Have you heard the concept of High and Low Context Culture (Edward T. Hall, 1976

Have you heard the concept of High and Low Context Culture (Edward T. Hall, 1976, “Beyond Culture”)? I’ve been following some discussions about Cultural Appropriation (C/A), and in some cases, I got upset to protect the Sashiko culture. However, in other cases, I could observe the “not-on-the-same page” discussion. It may be beneficial to share the difference of Japanese and Western Culture from this H&LCC perspective. I wrote a blog about my understanding of H&LCC → UpcycleStitches.com
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Well. Rough summarize. High Context Culture expects us to read between the lines of sentences. The Japanese do not describe everything as the Western write down everything they need to say. For example, I always say that “there is no rule in Sashiko, and you can do what you want”. However, this saying doesn’t mean that I will accept the disrespect to Sashiko. So, if I rephrase the sentence, “There is no rule in Sashiko (as long as you respect the Japanese culture)”. Why do I sometimes omit the sentence? It is because mentioning something we all should be expected is considered as uncool (not sophisticated) manner. We have tons of examples like that. The Japanese expect the others to read between the lines. ☆
Of course, it is not reasonable to ask others to understand H&LCC when we talk about something non-Japanese. However, when they talk about the cultural topics about Japanese, it is reasonable to expect others, I believe. Sounds difficult to follow? Not at all. Anyone can adapt the High Context Conversation when we all become mindful and caring. If you care about the other culture, it is possible to assume the meaning of one’s actual saying. It may be not exactly what is expected, but we all understand that “trying” attitude. Read what is written, and care what is NOT written.
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In contrast, the Japanese need to understand the Low Context Culture when we introduce our culture. Expecting others to read between the lines may create the deeper confusion. I know. This is the message to myself.
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ちょっと長くなってしまいました。日本語と英語の違いについて、「日本語は行間を読む言語だ」ということを英語でなんとか書きました。行間を読む言語について、行間を読ませないように説明する。まぁ大変（笑）また興味があれば配信で語ろうかなぁと思いつつ。
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2019-07-08 21:29:22

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