Cultural Differences

Differentiating on the basis of communication is one way to understand cultural differences .

2 main groups can be formed and these groups can be generalized for example as North American & Asian (even though USA & Asia are too vast areas to be pigeon-holed into one label. Both areas may have pockets where communication style differ).

But I have taught this concept to students learning to improve their communication skills, and found that this brief concept does give many insights.

Let’s see what are they and their differences:


Low context cultures (N.American) High context cultures (Asian)

Direct communication style Indirect communication style
Focus on verbal communication Focus on non-verbal as well as verbal comm.n
Task orientation focus Relationship orientation also focused
YES / NO directly conveyed ‘NO’ generally avoided (indirectly conveyed)
Sense of time – punctual Sense of time – flexible
Concrete Abstract.

Each of these points can be elaborated, with examples. You can also try to visualize / imagine by using stereotypes of an Asian & an American talking with each other.

does it make sense? i hope so. please feel free to write to me regarding your suggestions as well as direct criticisms. i can take low context cultural style of communication as well ;)