Direct or Indirect Communicator
Introduction
All societies must make decisions about how they fit into, process, and deal with the larger world. Essentially, this means how that culture communicates, think, and plans. Some cultures might create, analyze, and communicate information very directly; they depend upon the meaning of the word, and don't embed information in the larger context of the situation. These cultures often place a high value on confrontation and absolute truth: they are low-context (direct) communicators. However, other cultures value the importance of communicating indirectly -- with actions and not only words -- and have subtle system in place for exchanging information appropriate to the situation and the environment through nonverbal behaviour. These cultures place a high value on the maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships; they are high-context (indirect) communicators.
Argentina
Latin American speech patterns are typically high context and polychronic, and this is typically the case in Argentina. However, because of the immigrant mix, there can be many variations on this theme, ranging from surprisingly direct communication to a strong tendency among Argentines to say what they believe people want to hear rather than what is unpleasant. In most conversations, in business and social situations, there can be interruptions, unexpected topics, and unannounced visitors. with people speaking at the same time. This wil require people from monochronic cultures to develop the fine art of patience. Argentines will be quick to assure you that all is going as planned or as you desire, or that they are eager to do as they agreed. This is not based on a desire to deceive but rather a need to appear capable, and not to lose face in the eyes of others, particularly when it may be in one's interest to cultivate a relationship. It is critical. therefore, to always confirm information: to have multiple and independent sources "on the ground" to confirm for you what you are being told, and to be able to read between the lines without directly challenging the veracity of what your Argentine colleague is saying. In a culture that has seen one truth replaced by another again and again. there is a strong tolerance for, in fact dependence on, the subjective interpretation of events and reality.
America
Although the United States is probably the most individualistic of all cultures, each person becomes a replaceable cog in the wheel of any organization. There is a high self, as opposed to other, orientation emphasizing individual initiative and achievement. People from the U.S. do not find it difficult to say "no." The individual has a life of his or her own that is generally private and not to be discussed in business negotiations. Friendships are few and specific to needs.
Australia
Nothing will get Australians to tell you what's on their minds faster than if you try to tell them what's on your mind first. Australians are usually very direct, and have no problem telling you what they think of just about anything, including you and your country. They do not shy away from confrontation, but react to these things with positive good humor, acknowledging that this stuff can make some people pretty uncomfortable.
In fact, a common Australian complaint about Americans is that they don't tell you what's on their mind. Most of the time, Australian directness will take the form of good-natured ribbing or kidding around over a "shout" (that's a round of beers) or two. If you don't get the point that way, however, Australians can also tell you more straightforwardly.
China
Context does drive communication in China. but it often allows for direct and confrontational speech. The Chinese can be blunt. and can and do say "no," unlike the Japanese. Nevertheless, the requirements of the essential fundamentals of the culture, such as Confucian hierarchy, humility, respect. and face, require a sensitivity to the context in which the communication occurs.
There is a great reliance on symbolic expression. whether verbally or pictorially (after all. the written language is built on this). Speaking symbolically al1ows one to say more easily what cannot be said directly ("A picture is worth a thousand words" is a Chinese saying). The Chinese also say that "He who says the least says the most."
Colombia
They will be quick to assure you that all is going as planned or as you desire or that they arc eager to do as they agreed. This is not based on a desire to deceive, but rather on a need to appear capable. and not to lose face in the eyes of people from cultures with great resources. It is critical. therefore, to always confirm information: to have multiple, independent. and reliable sources to verify or interpret what you are being told: and to be able to read between the lines. The importance of hierarchy and other-dependency requires careful speech: in anything but the most private moments with trusted family and friends, speaking one's mind, especially at work, is done carefully.
In a culture that has seen one truth replaced by another again and again, there is a strong tolerance for, in fact dependence on, the subjective interpretation of events and reality. This tendency also makes for complimentary and very respectful introductory conversation, and an avoidance of anything that may strike you as unpleasant; at first, Colombians will always try to say what they think you want to hear.
Congo
Congolese are very context-driven communicators. They can ,peak in metaphors. and use stories or codified phrases; they will employ analogies. precedent, and much nonverbal behavior to convey true meaning. They generally do not avoid confrontation as a primary goal, as do many of their neighbors in the region, and often will be quite frank and direct about what is on their mind. Congolese have a reputation for being open, direct. and outgoing. quick with a laugh and a joke. boisterous, aggressive, and loud (at least as viewed by others who are less so!).
