 Riol (p. 93, 2 nd paragraph): “The concept of high- and low-context language has been researched …”  High-context language: transmits very little in the explicit message; the nonverbal and cultural aspects of what is not said are very important.  Example: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabs, Latin American)

 Low-context language: the message is explicit.  Examples: Americans, Germans, Swiss, Scandinavians.  Group-oriented, collectivistic cultures tend to use high-context languages; individualistic cultures tend to use low-context languages.

 Riol (p. 97, 2 nd paragraph): “Linear and nonlinear aspects of language involve …”  Linear language: object-oriented and logical with a beginning and an end.  Example: English.

 Nonlinear language: circular, tradition- oriented, and subjective; look at time as cyclical and the seasons as an ever-repeating pattern.  Example: Chinese and Japanese.

 If you ask why the production was stopped (when the reason is that the parts are defective):  A U.S. worker will tell you linearly and directly that “the parts are defective.”  A Chinese or Japanese worker may tell you nonlinearly with a long and detailed explanation, including what the defects were and other related details.  A U.S. worker tells you why; a Chinese or Japanese worker tells you what.

 Riol (p. 141, 1 st paragraph): “Authors of business communication textbooks in the United States recommend …”

 Riol (p. 142, 1 st paragraph): “U.S. businesspeople tend to be very direct in …”

 The preferred styles are the block (all lines beginning at the left margin) and modified block (date and closing beginning at the center and paragraphs blocked).  Place the date before the inside address; e.g., February 7,  Address: the title and full name are placed on the first line, street number and name on the second line, and city, state, and ZIP code on the last line.

 The letter is single-spaced.  A line of space between 2 paragraphs.  The name of the writer is types 4 lines below the complimentary close with the title placed on the next line.

 Riol (p. 150, Figure 7-6).