What does a low-context culture generally prioritize in communication?

A low-context culture emphasizes directness and clarity in communication, prioritizing explicit verbal messages over non-verbal cues or implicit meanings. In such cultures, individuals tend to communicate in a straightforward manner, where the words spoken convey the primary meaning, and context plays a minimal role in understanding the intended message. This type of communication is often found in many Western cultures, such as the United States and Germany, where clarity is valued in both personal and professional interactions.

In contrast, high-context cultures rely heavily on non-verbal cues, implicit messages, and the surrounding context to convey meaning. In these cultures, communication often involves reading between the lines, which can lead to misunderstandings when individuals from low-context cultures interact with them. Low-context cultures also typically prioritize individual expression and clear articulation of thoughts, making direct communication essential for effective exchanges of information.