high and low context cultures examples

Class, Codes and Control. Family gatherings and interactions with people from high-context cultures are two examples of scenarios in which Americans participate in high-context communications, largely because they are with close-knit groups of people who share similar values, rules, and norms. Relationships are easy to build, can start very quickly but end just as soon. In other words, people communicate explicitly in low-context cultures. Their communication is often indirect and requires a nuanced understanding, so outsiders might find it more difficult to enter their culture. Wurtz studied McDonalds online advertising in various countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States, etc. High-context cultures promote the development of ingroups. 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. With this regard, America culture is a low-context . Amount of Detail Expected - High-context cultures such as Japan, China, and France provide little details in their writing. High Context Culture And Its Importance There are strong distinctions made between individuals who are members of the ingroup and those who are not members in high-context cultures. Generally, high-context cultures prefer oral communications, while low-context cultures favor written communications. 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 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. In, Meyer, C. (2017). In low-context cultures, gestures and facial expressions are never the primary means of communication; they only serve to clarify or complement a point. [24] The table shows the major differences and similarities between individual queries. They rely less on the shared values/assumptions of the group and the context of the situation. [36], Individualistic cultures promote the development of individual values and independent social groups. [15] In contrast, scientists working with living systems need to include more context because there can be significant variables which impact the research outcomes. Seekprofessional input on your specific circumstances. A 2005 study by Elizabeth Wurtz demonstrates how cultural differences shape marketing and advertising. The study identifies whether and how variables that characterize high- and low-context cultures are reflected on Web sites. 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]. They have a Bachelor's in Air Traffic Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and minored in Aviation Safety and Homeland Security. In contrast, the use of restricted codes indicates that speakers and listeners do share a great deal of common background and perspectives, and hence much more can be taken for granted, and thus expressed implicitly or through nuance: restricted codes tend to be more context-dependent. High context is where the groups of people or societies in which individuals have had close links in the course of a long period. Intercultural Communication on Websites: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Websites from High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures. Discover high context culture examples, and identify the importance of high context vs. low context communication. In contrast, low-context cultures rely on explicit verbal communication. [10] In low-context cultures, relationships are not viewed as important figures to identity. 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. 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. 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. [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. They rely less on context & non-verbal cues and instead convey meaning more directly. Your message needs to be clear and precise. It can imply understanding or agreement, but it can also mean their conversea lack of certainty. An error occurred trying to load this video. ), Hall, E. T.; Hall, M. R. (1990). Examples of a low context communication cultures include The United States, the UK, Switzerland, Canada and Germany. Meaning is determined not by what is said but by how it is said and by how social implications such as the communicators status and position come into play. The author states that Japan is a high context culture because they have every decision based on their culture and France is both a high and low mixture finally low context example is America. Japan is a country with a high-context culture. "[29] A similarity that the two communication styles share is its influence on social characteristics such as age, gender, social class and ethnicity. In Mexico's high context culture, communication is . Information has to be explicit and detailed for the message to be conveyed without distortion. [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. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what . Since they value collectivism and interdependence, it makes sense that their communication requires an understanding of the communitys shared values. 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. Hall, E. T. (1976). About The Helpful Professor All rights reserved. Bernstein, B. [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. Relationships: The components of these cultures tend to value long-term relationships. In high-context cultures, people are said to prefer symbolic, artful language that is implicit. Sage Publications. Cultures and languages are defined as higher or lower context on a spectrum. In other words, the relationship between directness and contexting based on traditional classifications of [high-context] and [low-context] cultures is particularly tenuous. A simplified example mentioned by Hall is that scientists working in "hard science" fields (like chemistry and physics) tend to have lower-context cultures: because their knowledge and models have fewer variables, they will typically include less context for each event they describe. Contents show Low Context Culture Definition Edward T. Hall describes low-context culture as one in which: "[17] On the other hand, he identified countries such as Germany, the United States and Scandinavia as low-context cultures. In contrast, take a look at the ads on the front page of Weibo, which is considered China's version of Facebook. Sage Publications. A conclusion may be implied but not argued directly. 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. [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. These experiences inclu. Cultural contexts are not absolutely "high" or "low". Goodwill Messages and Recommendations. Anchor Press/Doubleday. Communication Research Reports. 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. Their communication is less-task oriented, and their decision-making is driven by relationships, shared experiences, and emotions. Low-context cultures (such as those in North America and Western Europe) depend less on the environment of a situation to convey meaning than do high-context cultures (such as those in Japan, China, and Arab countries). References Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). 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. 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. 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. 3. Answer (1 of 2): Examples of high context countries include: Japan, China, and the Arab countries. Effectively communicating within this culture, therefore, requires messaging that is perceived as objective, professional, and efficient. The law is important! A number of unique characteristics exist to make a clear distinction between high-context vs. low-context cultures and methods of communication. The cultural context. 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. Learn more about our academic and editorial standards. Instead, many cultures tend to have a mixture or at least some concepts that are shared between them, overlapping the two context cultures.[26]. 