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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication · Intercultural and International Business Communication

In a high-context culture, how is most of the meaning in a business conversation typically conveyed?

In high-context cultures, meaning is conveyed mainly through shared background, tone, gestures, relationships and the situation, with much left implicit. Explicit literal wording is the feature of low-context cultures, so listeners must read between the lines to understand the message fully.

  1. AThrough explicit, literal words stated directly in the message
  2. BThrough shared background, tone, gestures and the surrounding situation, with much left unsaidCorrect
  3. COnly through detailed written contracts
  4. DThrough numerical data and charts alone

Explanation

Edward Hall described high-context cultures as those where meaning relies heavily on context, relationships, non-verbal cues and shared understanding. Option A describes a low-context style, where meaning is placed in explicit words.

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