This document discusses high and low context cultures and how they differ in communication styles. High context cultures communicate implicitly with nonverbal cues taking precedence over words. Relationships are built slowly based on trust and collectivism. Low context cultures communicate explicitly relying mainly on spoken or written words. Relationships form and end more quickly with an emphasis on individualism. Examples given are how names are used differently in high context Japan versus low context Western cultures.

1. HIGH AND LOW
CONTEXT
CULTURES
TuguldurTumurbaatar

2. Some Background
■ 1959, EdwardT. Hall wrote the book “The Silent
Language”
■ Founded the field of intercultural
communications
■ First mention of “high and low context cultures”

3. ■ Low context cultures- mainly cultures withWestern European
roots (North America, Austrailia etc.)
■ High context cultures- everywhere else
■ Can also exist within companies, social groups etc.
■ Both can exist simultaneously within a group
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4. High context cultures
■ Communication is implicit; nonverbal cues (body language, facial expressions) and
other factors (tone of voice, relationship to one another etc.) take precedence
■ More emphasis on word choice
■ Many things are left unsaid, is only understood by members of the culture/group
■ Relationships are formed slowly and are built to last
■ More focus on collectivism and togetherness
■ Responsibility to understand falls upon the reciever

5. Low context cultures
■ Communication is explicit; mainly relies on written or spoken word
■ Less emphasis on word choice
■ Relationships are formed quickly and can be ended quickly
■ Information freely available
■ More focus on the individual
■ Responsibility falls upon the sender

6. Further differences
High context culture
■ Small, close-knit groups built on
trust
■ Groups are to be relied upon;
difficult to find support outside of
the group
■ Personal and professional life deeply
interconnected
Low context culture
■ Large groups that can be split up
into smaller groups; boundaries not
clear
■ Individuality and independence are
more important
■ More relationships, yet fewer
intimate ones

7. Examples
■ “First name basis” in Japan
■ Jobs