Honorio Gonzalez

EDU 533
Intercultural Competence
Chapter 5 Notes
Analyze the culture you have selected by using one of the cultural taxonomies
described in Chapter. 5. Link the taxonomy elements to the culture and explain how
each applies to the culture.
Halls High- and Low- Context Cultural TaxonomyAccording to Hall, cultures differ on a continuum that ranges from high to low context (p.
102). High-context cultures prefer to use high-context messages, in which most of the
meaning is either implied by the physical setting or is presumed to be part of the
individuals internalized beliefs, values norms, and social practices; very little is provided
in the coded, explicit, transmitted message part of the message (p. 102-103). Japan is an
example of a high-context culture. Furthermore, a Japanese tea ceremony is an example
of a high context message because nearly every movement, gesture, and action has
significance to those who understand the code being used (p. 102). Low-context
cultures prefer to use low-context messages, in which the majority of the information is
vested in the explicit code (p. 103).
A simple example of a high context communication is the interactions that take place in a
long-term relationship between two people who are often able to interpret even the
slightest gesture or the briefest comment (p. 103). The example of this is two people who
are participating in a Japanese tea ceremony who know what each gesture and movement
means to one another. Furthermore, more and more people now experience a simple
example of low-text communication as they interact with computers (p. 103).
In a high-context culture such as that of Japan, meanings are internalized and there is a
large emphasis on nonverbal codes (p. 103). Hall describes messages in high-context
cultures as almost pre-programmed, in which very little of the interpretation of the
message is left to chance because people already know that, in the context of the current
situation, the communicative behaviors will have a specific message. An example of this
that is similar in fashion to a tea ceremony is how a Geisha would treat a customer
because everything the Geisha did when entertaining a customer had a meaning.
Additionally, in low-context cultures, people look for the meaning of others behaviors in
the messages that are plainly and explicitly coded (p. 103).
Reactions in high-text cultures tend to be reserved, whereas reactions in low-context
cultures are frequently very explicit and readily observable. An example being when a
samurai had to commit seppuku or ritual suicide, for either failing or dishonoring their
master; their reactions while committing the act on themselves being was a solemn one.
This was done in order for them to maintain some form of dignity and honor until the
very end. In high-text cultures, it easy very easy to determine who is a member of a group
and who is not; the commitment between people is very strong and deep, and
responsibility to other takes precedent over responsibility to oneself (p. 104). Another
example being how in ancient japan, one would be able to tell if a samurai had become a
ronin, or a masterless-samurai and those that were ronin did not have much of anything
left or going for them.
The final distinguishable characteristics of high- and low- context cultures are their
orientation to time (p. 104). A high-context culture, like Japan, chooses to use indirect

and implicit messages that rely heavily on nonverbal code systems, like in a tea ceremony
(p. 104). In a high-context culture, the group is very important, as are the traditions, and
members of the group are easily recognized (p. 104-105). Another example being how
the Japanese culture values family where of you are told to do something, you have to do
it because it is your duty to do so, even of you really do not want to do what you were
told. You still do it in the end because it is your duty to do so. Time is less structured and
more responsive to people's needs (p. 105).
Applications
Knowing how a high-context message would work in Japan would help me prepare for a
situation in where I would have to respond back in the same way. I would also be able to
better interpret a high-context message. I would also know to expect that the way people
reacted to something in Japan would be different than how people would in the U.S.
Furthermore, since the orientation time is Japan is more less structured, I would be able
to relax more and prepare for my role as teach better while in Japan.
Biblical Links
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace Ecclesiastes
3:8. This verse came to mind when thinking about time orientation in both Japan and the
U.S. For me, it means that is a time for everything in life. One should not live their lives
worrying about what they will do the next day. It, to me, also means that you should leave
everything in Gods hands and let him guide you life instead of worrying what you think
he might want you to do every day. There will always be time for something, and one
should just quit worrying and relax every once and a while.