70 likes | 281 Views
Intercultural Communication. Trends. Hi Context vs. Low Context. These are tendencies within a culture. Because Western Business Discourse is becoming common, there will be times when it isn’t suitable to use High Context trends when you might expect otherwise.
E N D
Intercultural Communication Trends
Hi Context vs. Low Context • These are tendencies within a culture. • Because Western Business Discourse is becoming common, there will be times when it isn’t suitable to use High Context trends when you might expect otherwise. • Know your audience. Read previous communications from them for indications of preferences. Error on the side of greater formality if you are uncertain.
High context rhetorical trends: Many Asian and M.Eastern Cultures • Homogeneous (inside/outside clearly defined) • Group oriented • Deviance discouraged • People oriented • Non-confrontational • Humanistic (self-control) • Risk-averse
Low Context Rhetorical Trends:U.S. and other Western Countries • Heterogeneous (open to outsiders) • Individual oriented • Encourages variation • Active and solution oriented • Conflict encouraged (productive) • Procedural (rules govern behavior) • Welcome risk
Typical Low Context Letter Structure • Address • Salutation • Main Point of Letter • Body of Letter • Action(s) to be Taken • Close
Suggested High Context Letter Structure • Address • Salutation • Set Context • Background Information • Main Point of Letter • Elaborations • Re-Set Context • Close