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. For example, resemblance is a significant trait in cultures with a high level of context. Ramos, D. C. (2014). Edward Hall is a famous theorist and anthropologist who has contributed a renowned theory of high- and low-context cultures to facilitate students, researchers . [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. This makes high-context cultures difficult to navigate for those who do not understand the culture's unwritten rules. "[28] In such cultures, people are highly perceptive of actions. [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. Writing Topic Sentences and Body Paragraphs, 38. 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. A low-context (LC) communication is just the opposite; i.e., the mass of the information is vested in the explicit code.". Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. [25] Pleasure, affection and inclusion were the highest motives for communication in both cultures, and control was the lowest for both cultures. 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. A person's identity in a high context society tends to be based on one's roles and experiences within the group. Published: 2020/12/03. Context is less important than words. - Definition & Assessment, Bipolar vs. Borderline Personality Disorder, Atypical Antipsychotics: Effects & Mechanism of Action, What Is a Mood Stabilizer? This study, done by Kim Dunghoon, was to test the major aspects the high versus low-context culture concepts. Examples of high context cultures include many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, as well as some European cultures such as Spain and Italy. Low use of nonverbal elements. While in high context cultures, communication is done primarily through nonverbal mediums and gestures, in low context cultures, information is vested explicitly so that there is no risk of confusion. Initially, high culture rejects these outsiders but eventually embraces them or appropriates . An in-depth understanding of cultural norms is not required because the communication is explicit. 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. Primarily use non-verbal methods to relay meaningful information in conversations, such as facial expressions, eye movement, and tone of voice. Verbal message is explicit. For example, the Native Americans in the United States rely heavily on their tradition. Most notably, members of either culture must recognize and make an effort to understand the values and characteristics of other cultures so that miscommunications may be avoided. Body language, tone of voice, and personal status are a few notable characteristics that are valued in a high-context culture. Communicating with high-context cultures can require you to focus on politeness strategies that demonstrate your respect for readers and listeners. Most of the contexting categories simply have not been researched enough to make firm conclusions. The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice states that, "high context defines cultures that are relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. Individuals in such cultures must hear or read a direct order, point, etc for it to be taken as valid. A 2008 meta-analysis concluded that the model was "unsubstantiated and underdeveloped".[5]. What is an Interculturally Effective Person (IEP)? [1] "High-" and "low-" context cultures typically refer to language groups, nationalities, or regional communities. However, there are some other characteristics also. In the 1970's, anthropologist Edward T. Hall coined the phrases "high-context culture" and "low- context culture.". We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. Traditionally, Western cultures are known for being more individualistic or communicating with a low context style. Getting the message across. "[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. Some recognized examples include: Higher-context culture: China, India, Korea, Japan, other Asian countries, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Mauritania, Oman, and Yemen, African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Latin America, the Pacific islands, France, Greece, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Russia. They place a high value on interpersonal relationships and group members are a very close-knit community. Power Distance Index & Examples | What is Power Distance? (2014, December 10). Contexts in source publication. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. [19] This has been expanded to further countries by Sheposh & Shaista. Meaning depends on what is said- the literal content of the message- rather than how it is said. Low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, action-oriented, and concerned with the individual. 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. Generally, the situation, people, and non-verbal elements are more important than the actual words that are communicated in a high-context culture. Trust must be developed before business transactions can begin. This concept was introduced by Edward T. Hall, an anthropologist back in 1976. 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. Low and High Context Culture. For the processing of complex messages, the perspective of context theory is very relevant. Kim Dunghoon conducted a study to test the major aspects of high-context versus low-context culture concepts. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. (2014, May 9). [42] Low-context websites had less animation and more stagnant images, with more details on information. "Understanding cultural differences. 231 lessons. (2012). On one side of the dimension, we have high context cultures, which depend on greater context when communicating. [42] The images found on the websites used in the study promoted individualistic and collectivist characteristics within the low-context and high-context websites, respectively. Context 1. . Also remember that although cultures are different from one another, no culture or cultural characteristic is better or worse than any other. Unlike low-context cultures, high-context cultures prioritize the group over the individual (Hofstede, 1984). What is the role of such non-verbal communication in business relationships? Moving from high-context communication to low-context communication or vice versa is challenging for students. Cultures and communication in which the context of the message is of great importance to structuring actions are referred to as high context. They often use written contracts and agreements to clarify expectations (Gudykunst & Ting-Toomey, 1988). 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. A few relevant examples of differences in communication between low- and high-context cultures are found in Table 1. 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. When it comes to emails, texts, and online messaging, low-context cultures use it to fire off quick, frequent messages. The situation, people, and non-verbal elements are more important than the actual words that are communicated. Conclusion The dynamics of relationships within High and Low context cultures are very different. - 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. These problems can be separated into differences concerning "direction", "quantity" and "quality." 9. We also make strong distinctions between those who are a part of our family and those who are not. Want to create or adapt books like this? 18 Examples of Low Culture. High context cultures tend to build relationships slowly, and they are generally stable for a long time and are based on trust and loyalty. When individuals from high-context and low-context cultures collaborate, there are often difficulties that occur during the exchange of information. Monochronic vs. Polychronic Communication Styles | What Are Chronemics? 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.

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