In which type of culture is indirect language often perceived as evasive by outsiders?

High-context cultures often rely on indirect communication, where the context of the message is just as important as the actual words spoken. In these cultures, much of the communication is implied and relies heavily on non-verbal cues, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of the relationships involved. As a result, outsiders who are accustomed to more direct forms of communication might perceive this indirect approach as evasive or ambiguous.

For example, in high-context cultures, saying "maybe" might be understood as a polite way to decline an invitation, whereas someone from a low-context culture might take that at face value. This can lead to misunderstandings between different cultural backgrounds, as the subtleties of indirect language might not translate or be recognized by those who are not familiar with the cultural norms.

Other types of cultures, such as low-context cultures, typically prioritize direct communication, where clarity and straightforwardness are valued, making it easier for outsiders to interpret messages without ambiguity. Individualistic cultures often foster a direct approach to communication as well, emphasizing personal opinion and clear expression. Collectivist cultures can vary but often have a strong reliance on context, though they may still not be as indirect as high-context cultures.