Topic 1: High- and Low-Context Cultures
Let’s Begin
One way or another, we have all experienced some form of contact with another culture, be it direct (e.g., travel, business transactions) or indirect (e.g., watching a foreign film). Because such encounters are normal in our lives as globalized citizens, it is important for us to learn about intercultural communication.
Our text provides a framework for explaining how one culture differs from another. (Tip: If a foreign friend ever complains to you about Filipino time, you can use this as a reference.)
Learning Outcome: After the lesson, you should be able to differentiate communication in high- and low-context cultures.
Read
Read pp. 3-31 of Understanding Cultural Differences by Edward T. Hall and Mildred Reed (1990), available at the UPM VLE.
Think
Answer the following study questions lifted from “Module 5: Communication and culture,” n.d., p. 2:
- What kinds of stimuli are defined by context?
- How are these stimuli different in high and low context cultures?
3. Give examples coming from your own experiences.