Different cultures communicate differently. High-context cultures rely on implicit communication and relationships, while low-context cultures prefer explicit exchanges and individual focus.
Different cultures communicate in different ways. One useful way to examine these differences is through the framework of high-context and low-context cultures.
People in high-context cultures are usually:
- Rely more on implicit communication and nonverbal cues.
- Focus on long-term relationships to derive meaning.
- See communication as an art and a way to connect.
- Take time to build trust in relationships.
- Value group identity (family, culture, work).
- Are flexible with time and prioritize getting things done over strict schedules.
- Examples: Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, Indonesian, Korean, Arabic, Brazilian, and French Canadian.
On the other hand, people in low-context cultures are usually:
- Prefer explicit and direct communication.
- Focus more on the message than on relationships.
- See communication as a way to share information and opinions.
- Form and end relationships quickly.
- Value individual identity and achievements.
- Follow strict schedules and like to do one thing at a time.
- Examples: German, Israeli, Swiss, Dutch, Scandinavian, American, Canadian, Australian, British, and English Canadian.
This framework was developed by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, who also studied how different cultures view time. Of course, this is a general framework and doesn't apply to everyone in these cultures. But it can still help understand cultural differences. Remember, "All models are wrong, but some are useful."
You can take this survey if you're curious about where you fit on this low and high-context continuum. My low context score is 12 points higher than my high context score.