Question

Conduct a research on the difference between High and Low Context Cultures

Discuss any 3 of the Nonverbal communications relation & impact on those two cultures

Answer 1

In 1976, Edward T Hall suggested a theory that the cultures can be divided into high context and low context. The differentiating features between high and low context cultures are meant to highlight the differences in the communication of the cultures.

High-context cultures communicates it in way which does not explicitly convey the meaning of the messages. It may use communication process that focuses on underlying context, meaning, and tone in the message, and not just the words themselves. A meaning of the message has to be understood by looking into the situations. Japan, China, France, Spain, Brazil are some countries where high context culture can be seen.

At the same time, low-context cultures communice in way which explicitly states the meaning and intention of the message so that there’s no risk of confusion. In such a culture, if a message isn’t clear enough, it will slow down the process of communication. UK, Australia, the United States etc are some countries where low context culture can be seen.

3 non verbal communications in high and low context cultures

1. Kissing: In low context cultures kissing a person on the cheek may be a way to express friendliness. But in high context cultures, it is a to communicate sexual desire from one person to the other.

2. Eye winking: In low context cultures, eye winking is just a way to signal a shared secret between two people. But in high context cultures, winking could possibly constitute a sexual gesture too.

3. Closeness: Physical closeness has got different meanings in two contexts. In low context it would be to show the attachment to a person while in high context it could be also meant threat the other.