HIGH AND LOW CONTEXT CULTURES

Look at the picture and a diagram representing one type of culture. In pairs,

discuss what you can tell about this culture. What countries does the iceberg represent? How do people communicate in

this culture?

High-Context Culture

Now, look at the second picture and another diagram representing another type of

culture. In pairs, discuss what you can tell about this culture. What countries does the

iceberg represent? How do people communicate in this culture?

Low-Context Culture

Now watch this short video and note the differences in the communication patterns between high and low context cultures:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oYfhTC9lIQ

Places and situations can be high or low context too.Look at these pictures. Can you classify them?

LOW HIGH

HIGHLOW

Group task: Your teacher will give you some cards with places and situations. Classify them into high and low

context.

Now, let’s look together at some characteristics of high and low context cultures:

HIGH CONTEXT CULTURES

Relationships depend on trust, build up slowly. Difference between people inside and people outside one's circle.

How things get done depends on relationships with people and group process is important.

One's identity is rooted in groups (family, culture, work).

Hierarchichal social structure: responsibility is at the top. Person at the top works for the good of the group. People at the bottom respectthe person at the top.

Verbal message is indirect; one talks around the point. .

Communication is seen as an art form - rules to follow

Time is not easily scheduled; needs of people may come first. What is important is that the activity gets done.

Learning occurs by first observingothers as they model or demonstrate a task and then practising it.

Groups are preferred for learning and problem solving.

Low-Context Cultures

Relationships begin and end quickly. Circle's boundary is not clear.

Things get done by following procedures and paying attention to the rules.

One's identity is rooted in oneself and one's achievements. A person takes risks and assumes responsibility for his/her own actions.

Social structure : responsibility is not concentrated at the top. It isshared. Verbal message is direct; one says exactly what he/she means.

Disagreement is not taken personally. The focus is on logical solutions, not personal ones.

Space and privacy are important, so people are farther apart.

Things are scheduled to be done at particular times. What is important is that activity is done efficiently.

Learning occurs by following clear directions and explanations of others. At the same time, taking risks is encouraged. Innovation is rewarded.

An individual approach is preferred for learning and problem solving.

Pair work: Your teacher will give you a list of statements characterizing both LOW and HIGH context cultures. Put L or H

next to each statement.

Now check your answers against the summary table your teacher will give you.

HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE

LOW CONTEXT CULTURE

Close personal relationships Strong sense of insiders and outsiders Reserved Very rare marriage with outsiders Who you know is important General information Verbal agreements Gender roles clearly defined Polite people admired Process more important than product Team work preferred Strong sense of family Strong sense of respect and honour A lot of confidential information Better response to visual information Public criticism insulting Concerned about losing face No direct eye contact Elders/authoritative people in control Risks not easily taken People’s emotions taken into account

in decision making

Short term relationships Informal Outgoing Intermarriage common What you know is important Specific information Written contracts Gender roles less fixed Expertise valued Focus on result Clear division of responsibilities Individual freedom and privacy valued Strong sense of fairness Rules and regulations Emphasis on words and text Transparency and truth expected Individual responsibility Direct communication Managers chosen or appointed ‘Have a go at it’ philosophy Values logic over feeling when making

decisions

HIGH AND LOW CONTEXT QUIZYou will have to classify places/situations and statements from the table your teacher has given you by writing L or Hnext to them.For example: Burj Al Arab = HShort term relationships = L

REFERENCE

http://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/pub/Context_Cultures_High_and_Lo.htm