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. - Effects & Types, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Definition, effects & Types, Trepanning: Tools, Specialties & Definition, What is Pseudoephedrine? In low-context cultures, communication tends to be more direct and to the point. In low-context cultures, gestures and facial expressions are never the primary means of communication; they only serve to clarify or complement a point. An individual from Texas (a higher-context culture) may communicate with a few words or use of a prolonged silence characteristic of Texan English, where a New Yorker would be very explicit (as typical of New York City English), although both speak the same language (American English) and are part of a nation (the United States of America) which is lower-context relative to other nations. Class, Codes and Control. In this context, we will discuss those topics also. Examples of low context cultures include: Scandinavia; Germany, and the US. [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. Sage Publications. [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. The American legal system, for example, relies on low context communication. [2], Website design among cross-cultural barriers include factoring in decisions about culture-sensitive color meanings, layout preferences, animation and sounds. Wurtz, Elizabeth (2005). Intercultural Communication on Websites: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Websites from High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures. 231 lessons. 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. Relationships: The components of these cultures tend to value long-term relationships. Create your account. The study suggests that in high-context cultures, such as China and Korea, people tend to be more socially oriented, less confrontational, and more complacent with existing ways of living compared to people from low-context cultures like the US.[23]. A 2005 study by Elizabeth Wurtz demonstrates how cultural differences shape marketing and advertising. 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]. The preferred way of solving problems and learning is in groups. Moving from high-context communication to low-context communication or vice versa is challenging for students. [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. An in-depth understanding of cultural norms is not required because the communication is explicit. 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. Amount of Detail Expected - High-context cultures such as Japan, China, and France provide little details in their writing. The same applies for the other characteristics in varied countries. Low-context cultures (including North America and much of Western Europe) are logical, linear, individualistic, and action-oriented. Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). [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. Therefore, it is necessary for more explicit information to be included in the message so it is not misinterpreted. For example Japan, which has a very high context culture, uses both polychronic and monochronic time. [25] Pleasure, affection and inclusion were the highest motives for communication in both cultures, and control was the lowest for both cultures. In comparison, the United States is perhaps the best example of a diverse and low-context culture. The law is important! [19] This has been expanded to further countries by Sheposh & Shaista. Communication is seen as a way of exchanging information, ideas, and opinions. The American sample scored the lowest compared to the two "Oriental samples," which aligns with Hall's concept. High-context communications, as well as low-context interactions, are important to understand from many perspectives. According to Watson, "the influence of cultural variables interplays with other key factors for example, social identities, those of age, gender, social class and ethnicity; this may include a stronger or weaker influence. High-context cultures are related to connotation. When individuals from high-context and low-context cultures collaborate, there are often difficulties that occur during the exchange of information. Ramos, D. C. (2014). Individualism may lead to communicating to all people in a group in the same way, rather than offering hierarchical respect to certain members. London: Routledge. - Dosage & Side Effects, Anxiolytic: Definition, Medications & Dependence, What is Citalopram? 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 Cultural contexts are not absolutely "high" or "low". High-context communications typically take place in a collectivist setting, or within a large group of people who share similar goals, values, or norms (ingroups). 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]. References Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). 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. However, there are some other characteristics also. In contrast, take a look at the ads on the front page of Weibo, which is considered China's version of Facebook. 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. "High context". Goodwill Messages and Recommendations. When it comes to emails, texts, and online messaging, low-context cultures use it to fire off quick, frequent messages. The United States, on the other hand, is considered a low-context culture, relying largely on explicit verbal explanations to keep everyone on the same page. Teachers can illustrate the differences between high- and low- context cultures by providing examples of behaviors. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many Western countries. Sourabh Yadav (MA) and Peer Reviewed by Chris Drew (PhD), Bureaucratization (Sociology): Definition, Features, Origins, Stereotype Content Model: Examples and Definition. If you want to appear polite, you need to be willing to greet strangers and thank . People within high-context cultures tend to be more aware and observant of facial expressions, body language, changes in tone, and other aspects of communication that are not directly spoken. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Guffey, M.E., Lowey, D., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2013). [42] Low-context websites had less animation and more stagnant images, with more details on information. People within low-context cultures see their relationships much looser and the lines between networks of people are more flexibly drawn.