Communication Style and Cultural Features in High/Low Context Communication Cultures : a Case Study of Finland, Japan and India

Communication Style and Cultural Features in High/Low Context Communication Cultures: A Case Study of Finland, Japan and India

Shoji Nishimura1, Anne Nevgi2 and Seppo Tella3
1 Waseda University, Japan
2 Department of Education, University of Helsinki
3 Department of Applied Sciences of Education, University of Helsinki

Abstract
People from different countries communicate in ways that often lead to misunder-standings. Our argument, based on Hall’s theory of high/low context cultures (1959, 1966, 1976, 1983), is that these differences are related to different communication cultures. We argue that Japan and Finland belong to high context cultures, while In-dia is closer to a low context culture with certain high context cultural features. We contend that Finnish communication culture is changing towards a lower context culture. Hall’s theory is complemented with Hofstede’s (2008) individualism vs. collectivism dimension and with Lewis’s (1999, 2005) cultural categories of communication and Western vs. Eastern values. Examples of Finland, Japan and India are presented.

Keywords: high/low context culture; communication style; culture; cultural features; individualism; collectivism; Finland, Japan; India.

Aim of This Article
It is generally acknowledged that people from different countries tend to communi-cate in slightly different ways. We argue that these differences are more related to different communication cultures than other differences. Being aware of these differences usually leads to better comprehension, fewer misunderstandings and to mutual respect. Our aim in this article is to describe, analyse and interpret communication style and certain cultural features in Finland, Japan and India.

We base our arguments on Edward T. Hall’s concept (1959, 1966, 1976, 1983) of high context (HC) and low context (LC) cultures. This concept has proved valid and useful in transcultural studies (Kim, Pan, & Park, 1998). We also refer to Lewis’s (1999, 2005) cultural

References: Chella, G. (2007). The changing face of Indian work culture. The Hindu Business Online. Retrieved February 15, 2008 from http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/09/10/stories/2007091051810900.htm Goodman, R., & Refsing, K Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). Culture and interpersonal communica-tion. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. Hall, E. (1959). The silent language. New York: Doubleday. Hall, E. (1966). The hidden dimension. New York: Doubleday. Hall, E. (1976). Beyond culture. New York: Doubleday. Hall, E. (1983). The dance of life: The other dimension of time. New York: Doubleday. Hall, E., & Hall, M. (1990). Understanding cultural differences: Germans, French and Americans. Yarmouth: Intercultural Press. Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture 's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage. Hofstede, G Hofstede, G. (2008). A summary of my ideas about national culture differences Reti-reved February 20, 2008, from http://feweb.uvt.nl/center/hofstede/page3.htm Kapoor, S., Hughes, P., Baldwin, J Kim, D., Pan, Y., & Park, H. S. (1998). High- versus low-context culture: A compari-son of Chinese, Korean, and American cultures. Psychology & Marketing, 15(6), 507–521. Kyoto Tourism Council (2007). Kyoto Travel Guide. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from http://www.kyoto.travel/dining/bubuduke.html Lewis, R. D. (1999). When cultures collide: Managing successfully across cultures. (Revised edition.) London: Nicholas Brealey. Lewis, R. D. (2005). Finland, cultural lone wolf. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press. Maynard, S. K. (1997). Japanese communication language and thought in context. Honolulu: University of Hawai 'i Press. Pakiam, A. (2007, Dec. 17). “Face-saving” in cross-cultural communication. The Hindu BusinessLine. Retrieved February 25, 2008, from http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/manager/2007/12/17/stories/2007121750321100.htm Pryor, B., Butler, J., & Boehringer, K Salo-Lee, L. (2007). Tämän päivän “suomalaisuus”. [Today’s ‘Finnishness’]. Re-trieved February 14, 2008, from http://www.kantti.net/luennot/2007/humanismi/03_salo-lee.shtml Sen, A. (2005). The argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian history, culture and identity. London: Penguin Books. Wikipedia: Languages of India. Retrieved February 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_India Zaidman, N