High Context vs Low Context

• Covert and Implicit

• Messages internalised

• Much non-verbal coding

• Reactions reserved

• Distinct ingroups and outgroups

• Strong Interpersonal bonds

• Commitment high

• Time open and flexible

• Overt and explicit

• Messages plainly coded

• Details verbalised

• Reactions on the surface

• Flexible ingroups and outgroups

• Fragile Interpersonal bonds

• Commitment low

• Time highly organised

High Context vs Low Context

“High Context” vs. “Low Context” Cultures

• Hall (1976) describes as being either high or low context cultures

• High – have strong interpersonal bonds and extensive networks with members of their in-group.

• Low – compartmentalize their personal relationships; they prefer lots of background information

The Face, Hands, Touch• Face – primary transmitter of emotional cues (Happy,

sad, frustrated)• Hand – hand movement is primary means of showing

intensity• Touch – Hall (1983) says it is the most fundamental

part of the human experience. Include such things as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, and clasping shoulders.– High context cultures – touch is an intrinsic part of

communication– Low context cultures – NOT intrinsic part of

communication

Space

• How much space do people need?• High Context Cultures – prefer close distances

when speaking to one another• Low Context Cultures – prefer far away

distances when speaking to one another• Most common misunderstanding of

communication across cultures.