Which characteristic is typical of a high-context communication culture?

In a high-context communication culture, there is a strong reliance on context and nonverbal cues. This type of culture places significant importance on the surrounding circumstances, relationships, and other nonverbal signals when interpreting messages. Communication is often implicit, with individuals expected to read between the lines, understand social hierarchies, and grasp the nuances of the situation.

For instance, in high-context cultures, much of the information is conveyed through tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and the overall context of the conversation rather than through explicit verbal messages. This leads to a communication style where much remains unspoken, and understanding often hinges on the shared knowledge or experiences of the communicators.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed do not align with high-context culture norms. Emphasis on direct verbal communication, exclusive use of written communication, and preference for formal communication only describe low-context communication cultures, where clarity, explicitness, and formal structures are prioritized over implicit messages and contextual interpretation.