In this image, two people are trying to greet each other, one bowing, the other reaching for a handshake. They both look confused, each wondering if they should have done what the other did. It made me laugh at first, but then I realized it perfectly illustrates the concept of High and Low Context Communication from Chapter 12.

High-context cultures, like Japan, rely on shared understanding and nonverbal cues, while low-context cultures, like the U.S., use direct, explicit communication. In the image, the bowing person likely comes from a high-context culture, and the handshaker from a low-context one. Their confusion reflects a clash in communication styles and expectations.

This reminded me of my early experiences at nail salons as a teenager. I used to expect detailed verbal instructions, but many technicians spoke little English and used gestures or simple words like “color?” to guide the process. At first, I found it frustrating. Over time, I realized they were communicating in a high-context way, using nonverbal cues and shared routines rather than words.

Now, I appreciate that communication styles vary by culture, and being observant and patient is key. Living in a diverse city like New York, it’s important to recognize and adapt to different ways of interacting. This experience helped me better understand the value of cultural sensitivity in everyday communication.