Edward Hall's cultural context theory

Edward Hall's cultural context theory explains how people communicate differently depending on their cultural environment. It identifies two main types: high-context cultures, where much relies on shared understanding, non-verbal cues, and relationships, and low-context cultures, where communication is more explicit, direct, and words carry most of the meaning. High-context cultures emphasize harmony and reading between the lines, often found in societies like Japan or Arab countries. Low-context cultures, common in the US or Germany, prioritize clear, straightforward communication. Recognizing these differences helps improve cross-cultural understanding and interaction.