologist Edward T. Hall coined the phrases "high-context culture" and "low- context culture.". Culture also affects how individuals interpret other people's facial expressions. [3] Low-context cultures do the opposite; direct verbal communication is needed to properly understand a message being communicated and relies heavily on explicit verbal skills. The low-context websites had multiple images of individuals, while the high-context websites contained images and animations of groups and communities.[42]. Guffey et al. High and Low Context Culture in Business | Free Essay Example These countries are quite explicit and elaborate without having prior knowledge to each member's history or background. India and Japan are typically high-context, highly collectivistic cultures, where business is done by building relationships and maintaining respectful communication. High Context Culture: Advantages, Disadvantages And Its Examples On one side of the dimension, we have high context cultures, which depend on greater context when communicating. [2], Website design among cross-cultural barriers include factoring in decisions about culture-sensitive color meanings, layout preferences, animation and sounds. In high-context cultures, there are often many opportunities for social and cultural context to explain speech, which reduces the need for words in all instances. Once again we return to the differences between high-context and low-context cultures. A 2008 meta-analysis concluded that the model was "unsubstantiated and underdeveloped".[5]. [25] Pleasure, affection and inclusion were the highest motives for communication in both cultures, and control was the lowest for both cultures. In contrast, high-context cultures use facial expressions, body language, and gestures in a nuanced manner. Ironically, contexting is most frequently discussed in terms of directness, yet empirical studies nearly all fail to support this relationship. They are considered less direct, and they put a lot of weight on gestures and body language to draw significance from messages. Discover high context culture examples, and identify the importance of high context vs. low context communication. - Effects & Types, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Definition, effects & Types, Trepanning: Tools, Specialties & Definition, What is Pseudoephedrine? for only $11.00 $9.35/page. For example, resemblance is a significant trait in cultures with a high level of context. [38] By contrast, low-context cultures tend to change more rapidly and drastically, allowing extension[definition needed] to happen at faster rates. In other words, people communicate explicitly in low-context cultures. [5], These concepts were first introduced by the anthropologist Edward T. Hall in his 1959 book The Silent Language. 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. High context cultures tend to build relationships slowly, and they are generally stable for a long time and are based on trust and loyalty. 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. [23] For example, Native Americans in the United States have higher-context cultures with a strong sense of tradition and history, compared to general American culture. the study of body movement including gestures, hand, arm, and leg movements, facial expressions, eye contact, and stance or posture Low-context message a message where the message is encoded in the words used or in the verbal expression and not as much in the context Masculinity-Femininity 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. I feel like its a lifeline. For example Japan, which has a very high context culture, uses both polychronic and monochronic time. This allows individuals of different generations to communicate through a shared set of values, which, in turn, provides stability to the culture. Because a low-context setting cannot rely on shared understanding of potentially ambiguous messages, low-context cultures tend to give more information, or to be precise in their language. By contrast, a low-context culture is characterized by information being communicated primarily through spoken language, as well as rules being explicitly and directly stated. Not only is the page itself busier . 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. "Understanding cultural differences. Rules are not directly or explicitly written or stated. [26] The terms high- and low-context cultures are not classified with strict individual characteristics or boundaries. It relies on the straightforward use of language, without depending much on nonverbal cues. This makes high-context cultures difficult to navigate for those who do not understand the culture's unwritten rules. The American legal system, for example, relies on low context communication. 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. It is important to note that no culture is low-context or high-context in absolute terms but a mix of both. [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. 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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. What is low context cultural communication? Carolyn Meyer (2017)[4]discusses the prototypes for communication in low-context and high-context cultures: Communicators in low-context cultures (such as those in Germany, Scandinavia, and North America) convey their meaning exclusive of the context of a situation. The terms low-context and high-context usually refer to language groups or nationalities. In high-context cultures (such as those in Japan, China, Korea, and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. Although the concept of high- and low-context cultures is usually applied in the field of analyzing national cultures, it can also be used to describe scientific or corporate cultures, or specific settings such as airports or law courts. Traditionally, Western cultures are known for being more individualistic or communicating with a low context style. 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 High- and Low-Context Cultures and Responsibility for Miscommunication High-context cultures are built on a sense of shared experiences and history. The same applies for the other characteristics in varied countries. 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. 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. Because of this, communication can change drastically from one generation to the next, creating communication gaps between parents and children. 4.3: Variations in Communication Styles - Social Sci LibreTexts Your email address will not be published. Watch this video from international business expert Erin Meyer [1]. Kim Dunghoon conducted a study to test the major aspects of high-context versus low-context culture concepts. Teachers can share their own experiences and examples with their students. Having a firm grasp on what constitutes high- and low-context, particularly in a communication setting, will truly help you better understand each . When individuals from high-context and low-context cultures collaborate, there are often difficulties that occur during the exchange of information. 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. Emphasis on verbal vs. non-verbal communications, the existence of close personal space, emphasis on collectivism and ingroup learning and achievements, and the importance of interpersonal relationships are but a few of the most significant distinguishing factors. Message is carried more by words than by nonverbal means. For example, a low-context communicator can say, "I am unhappy with this outcome and . Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many Western countries. Examples of high context cultures include many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, as well as some European cultures such as Spain and Italy. The study tested 16 items, covering various aspects of the high-versus-low context concept, including social orientation, responsibility, confrontation, communication, commitment, and dealing with new situations. Intercultural Communication in the Workplace, 18. Conclusions are explicitly stated. ), Hall, E. T.; Hall, M. R. (1990). According to Hall's theory, Chinese and Korean samples represented higher-context cultures while the American sample represents lower context. ", "Communication: intercultural communication. In high-context cultures, language may be used to assist and maintain relationship-building and to focus on process. 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 - Dosage & Side Effects, Anxiolytic: Definition, Medications & Dependence, What is Citalopram? What are the differences between high context and low context cultures? We have close, personal relationships with our relatives. Both often take many aspects of the other's cultural communication abilities and strengths into account. [42] In a case study conducted by the IT University of Copenhagen, it was found that websites catering to high-context cultures tended to have more detailed and advanced designs, including various images and animations. Low context can describe situations, environments and cultures. Members of high-context cultures usually have close relationships that last for an extended period of time. Intercultural Business Communication by Confederation College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. A low-context culture is a culture in which people communicate explicitly. The following are illustrative examples. Low context implies that a lot of information is exchanged explicitly through the message itself and rarely is anything implicit or hidden.People in low context cultures such as the UK tend to have short-term relationships, follow rules and standards closely and are generally very task-oriented. Learn what high context culture is. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Whereas low-context cultures prefer more words (to a certain extent), high-context cultures prefer more images. Japan is a country with a high-context culture. Individuals in such cultures must hear or read a direct order, point, etc for it to be taken as valid. Wurtz studied McDonalds online advertising in various countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States, etc. In Mexico's high context culture, communication is . Therefore, it is necessary for more explicit information to be included in the message so it is not misinterpreted. Hall identifies high-context cultures as those in which harmony and the well-being of the group is preferred over individual achievement. What are some examples of low-context and high-context cultures? Masculine vs. Feminine Cultures: Distinctions & Communication Styles. 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. 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 are collectivist, value interpersonal relationships, and have members that form stable, close relationships. 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. Context is Everything - United States Department of State Hofstede, G. (1984). Nonetheless, the contexting model simply cannot be described as an empirically validated model. [5]. Effectively communicating within this culture, therefore, requires messaging that is perceived as objective, professional, and efficient. (2014, December 10). What is an Interculturally Effective Person (IEP)? The GLOBE Project Overview & Behavior Styles | What is the GLOBE Project? Intercultural communication. High-Context and Low-Context Cultures - YouTube High-context cultures rely heavily on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, etc. 1. [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. These problems can be separated into differences concerning "direction", "quantity" and "quality." 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. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Topic: Culture, Context, Communication, Middle East, Business, Conflict, People, Relationships. [19] This has been expanded to further countries by Sheposh & Shaista. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. 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 . Sage Publications. High Context vs. Low Context High-context is that "most of the information is either in the physical context or initialized in the person, while very little is in the coded, explicit, transmitted part of the message." (Hall). High and Low Context Cultures, Essay Example | essays.io A few relevant examples of differences in communication between low- and high-context cultures are found in Table 1. Copyright 2023 Helpful Professor. 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. Communication Research Reports. High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication - ToughNickel High-context defines cultures that are usually relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. PDF Context Matters: An Ethiopian Case Study Adapting Leadership - CCL High Context Culture Definition & Examples | High Context vs Low China, Japan, Turkey, and Mexico are some countries that lean towards high-context. https://helpfulprofessor.com/low-context-culture-examples/. However, there are some other characteristics also. [1] "High-" and "low-" context cultures typically refer to language groups, nationalities, or regional communities. High Context and Low Context - SlideShare Because low-context communication concerns more direct messages, the meaning of these messages is more dependent on the words being spoken rather than on the interpretation of more subtle or unspoken cues. Their communication is often indirect and requires a nuanced understanding, so outsiders might find it more difficult to enter their culture. Table 2 shows a classification of countries in low and high context, their characteristics and the expected role . Power Distance Index & Examples | What is Power Distance? Low-context cultures tend to focus more on the individual than the group, which is why they value individualism and autonomy. The scale of high- and low-context cultures helps explain much about how we experience communication across our cultural experiences. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Body language, tone of voice, and personal status are a few notable characteristics that are valued in a high-context culture. These are some important high-context culture characteristics to look out for. 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. It can imply understanding or agreement, but it can also mean their conversea lack of certainty. 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. As a result of these years of interacting with one another, the members know what the rules are, how to think, and how to behave, so the rules do not have to be explicitly stated. High and Low Context Culture - UKEssays They also displayed pictures of individuals, while high-context websites foregrounded group pictures. Besides cultural context, personal experiences and preferences also shape communication. PDF Negotiating Aross Cultures - Air University