High Context (Western) versus Low Context (Asian) communication Part 2

High Context (Western) versus Low Context (Asian) communication Part 2

Implicit communication occurs often in what the anthropologist Edward Hall 

referred to as high-context cultures. In such cultures, people leave many things unsaid.

The context, made up of the environment, the situation, and the parties involved, itself

carries messages that complement the spoken word and make up for the things that are left

unsaid. Malaysian culture is a high-context culture, as are the cultures of many Asian and

Arab nations.

In low-context cultures, such as Switzerland and much of Europe, communication is

more explicit. Expectations, relationships, and knowledge are typically made more explicit

in such cultures. There is less that is assumed to have been communicated in low-context

cultures. Thus, an inverse relationship exists between the level of context and the level

of verbalized communication.

                                  

The response of the Malaysian government to the present MH370 missing plane crisis is a case in point. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott chose to come forward with

information about satellite imagery of debris almost immediately, even before it was confirmed to be relevant to the missing plane. This alacrity and transparency of response associated with ‘low context’ stood in contrast to Malaysia’s actions which invited criticism.

The way the Malaysian authorities have handled the communication crisis is in no small

part the result of long standing political, social as well as cultural factors. Typically print

and broadcast media channels are tightly controlled  and the need to ‘maintain face’ did

not allow Malaysia to admit how little information it had and its inability to handle such

an unprecedented situation. Malaysian Airlines has been accused of lack of transparency

on various counts: withholding of critical information about the plane’s course deviation

in a timely and relevant manner amongst others.  

In the global business arena, communication differences also come to the fore. Business 

practices are shaped by deeply-held cultural attitudes toward work, power, trust, wealth and

communication. Business collaboration on complex product specifications and production

schedules must be mutually understood and intricate deals between trading partners must be

negotiated. To overcome the staggering variety of business styles and conduct successful

business requires that all parties recognize the importance on intercultural communication

skills as we conduct business in an increasingly multi-polar world economy.

If you would like to know more about how I can help your company overcome 

hurdles in intercultural communication with your key Asian business partners,

please feel free to contact me for a free non-obligatory consultation.

ckwok@bluewin.ch

www.cross-culturalsynergies