What is typically expected in a high context culture’s communication style?

In high context cultures, communication relies heavily on the surrounding context, including non-verbal cues, tone of voice, and the relationships between people involved in the conversation. People in these cultures often convey meaning through subtlety and nuance, allowing for implicit understanding rather than overt declaration. This style of communication assumes that the listener is attuned to the social dynamics and norms of the relationship, making indirect messages more effective. The emphasis on subtleties allows for maintaining harmony and respect, which are essential values in high context cultures.

In contrast, directness and clarity would be more typical of low context communication styles, where straightforwardness is prioritized. Speed and efficiency can sometimes be priorities in various contexts, but they do not capture the essence of high context communication, which values depth and interpersonal connections. Similarly, while formalities and protocols are important in many cultures, they do not specifically define the high context communication style as effectively as subtlety and nuance do.