Cultures are either high-context or low-context

High-context cultures e.g. Mediterranean, Slav, Central European, are understood through context, nonverbal cues, and between-the-lines interpretation of what is actually said. 

Here, the meanings are created often through what is not said e.g. in body language, silences and pauses, relationships and empathy.

Low-context cultures e.g. most Germanic and English-speaking countries, expect messages to be explicit and specific. Here, the emphasis is on sending and receiving accurate messages directly, and by being precise with spoken or written words.