High Context and Low Context Communication

Both counsellor and client cultural identities can influence the ease of understanding within counselling conversations. This video illustrates one potential challenge through a mismatch of high-context versus low-context communication styles. With low-context communication styles (Culture A in the video), most information is exchanged explicitly and rarely is anything implicit or hidden. The communication is more direct, succinct, and linear. High-context communication styles (Culture B in the video) include unspoken information that is implicitly transferred during communication. Many things are left unsaid, and meaning is derived through cultural context, social location, and culture-specific interpersonal roles.

Sandra Collins, PhD

[MythrilBiata]

I appreciated the scenario and feel I understand the difference very well now! Initially, I would have thought it was the other way around and now am reflecting to keep this in mind, that's incorrect! And try to not make that mistake on the test!

A point of constructive feedback, I might have put a bit more text at the beginning of this video -- perhaps highlighting which type of context it is at which point -- to help with clarification, I found myself asking at first ''wait, which one is this we mean?"

But otherwise, a GREAT video! :D

[НиколайУдовидченко-дс]

I can't believe it can be this good

[edisonpatricioaguilar-brit]

Great video. Could you explain more context on the low-context values the US has in concept?

[episode]

culture a - low context culture
culture b - high context culture

[qyn]

Can you explain in more detail? What role does context play in this example?

[stanhedges]

Culture A is high and Culture B is low, right?

[zhanargulduissebekova]

The third scenario does not seem valid.