Hi friends, today we will take a look at high context and low context cultures. The United States has always been a mix of cultures from all over the world. High context and low context are as we shall see are broad categories. Keep in mind there have been entire books written on this subject so the idea of this post is just to give a brief introduction, some examples and hopefully peak your interest a little. These are important concepts to understand as our world grows smaller through economics and technology. Knowing more about culture can help us avoid misunderstandings, make for better communications and reduce conflict. Full disclosure, I grew up and live in the United States. This is considered a low context culture. So I'm more familiar with it and understand it better. I don't think anyone can say one is objectively better than the other. They are just different.What is meant by context anyway?
Context, as I understand it, means setting and relationships. Are you in a formal business meeting, hanging out with friends in the park or at home with loved ones? Who are you with? Your grandmother, a colleague at work, your study group from school or a close friend you've known for years- all have different expectations. This is especially true in a high context culture where settings, relationships and expectations matter deeply.
High context cultures strive for harmony, unwritten understanding and place the needs of the group over the needs of the individual. What does this look like? Communications are less direct and often depend less on words alone. Along with the situation you are in (family setting, business meeting, a place of worship, etc.) facial expressions and body language also play important roles. They are often subtle and can easily be missed by those unfamiliar with the culture. Silence is seen as peaceful and not disagreeable. The idea of time may also be more flexible. Here in the US, 10:00 a.m. means exactly that. While in a more high context culture time is less exact, rather than 10:00 a.m., it's just morning. Things move slower. Low context culture is different.
In our western low context culture, words are the main way of communicating. We are more direct and value efficiency more than group harmony. Subtlety and common understandings are still there but play less of a role. Sure, I may make 10th grade fart jokes with a friend I've known for a long time but not with my boss! We also put the needs of the individual above the needs of the group. On the surface this may sound bad but it also gives us a lot of individual freedom, freedom to disagree for example. We are also free to fail. Right or wrong, we blame lack of success on the individual. The same is true for those who are successful. This gives space for overlooking larger more systemic problems. Cultures also evolve.
Culture can change along with us to meet the new needs and challenges of a given society. The culture of the United States has changed tremendously over our 250 year history. It will continue to evolve and grow along with changing technological and economic realities. The clock does not go backwards. Be mindful of those who want to return to some bygone golden age. Rather, embrace a future where flexibility, better understanding and reverence for all thrive.
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