Egypt
Arabs are very context-driven communicators, They will speak in metaphors, and use stories or codified phrases: they well employ analogies, Islamic precedent, and much nonverbal behavior to convey true meaning. They generally avoid confrontation, and are honor-bound to do everything possible to make strangers like and honor them (they are lavish hosts). They will avoid unpleasant discussion as long as possible, and it is precisely because they shun unpleasantness in discussions that anger, often expressed as an insult to pride, can blow fast and hard when disagreements can no longer be avoided.
England
English understatement, American overstatement: this is one of the key communication differences between the two cultures. English communication patterns emphasize the unstated, the implied, and the qualified as opposed to the American orientation toward clear, frank, and direct speech. There is a preference for the use of qualifiers' "perhaps”, “could/should," and the brilliantly evasive "quite nice " and "indeed." English humor is extremely dry, reserved, self-effacing, clever, and based on a playful use of double and opposite meanings.
Traditionally, the English have been portrayed as being extremely polite with strangers while being cuttingly direct and forthright within their peer group or with those with whom relationships have been long-standing. There is perhaps no greater example of this preoccupation with public politeness than the excessive apology to the stranger on the street when accidentally bumped into, the self-conscious avoidance of eye contact on a crowded "tube," or the constant use of sayings, aphorisms, and proverbs to say what cannot be said directly.
France
The French are direct, low-context communicators in that their love for debate, and the truth that may result, makes them less concerned for the amenities of "gentle talk." They usually say what they think-sometimes passionately, at other times carefully-and mincing words is generally not their way. The French will judge you on your ability to demonstrate your intellectual skills, and if this means confrontational ideas, rigorous debate, and heated exchange, all the better. You will be respected for your ability to handle it, even if what you are saying is different from what they believe.
Germany
The German language and methodical, detail-oriented aspects of German culture combine to create a form of speech that is often very direct and low context. Words are used to mean exactly what they are meant to say (it is therefore very important not to interrupt German speakers, and particularly not to end their statements for them). This blunt, precise way of speaking can sound harsh and too controlling to the American ear; it is usually not meant this way, but is especially the case in business, while in social situations, Germans can be more subtle and playful in their communication styles.
India
Indians can be very direct. Since individuals have unquestioned authority based on their positions, and one of the reasons for the caste system was to make clear and explicit rules of behavior between these levels, Indians do not hesitate in saying what they believe their position entitles them to say. They do not necessarily avoid confrontation. Nevertheless, with outsiders, particularly Westerners, Indians forego some of these rank entitlements, and can be more discreet in their communication styles. While context will convey some information, direct communication is the rule between peers or from superiors down to subordinates, and indirect communication is the rule from subordinates up to their superiors, or between individuals whose rank and int1uence is unknown.
Indonesia
Indonesians are very high-context communicators. They avoid confrontation, and will speak in terms that, maintain harmony at all costs, even if this results in speech that is indirect, evasive, or contradictory. Because circumstances rather than universal truths or laws determine action, sensitivity to the context is critical if you want accurate information on what is really being meant or done. The use of the word “yes”, even though “no” is meant; the avoidance of explanations and statements that even gently criticize or make someone look bad; the eternal smile, even when things are not going well; the failure to provide bad news or important negative information: all of these are common characteristics in Indonesia, which can be ultimately understood and precluded if one develops the ability to read between the lines. Read the context, not the words.
Italy
This is a very high-context culture, with the circumstances (and individuals) of the moment determining the style of communication with which information is exchanged. However, the reason for this is not the need to avoid confrontation or maintain harmony, but the need to maintain “bella figura” and personal pride: Italians will eagerly join in a raucous debate, and can press a point very vigorously. The emotional level can be quite high: speech is often direct, but action is the result of the context and circumstance.
Japan
The Japanese rely on high-context communication almost exclusively. Words themselves do not carry the meaning or any given communication; rather, real information is embedded in the context in which the communication occurs. Therefore, nonverbal communication is essential in Japan, and one must learn to "read" the situation in order to assess what is really happening, and to discover the true meaning behind the words.
As the context changes, the meaning of the communication changes-for, as is the case throughout Asia, as situations change, the behaviors that are appropriate to those situations also change. What a person says in answer to another's question when the two are one on one may be very different from what the person says when asked the same question in front of his or her supervisor. Forget the words: listen to the situation. This is one of the reasons why Japanese behavior can appear so contradictory.
While the Japanese may seem stiff, unapproachable, or unable to make a decision during the workday, they suddenly become warm, friendly, and talkative in the evening over sake, and exchange a great deal of information. High-context behaveior in Japan is also related to the group orientation and the need to take care of the other before taking care of oneself: this is reflected in the Japanese concern for face, the need to appear correct, true, and appropriate.
