Many of us from America now living in Mexico are reminded daily that we should strive to understand rather than complain when customs and procedures are different from the ways we have done things for the majority of our lives.
This difference in cultures covers almost any aspect of what we do daily or when we rent or purchase a property, car, or even appliances or furniture for our homes.
Other expats taught me, and I will pass on that I learned ‘Locate Yourself ‘ is a very good mantra. Stop, breathe out, and repeat these two words over and over until you are calmer.
We look at problems differently, but to succeed, we have to change our opinions and habits if we are to find peace.
There are countries which are high context and low context. Mexico is high context. Guess which countries are low context? The USA and Canada.
Communication: Mexico is generally considered a high-context culture, where communication relies heavily on implicit cues, non-verbal communication, and shared understandings rather than explicit verbal communication. Emphasis on nonverbal clues: In high-context cultures like Mexico, people pay close attention to body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and the overall context of the situation to understand the message being conveyed.
Indirect Communication: Mexicans often communicate indirectly, relying on subtle hints and unspoken assumptions rather than being overly direct or blunt. Building strong relationships and trust are crucial in Mexican culture, and these relationships play a significant role in communication and business interactions.
Shared Cultural Understanding: Mexican communication often assumes a shared cultural background and understanding, which can confuse or frustrate Americans and Canadians.
Low-Context Cultures: United States: Communication is generally direct and explicit, with a focus on clear and concise language. Germany: Known for its direct and factual communication style, with a preference for written contracts and agreements. Australia: Similar to the United States, communication is often direct and to the point. Other examples are Scandinavia, Switzerland, and English-speaking countries.
Characteristics: Direct and explicit communication. Focus on written rules and contracts. Value for clarity and precision. Messages are often plainly expressed.
Take a first step to understanding high and low context differences and pay attention to your encounters with our Mexican hosts and we as guests from the US and Canada.
This article is based upon legal opinions, current practices, and my personal experiences in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend that each potential buyer or seller of Mexican real estate conduct his own due diligence and review.
