Which type of communication emphasizes social roles and nonverbal cues?

High context communication is the correct choice as it relies heavily on the surrounding context, social roles, and nonverbal cues to convey meaning. In cultures that utilize high context communication, much of the information is understood through implicit messages and shared experiences, rather than through explicit, direct language. This form of communication places great importance on relationships, social hierarchy, and nonverbal signals such as body language and tone of voice.

In contrast, low context communication tends to prioritize explicit verbal messages and clear, direct language, minimizing the role of context and nonverbal cues. Direct communication focuses on straightforward expression, often lacking the nuanced understanding derived from social and cultural contexts. Formal communication refers to structured interactions typically within professional or organizational settings, emphasizing clarity and adherence to protocols rather than the subtleties of social roles and nonverbal cues. Thus, high context communication is distinctively characterized by its reliance on the social environment and nonverbal elements for transmitting messages.