Intercultural Communication

Trends

Hi Context vs. Low Context

• These are tendencies within a culture.• Because Western Business Discourse is

becoming common, there will be times when it isn’t suitable to use High Context trends when you might expect otherwise.

• Know your audience. Read previous communications from them for indications of preferences. Error on the side of greater formality if you are uncertain.

High context rhetorical trends: Many Asian and M.Eastern Cultures

• Homogeneous (inside/outside clearly defined)• Group oriented• Deviance discouraged• People oriented• Non-confrontational• Humanistic (self-control)• Risk-averse

Low Context Rhetorical Trends:U.S. and other Western Countries

• Heterogeneous (open to outsiders)• Individual oriented• Encourages variation• Active and solution oriented• Conflict encouraged (productive)• Procedural (rules govern behavior)• Welcome risk

Typical Low Context Letter Structure

• Address • Salutation • Main Point of Letter • Body of Letter • Action(s) to be Taken • Close

Suggested High Context Letter Structure

• Address • Salutation • Set Context • Background Information • Main Point of Letter • Elaborations • Re-Set Context • Close