Why high-context is more common in traditional cultures

The characteristics of high-context and low-context cultures and communication have been summarized by scholars such as M.W. Lustig as follows:

High-context cultures are characterized by: (1) implicit, implicit; (2) coded messages; (3) more non-verbal coding; (4) seldom outwardly expressed responses; (5) distinctions between inside and outside the circle; (6) close interpersonal relationships; (7) high levels of commitment; (8) high flexibility in time management. High flexibility in time handling .

Low-context cultures: (1) explicit, clear; (2) explicitly coded messages; (3) more verbal coding; (4) responses are revealed; (5) flexible within and outside the circle; (6) low interpersonal closeness; (7) low commitment; and (8) highly organized in terms of time.

In short, communication in high-context cultures sometimes appears to be secretive and hidden; communication in low-context cultures appears to be verbose and redundant, declarative and cumbersome. Different cultures recognize the importance of verbal communication in different ways: in the United States, people who are articulate and verbal are often more attractive; in Korea, people who are more trustworthy are those who are a little less verbal. In low-context cultures, people tend to ignore non-verbal communication behaviors, while in high-context cultures, facial expressions, actions, and speed of interaction are more important.