Thursday, April 30, 2009

High Context Messages and Polychronic Time

High Context, is a form of communication that relies on nonverbal, implicit messages and the relationship for information. Outsiders find this type of communication nearly impossible to understand.
Important to High Context: Nonverbal communication, indirect verbal assertion, implicit meaning, role identity interaction, rituals.
Countries that use High Context: China, Japan, Korea, Eastern Asia, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Arab countries, Latin America, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.

Polychronic Time: Doing several things at once.
Countries that use Polychronic Time: Asia, Latin America, Arab countries, Southern & Eastern Mediterranean.

Low Context Messages and Monochronic Time

Low Context, is a formal communication and requires clear, descriptive, unambiguous language and a high degree of specificity. Courts of Law, mathematics and computer languages require Low Context message systems.
Important to Low Context: Specifics, details, direct, precise jargon, facts, schedules, appointments.
Countries that use Low Context: USA, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavian countries.

Monochronic Time: Doing one thing at a time.
Countries that use Monochronic Time: USA, Canada, Western Europe.