Beyond Culture

According to Hall, an extension enhances a function of an organism and allows it to evolve and adapt without altering its body (53). They can be tangible, like cameras and vehicles, or intangible and abstract, like language and math.

Hall introduces the concepts of high-context and low-context cultures to describe different communication styles and cultural orientations; understanding the distinction between high-context and low-context cultures is essential for effective cross-cultural communication. In a high-context culture, much of the information is implicit and embedded in the context, relying heavily on shared cultural knowledge, relationships, and nonverbal cues. In such cultures, people often understand each other without the need for explicit verbal communication, as meaning is derived from the context of the situation and the shared background of the individuals involved. Therefore, relationships matter and establish history between individuals to ease communication and understanding, and high-context cultures value harmony within their group. Examples of high-context cultures include many East Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures.

Hall defines low-context cultures as societies where communication relies more on explicit verbal expression and less on implicit cues or shared cultural knowledge. In low-context cultures, people tend to convey information directly through words, and less emphasis is placed on the surrounding context or nonverbal elements. Clear and explicit communication is valued, and individuals may not assume a shared understanding of context. Therefore, the low-context culture also values individualism and independence over relationships. Examples of low-context cultures include many Western cultures, such as those in North America and parts of Europe.

“Monochronic” refers to a time orientation characteristic of certain cultures. Monochronic cultures place emphasis on the concept of time as a linear, discrete, and measurable entity. In these cultures, time is often seen as something that can be scheduled, divided into specific tasks, and managed efficiently. Monochronic cultures value punctuality, and schedules are considered essential. Monochronic cultures typically separate work and personal time, and individuals aim to maintain a clear boundary between professional and personal obligations. Examples of monochronic cultures include many Western cultures, such as those in North America and Northern Europe. Understanding the monochronic time orientation is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration, especially when interacting with individuals from polychronic cultures, which have a different approach to time.

“Polychronic” refers to a time orientation characteristic of certain cultures. In polychronic cultures, time is seen as more holistic, more flexible, and less constrained by strict schedules. Because time is perceived as more fluid, polychronic cultures place less emphasis on a linear progression; they accept overlapping activities and have a tendency to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. In such a culture, interruptions are tolerated, as are delays and changes in plans. People in polychronic cultures may prioritize relationships and the completion of tasks over strict adherence to schedules. Building and maintaining relationships often take precedence over adhering strictly to time schedules. Examples of polychronic cultures include many Latin American, African, and Asian cultures. Understanding the polychronic time orientation is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication, as individuals from monochronic and polychronic cultures may approach time differently, leading to potential misunderstandings if these differences are not recognized and respected.

Situational frames such as meeting, working, cooking, governing, or loving “are the building blocks of both individual lives and institutions” (140). In specific situations, the individual converges with their psychology, with institutions, and with culture. Situational frames have “linguistic, kinesic, proxemic, temporal, social, material, personality” (129), and other aspects.