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Cultural iceberg examples12/29/2023 However, someone from an indirect culture may not feel free to use the word “no” because its inherent negativity might damage the relationship. A classic example of this is the use of the word “yes.” For a direct communicator, the word yes is understood in terms of its dictionary definition. To someone from a direct, low context culture, this can sometimes feel like lying. data) is usually communicated nonverbally, while words are used as tools for affirming relationships. Craig Storti, Figuring Foreigners Out: A Practical Guide, p.99Īt the heart of the issue of context lies a basic question: What are words for? Are words primarily for transmitting data? Or are words primarily for navigating and strengthening relationships? In high context, indirect societies, truth (i.e. Storti’s continua for directness and the role of context in communication. Regionally, northern Europe and North America tend to be low context cultures. Situationally, legal contracts, building codes and computer coding languages are good examples of very low context communication. These cultures are called Low Context or Direct. Rather, the dictionary definitions of words are given priority over any nonverbal or otherwise indirect message. To be indirect invites misunderstanding and confusion. In a society where relationships are more transient and less holistic, where people have fewer experiences in common, it is more important to be clear, precise and explicit. Globally, most of Asia and parts of Africa, Latin America and southern Europe operate this way. Situationally, families and close friendships tend to be high context. To be blunt might even cause offense, as it can imply a lack of respect or a desire for distance. Many things do not need to be spelled out explicitly. In these High Context or Indirect societies, communication is usually indirect and non-verbal. In a society where communities are close-knit and relationships are long-lasting, it is natural to rely on shared experience and mutual understanding to communicate ideas. Adapted from Moreau, Campbell & Greener, Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective, p.130. High- and Low-Context Communication illustrated. Do we prefer to spell things out explicitly or do we let others read between the lines? Do we give more weight to words or to the context of those words? Our choices depend a great deal on our cultural background. With so many means of communication at our disposal, we have to choose which to prioritize when giving and receiving messages. Experts estimate that anywhere from 70-93% of communication is nonverbal. Even clothing, posture, and use of space and time convey a message. Each of us uses a variety of means to do so – words, gestures, tone of voice, silence and touch. In this article, we will focus on the area of communication: how words and context are used to communicate truth.Įvery person from every culture communicates, both intentionally and unintentionally. Some of the more commonly discussed values continua include Individual vs. Though individual preferences within a society do vary, these continua are useful tools for comparing the general values of one culture, relative to another. The greater mass of culture lies beneath, and we must go out of our way to recognize and understand it.Ĭulture specialists often explore a particular aspect of culture in terms of a spectrum or continuum of values (Hall Hofestede Storti). Below the water is The Why: the intangible, subconscious aspects of culture which include attitudes, beliefs, expectations, values and assumptions. Above the water lies The What: that which we can observe with our senses. In my last article, I introduced the concept of the cultural iceberg: the idea that culture exists both above the waterline and below. Top banner photo: “There is so much value in having Indian architects & engineers in EMI to communicate design and negotiate with local contractors!” Photo by Ligy A., 2014, India-Bhutan border.
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