In interpersonal communications, the need to help another save face (and by so doing subsequently save your own) means that one does not necessarily say what one feels directly. Outward expression (tatemae) is revealed, not inner feelings (honne). However, indirect communication, through eye contact and other forms of nonverbal behavior, helps to communicate honne. Westerners often see this split as duplicitous: it is not. The intent is to preserve harmony and face, a first priority in Japan (and usually a secondary result in the West), not to deceive.
Nigeria
Nigerians are very context-driven communicators. They will speak in metaphors, and use stories or codified phrases; they will employ analogies, Islamic precedent. and much nonverbal behavior to convey true meaning. They generally do not avoid confrontation as a primary goal, as do most of their neighbors in the region, and often will be quite frank and direct about what is on their mind.
Southern Nigerians have a reputation for being open, direct, and outgoing, while northerners are typically seen as being more conservative, non confrontational, quiet, and harmony-oriented. In fact, southern Nigerians can be quite boisterous, aggressive, and loud, and it is important not to interpret this kind of behavior as an expression of anger. When they are angry they can be quite loud and direct about it (or can suddenly become sullen and silent).
Philippines
Filipinos are very high-context communicators. They avoid confrontation, and will speak in terms that maintain harmony at all cost, even if this results in speech that is indirect, evasive, or contradictory. Because circumstances rather than universal truths or laws determine action, sensitivity to the context is critical if you want accurate information on what is really being meant or done.
The use of word "yes", even though "no" is meant; the avoidance of explanations and statements that even gently criticize or make someone look bad; the eternal smile, even when things are not going well; the failure to provide bad news or important negative information: all of these are common characteristics in the Philippines, which can ultimately be understood and precluded if one develops the ability to read between the lines. Read the context, not the words. "Pakisisama", or smooth harmonious relations, is a major priority always.
Poland
Poles generally say what is on their minds, and can be direct and clear in their thoughts with others; nevertheless, communication is never done in a completely direct way, and Poles are very sensitive to the feelings of others. They allow these feelings to determine how and what they say, so there is a softness even to the most difficult or controversial topics under discussion. The context (whom one is with, the impact of what is being discussed, and other factors) will determine how and what is communicated.
Russia
You will see both; under Communism, Russians had to live their day-to-day lives being very careful about what was said: one's life, and those of one's loved ones, was at risk. Consequently, they can be very circumspect about what they say, and speak metaphorically and symbolically. There is much reliance on nonverbal forms of communication as a result of this. At the same time, Russians can also speak their minds very directly, especially when prompted emotionally, which happens all too frequently given their comfort with making and expressing decisions intuitively.
Saudi Arabia
Arabs are very context-driven communicators. They will speak in metaphors, and use stories or codified phrases; they will employ analogies, Islamic precedent, and much nonverbal behavior to convey true meaning. They generally avoid confrontation, and are honor-bound to do everything possible make strangers like and honor them (they are lavish hosts). They will avoid unpleasant discussions as long as possible, and it is precisely because they shun unpleasantness in discussions that anger, often expressed as an insult to pride, can blow fast and hard when disagreements can no longer be avoided.
Slovenia
Because the situation will so powerfully control what people can safely say and do, we have to say that these cultures are primarily high-context. Remember, however, that these peoples, as we have seen with most Slavs, can alternately be open, direct, blunt, and forthright (especially Bulgarians, who have a reputation for appearing the most "Russian" of all these southern Slavs) and equally reserved, playing things very close to the vest, and secretive.
Sweden
Sweden is essentially a mixed low-context and high-context culture, with words, being powerful tools for communicating fact and emotion, being chosen carefully and economically. At the same time, Swedes can be indirect in their communication of negative, difficult, or challenging ideas, as direct speech around those issues can disturb cooperation, which is critically important in such an other-dependent culture.
Because of the need to maintain cooperation between individuals, it may be difficult for Swedes to say no, and so they have developed many polite ways of indicating negativity. You need to be tuned to this possibility always, especially in situations where differences may be inherent. Swedes may say things like 'This may be difficult," or say "Nja," combining the Swedish words for "yes" ja) and "no" (nej) , when they really mean they won't, can't, or don't want to. Sometimes you might hear "Tja": this, too, is a way of expressing negativity softly. In context, it really means something like "It doesn't look like I'll be able to do that." In addition, because of the need for consensus, superiors rarely instruct subordinates directly, but rather "invite" them to do certain things. This is a high-context and subtle way of communicating orders, and you should mirror this whenever circumstances require: direct, challenging, and overtly negative speech is not admired or preferred.