LANGUAGE, GENDER, AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN HIGH- AND LOW-CONTEXT SOCIETIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COMMUNICATION PATTERNS AND CULTURAL FEATURES IN THE USA AND SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The current paper explores the communication style in high and low context cultures by exploring the connection between language, gender and identity in two opposite culture context the United States and Saudi Arabia. The study uses the concept of contextual communication proposed by Hall (1976) and cultural dimensions introduced by Hofstede (2008) to find out ways in which cultural norms affect verbal and nonverbal communication practices. Specifically, it examines the interactional characteristics of silence, politeness strategies, naming patterns, eye contact, and participation in the society have a different working in a society of either individualistic or collectivistic orientation. This paper claims that the patterns of communication are deeply rooted within the structure of social and cultural expectations, particularly, in the gender roles. In low-context societies such as the United States, communication is usually straightforward, clear, and individualistic where assertiveness and verbal involvement are normally an indication of competence and confidence. Conversely, high context cultures, like Saudi Arabia, place importance on indirectness, relational harmony, and contextual awareness, silence, respect of hierarchy, and indirect speech can be signs of politeness and social awareness. The analysis also shows that gender norms influence the ways people conduct their interaction by determining the degree of involvement, power, and exposure in the open discourse.