Context

HIGH-CONTEXT CULTURES

Japanese

Chinese

Korean

African American

American Indian

Arab

Greek

Latin

Italian

British

French

American & Canadian

Scandinavian

Germanic

Swiss

LOW CONTEXT CULTURES

HIGH-CONTEXT CHARACTERISTICS Homogenous populations - no co-cultures Cultural membership is complicated and

absolutely necessary, communicative norms are rigidly enforced

Outsiders are recognizable and marginalized Relatively stable, few elements of change,

little dissension - respect tradition over innovation

The necessary cultural information and contextual grasp is in the individual members present in the context

Nonverbal content is ritualized, subtle and more meaningful than verbal (words).

Space, Time, Touch, Silence, Gaze are all key components to interpretation of message - fewer words, more careful listening

Responsibility for interpretation rests upon the listeners - hence importance of understanding cultural context and norms

Interruptions and clarifying questions are embarrassing and discouraged - sign of cultural ignorance, immaturity

LOW-CONTEXT CHARACTERISTICS

Populations less homogenous - co-cultures present, diverse societies

Reliance is upon detailed verbal information for interpretation of messages

Nonverbal element can be ambiguous - frequently clarified verbally

Dynamic cultures - change is taken for granted Tradition is less important than other values -

innovation, progress, equity, etc. Outsider status less important, fewer

consequences, more ambiguity re status More words used, less careful attention paid Responsibility for interpretation rests upon

speakers - will restate and repeat Interruptions and clarifying questions

expected and encouraged