How can high context culture be described?

High context culture is characterized by a communication style that relies heavily on the context in which the communication occurs, rather than just the literal words spoken. This means that much of the meaning is derived from the environment, social relationships, non-verbal cues, and an understanding of traditions and shared experiences. In such cultures, individuals often communicate in a more implicit manner, where many things are assumed to be understood by the participants, rather than needing to be explicitly stated.

For example, in high context cultures, gestures, pauses, and even silence can convey significant meaning. This can foster deeper relationships and a sense of community, as individuals are often wary of being overtly direct to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. Therefore, the reliance on cultural understanding to interpret messages is a hallmark of high context communication, making option C the accurate description of such cultures.