Hall's High-Context and Low-Context Cultures

Edward Hall's concept of high-context and low-context cultures refers to how people communicate and understand messages. In high-context cultures, like many Asian and Middle Eastern societies, communication relies heavily on contextual cues, non-verbal signals, and shared experiences. Meanings are implied rather than explicitly stated. Conversely, low-context cultures, such as those in North America and Western Europe, favor direct, clear communication where words carry most of the meaning. Understanding these differences can improve cross-cultural interactions and help avoid miscommunication.