https://www.asme.

org/topics-resources/content/communicating-across-cultures
HIGH CONTEXT VS. LOW CONTEXT
Transcript:
● It has been said that when Americans want to say 100 things they will verbalize 150 things for
they are explicit in their use of language in communication when the Japanese verbalize 70
things they are trying to get the other person to understand 104 they are using implicit
understandings and at times nonverbal cues to get their point across cultures can be
separated into two groups with regard to communication.
● High context cultures such as East Asian Latin American southern Mediterranean and Arab
countries were commonly homogeneous sharing a history of common values and assumptions
when people of high context cultures communicate it is not necessary for them to say
everything explicitly nonverbal cues often communicate what is not said and silenced can have
great meaning in parallel to this or..
● Low context cultures such as America Canada and Western European countries these
communicators prefer clear descriptions unambiguous communication and are highly specific
low context communicators do not rely or trust relationships in business communication
instead they rely more on the spoken or written word
● How can we bridge this communication gap? the gap is more about the language of behavior
than language use itself and it can be bridged by focusing on the key necessary to unlocking
business in any form and at any level relationships high context cultures value relationship
knowing the history and character of who they are communicating with influences what is
communicated and how a solid relationship supports a high context cultures natural implicit
communication preference thus it is an advantage to devote time and attention to relationship
building when working with high context cultures being aware low context communicators may
be perceived as moving too fast or as too too and abrupt informs low context communicators
to slow down approach communication through developing understanding rather than just by
giving specific explanations letting relationships percolate before trying to seal or even propose
an outcome will create not only better communication but better results as well.
High context versus low context.

The high- versus low-context dimension of culture relates to norms of communication. In low-context
countries, communication relies more heavily on the literal meaning of the words used. Meanings of
written and spoken communication are more explicit. To people from high-context cultures, the
bluntness and directness of low-context communication styles can seem insulting or aggressive. In
high-context cultures, much more of the context surrounding the written or spoken communication is
involved in conveying the message. Factors such as the social status of the communicators and the
nature of the relationship between them are key. The meaning of everything said in high-context
communication has to be interpreted in the context of the social relationship between the individuals.

Interpersonal space is also related to the high-context versus low-context dimension of national
cultures. In low-context cultures, people tend to be uncomfortable standing closer than three feet
from each other when conversing. In high-context cultures, people tend to stand relatively close
when conversing. They perceive a distance of three feet between communicators as something that
interferes with their communication, and they will tend to step closer in order to be more comfortable.
A range of one foot is the norm in Latin America and Asia. Arabs prefer to be even closer.

Germany, Switzerland and the US are examples of low-context countries. China, Korea, Japan and
most Latin American countries are examples of high-context countries.
AFFECTIVE VS. NEUTRAL CULTURES

Transcript:
● The difference between Affective and neutral cultures is the use of emotions in
general communication
● In Affective cultures people communicate by sharing their feelings in these kinds
of cultures people tend to use gestures touch space and a wide range of vocal
sounds to enhance their communication a typical greeting or conversation would
begin with asking how the other person feels
● In Neutral cultures people focus on what they are doing or what is actually
happening rather than how they feel about it critical logical thinking are given
priority over emotions
Affective versus neutral.

In highly affective cultures, people tend to openly express their feelings. In highly neutral cultures,
emotions are not expressed as openly and naturally. People from highly affective cultures are more
likely to smile, talk loudly when excited, and greet each other enthusiastically. People from highly
neutral cultures experience the same emotions, but are less inclined to express them, and they
express them more subtly. Implications for behavior in the workplace include how demonstrative
people are when showing appreciation and affection for each other and when celebrating successes.

Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland and China are examples of highly affective cultures.
Japan, Britain and Singapore are examples of highly neutral cultures. (Is "highly neutral" an
oxymoron?) The US is average.

SEQUENTIAL VS. SYNCHRONIC CULTURES

Transcript:
● In sequential cultures people experience time as a linear sequence of events
from beginning to end people from sequential cultures generally complete
specific tasks before they start the next time is treated as a commodity which can
be bought and sold giving rise to phrases like save time waste time and time is
money in sequential cultures being late can be perceived as stealing another
person's time looking at a clock time is generally seen in small blocks of maybe
five minutes so being a few minutes early or late is understood as being on time
● In synchronic cultures time is much more flexible people often perform several
tasks at once and deadlines are not a priority time blocks are longer so for
example in some cultures 15 minutes later than an agreed time is still considered
as being on time