Hall’s key cultural concepts

According to Edward Hall, individuals in different cultures communicate and behave in different ways. In some cultures, words are very important as a means of communication whereas in other cultures nonverbal communication plays a more important part. When a person communicates nonverbally, he uses various kinds of body language like e.g., hand and arm gestures, eye contact, touch behaviour and facial expressions. These can vary from culture to culture as does paraverbal communication like voice volume and the use of silence.

Edward Hall is best noted for 3 principal categories that analyse and interpret how communication and interactions between cultures differ: Context, (high-low) use of Time (monochronic - polychronic) and use of Space (territoriality and personal space)

Context

Hall believed that context (information that surrounds an event) and meaning are interrelated and he placed different cultures on a continuum of high to low context according to how people from those cultures interpret and/or perceive the information that surrounds an interaction or event.

High Context: emphasis is on how intention or meaning can best be conveyed through the embedded contexts (e.g., social roles or positions, relationship types, intergroup history) and non-verbal channels (e.g., pauses, silence, tone of voice, body language) of the verbal message.

The interpreter of the massage assumes the responsibility to deduce the hidden contextual meanings of the message. They are expected to “read between the lines” and deduce the nonverbal subtleties that accompany the verbal message. The value priority is “don’t say anything that will hurt the other’s feelings” as a mode of interpersonal sensitivity for other-centric consideration.

Low context: emphasis is on how intention or meaning is expressed through explicit verbal message.

The speaker is expected to be responsible for constructing a clear, persuasive message that the listener can decode easily. The value priority is “say what you mean, mean what you say” as a mode of respect and honesty and personal accountability.

Use of Time

Hall believed that the perception of time is one of the other main differences that separate cultures and a cultural way of doing things. That is why he placed the different perceptions of time on a continuum with monochronic on one end and polychronic time perception on the other.

Monochronic (one-time): is characterized as linear use of time (one thing at a time) It assumes careful planning and scheduling of events to prevent interruptions. A set schedule takes precedence over interpersonal relationships. Efficient use of time is important and measured through how time is spent, saved, wasted or made. Not respecting the right time for an event and being inconsiderate of someone else’s time means you are selfish and ill-behaved

Polychronic (many-time): is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of many things and by the great involvement with people. Emphasis is placed on the involvement of people and the completion of transactions rather than on schedules. Time is viewed as flexible. Because life isn’t entirely predictable, scheduling and being precise are seen as simply not that important. Polychronic cultures feel that appointments can be changed and that most events can undergo important changes until the last minute. By contrast “time is nice, but people and relationships matter more”.

Question: "Family quality time" where does it belong to and what does it express? 

Question: "Insha'Allah" What does it really mean and how is it basically perceived? 

Use of Space

Hall is most associated with his study of the human use of space (proxemics) within the context of culture. Each culture has implicit rules for how space should be used.

He defined space as the “visible boundary that is surrounded by a series of invisible boundaries that are more difficult to define but are just as real.

He stated that people perceive space through at least four of the five senses: sight, sound, smell and touch. We have concerns about space in many situations, from personal body space to space in the office, parking lot, home.  People who encroach (invade) into that space are seen as a threat (cause anxiety). There can also be different boundaries for men, women and children inside each culture.

Basically, there are 4 main kinds of territories:

1. Body Territory– refers to the “personal space”, or “bubble,” that one maintains around their person.
2. Primary Territory– one’s home, vehicle or other living space.
3. Secondary Territory– a structured place where entry is reserved for particular individuals and certain norms are expected, such as a school, office or church.
4. Public Territory– an open space where anyone can come and go, such as a park or shopping mall.