[11]. High-context cultures are those that communicate in ways that are implicit and rely heavily on context. About The Helpful Professor Low context cultures rely on the spoken word to communicate. The low-context websites had multiple images of individuals, while the high-context websites contained images and animations of groups and communities.[42]. Conflict Styles and HighLow Context Cultures: A Cross-Cultural Extension. Guffey et al. According to Hall, the high-context culture definition relates to a culture by which the rules of communication are primarily and dominantly transmitted through the use of contextual elements. Beyond Culture. 1. 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. [36], High-context cultures tend to be more stable, as their communication is more economical, fast, efficient and satisfying; but these are gained at a price of devoting time into preprogramming cultural background, and their high stability might come with a price of a high barrier for development. The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice states that, "high context defines cultures that are relational and collectivist, and which most highlight interpersonal relationships. What is the role of such non-verbal communication in business relationships? High-context cu. Traditionally, Western cultures are known for being more individualistic or communicating with a low context style. Meyer defines low-context cultures as cultures where people communicate and receive messages at face value. [20][21], Cultural context can also shift and evolve. They often use written contracts and agreements to clarify expectations (Gudykunst & Ting-Toomey, 1988). While some cultures are low or high . . 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. Examples of high context cultures include many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, as well as some European cultures such as Spain and Italy. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. The reverse holds true for High (Collectivistic) Context Cultures. Your email address will not be published. [5]. Russians employ a communication style that relies on environmental, non-verbal, traditional, and symbolic cues when communicating. people generally use. The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Examples of low-context cultures include the United States, Australia, and many European countries. High vs. Low Power Distance Cultural Communications | What are High and Low Power Distance Cultural Communications? It is important to note that no culture is low-context or high-context in absolute terms but a mix of both. [2] Collectivist societies prioritize the group over the individual, and vice versa for individualist ones. Listen to business speaker Erin Meyer explain how cultural differences can affect communication. ; it is the way we communicate, do business and see the world. In contrast, high-context cultures use facial expressions, body language, and gestures in a nuanced manner. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. High-context cultures rely heavily on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, etc. [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. Germany, Sweden, and the United States are generally classified as low-context cultures. Intercultural communication. The terms low-context and high-context usually refer to language groups or nationalities. France. Interaction. On one side of the dimension, we have high context cultures, which depend on greater context when communicating. In. Explain the differences between high- and low-context cultures, giving examples of each. Family gatherings, religious congregations, and other social outings with a close-knit group of people are forms of high-context communications that take place regularly in most cultures. How Do I Format and Cite Long Direct Quotes? With this regard, America culture is a low-context . 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. Wurtz found something similar while analyzing website design. This allows individuals of different generations to communicate through a shared set of values, which, in turn, provides stability to the culture. Low context can describe situations, environments and cultures. Besides cultural context, personal experiences and preferences also shape communication. 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. Low-context and high-context culture are anthropological concepts that describe the level of explicit information and the importance of context in a cultures communication. Croucher, S., Bruno, A, McGrath, P, Adams, C, McGahan, C, Suits, A & Huckins, A. Bernstein, B. Identify your style Before implementing effective communication practices across cultures, identify your own style: Low-context cultures also want these communications to revolve around basic questions, like: What's happening? The theory of High and Low Context Cultures puts how people communicate in a dimension. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Also remember that although cultures are different from one another, no culture or cultural characteristic is better or worse than any other. Culture and Interpersonal Communication. All the advice on this site is general in nature. [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. 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. A conclusion may be implied but not argued directly. Leaders in high-context cultures, such as Ethiopia, tend to communicate more implicitly, using more nonverbal communication and expressing more vague verbal messages (at least from the viewpoint of a low-context culture). Characteristics of Low Context People behave according to rules Preference is given to knowledge sharing and transfer Relationships do not last longer On purpose relationships France is a high-context culture. The continuum pictures how people communicate with others through their range of communication abilities: utilizing gestures, relations, body language, verbal messages, or non-verbal messages. Japan is generally considered a high-context culture, meaning people communicate based on inherent understanding. 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. 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. The Nine Competencies that Characterize an IEP, Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits and Obstacles, Intercultural Communication in the Workplace, Additional Resources to Help you Format your Paper in APA Style. High-context cultures are built on a sense of shared experiences and history. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Intercultural Business Communication by Confederation College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. [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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