Which cultures are generally considered low context cultures?

Low context cultures are characterized by a communication style that emphasizes direct, explicit, and clear messages. In these cultures, language tends to be straightforward, and there is less reliance on non-verbal cues or the surrounding context to convey meaning. Western European and American cultures exemplify this approach, where individuals often value clarity and seek to express their thoughts and feelings as plainly as possible.

In contrast to low context cultures, high context cultures (such as many Asian cultures) often depend more on shared experiences, non-verbal communication, and the relational context of the conversation. Therefore, individuals from high context cultures may communicate in a way that is less direct, assuming that the listener is aware of the implicit meanings.

Understanding the distinction between low and high context cultures is essential for effective cross-cultural communication, as it influences how messages are interpreted and the expectations individuals have during interactions.