Vinette One: Thai and American Conversation in a Bar
Years ago, when Tom and Phan first met, they were enjoying an evening together in one of Bangkok’s pubs. Tom was quite talkative, but Phan did not say much. Phan clearly showed interest in what Tom said by smiles, head nods, and immediate eye contact, but Tom did most of the talking. After a while, Tom stopped speaking and remained silent for quite some time. Phan also said nothing. After some minutes passed,Phan said, “MY brother is coming to visit. Tom greatly relieved at the disappearance of silence,replied, “Oh, I know you’ will have a lot of fun together cathing up on the family and life and life at home. When will he arrive? “ Phan answered with one word, “SOON”
The story illustrates the operation of high-and low-context variables. Thailand is a high-context culture, While the United States is a low-context culture. In international travel, it is the responsibility of the sojourner to adjust to the host culture. Therefore, in the instance above, it was Tom’s obligation to adjust his low-context behavior to Thailand’s high-context culture. Verbal messages are very important for Americans and Tom found Phan’s response quite perplexing, if not downright annoying. Sikence is usually perceived negatively in low-context cultures and a lack of interest, ignorance, or apathy. On the often interpreted with the loud, talkative, and direct low-context Americans. Looking back on the episode, Tom now understands that the one-word response “soon” was ripe with information. Taken in the context offered, Phan was really indicating that the likelihood of Tom meeting his brother was remote. Phan was doing a favor by avoiding presenting information to clutter Tom”s thoughts.