High Context + Low-Context= Reality

Within chapter one I found numerous thing interesting and insightful. Of all of these the one that strikes me is the re-occurring theme of high-context and low-context culture. First I want to recognize that America is a low-context country, meaning exchanging information is the key function of communication. In some instances I beg to differ. Although Americans tend to "get the job done" with their communication, we are also a country of citizens who love to gossip and talk about recent instances to build a relationship. For instances, orientation day Clemson University as a freshman. A student walks into the orientation in hopes of getting valuable information about the university. For example, where their classes might be, whom their professors will be, what dorm they will be living, etc. Now after paying attention to the leader of the orientation for some time, a student looks around them to notice the other nervous freshman with a anxious look on their face, and decides to strike a conversation, in hopes of kindling a friendship they can rely on throughout their time at Clemson. In this instance, we are a high-context country. I am interested in hearing people's views of their own country, or even town. What do you think your town? High-context where subjective relationships are valued above objective data, or a low-context town where business and social relationships are separate. The most interesting point is to pick out characteristics from each group and see which fits where into your life. In conclusion, I ask you myself which I see each piece of my life is, high-context culture or low-context culture. In the workplace it is low-context culture, the main objective is productivity and good service. I do not work to build relationships, I work for money and objective data to make that money. At Clemson University I see both high and low context cultures. With my friends and neighbors, even some professors, I have sought out communication as a tool to build a long lasting relationship. But I also have a class schedule, which the sole purpose of communication within the classroom is to gain objective data, and insight to my future. To conclude, I ask you to pinpoint each aspect of your life, and determine whether you view it as a high or low context culture.