High-Low Context
High and Low Context
http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html
Culture at Work
Communicating Across Cultures
Our Services Negotiation & Conflict Culture at Work Japan Communication Home
High and Low Context
Definitions of High and Low Context or Low Context Situation Main differences Entering a High
Other pages in this series: » What is "Culture"? » "Culture" Metaphors » 3 more metaphors » Create metaphors » Iceberg » High and Low Context » Culture "embodied"
The general terms "high context" and "low context" (popularized by Edward Hall) are used to describe broad-brush cultural differences between societies. High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other. Your family is probably an example of a high context environment. Low context refers to societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave.
High Context
Less verbally explicit communication, less written/formal information More internalized understandings of what is communicated Multiple cross-cutting ties and intersections with others Long term relationships Strong boundaries- who is accepted as belonging vs who is considered an "outsider" Knowledge is situational, relational. Decisions and activities focus around personal face-to-face relationships, often around a central person who has authority.
1 of 4
5/8/09 12:36 PM
High and Low Context
http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html
Examples:
Small religious congregations, a party with friends, family gatherings, expensive gourmet restaurants and neighborhood restaurants with a regular clientele,
http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html
Culture at Work
Communicating Across Cultures
Our Services Negotiation & Conflict Culture at Work Japan Communication Home
High and Low Context
Definitions of High and Low Context or Low Context Situation Main differences Entering a High
Other pages in this series: » What is "Culture"? » "Culture" Metaphors » 3 more metaphors » Create metaphors » Iceberg » High and Low Context » Culture "embodied"
The general terms "high context" and "low context" (popularized by Edward Hall) are used to describe broad-brush cultural differences between societies. High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other. Your family is probably an example of a high context environment. Low context refers to societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave.
High Context
Less verbally explicit communication, less written/formal information More internalized understandings of what is communicated Multiple cross-cutting ties and intersections with others Long term relationships Strong boundaries- who is accepted as belonging vs who is considered an "outsider" Knowledge is situational, relational. Decisions and activities focus around personal face-to-face relationships, often around a central person who has authority.
1 of 4
5/8/09 12:36 PM
High and Low Context
http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html
Examples:
Small religious congregations, a party with friends, family gatherings, expensive gourmet restaurants and neighborhood restaurants with a regular clientele,