Today's Briefing: What’s Said vs. What’s Meant

A cultural analysis of Russia’s ceasefire, Brazil’s economy, and workplace burnout through different communication styles.

Way Yuhl

Mar 19, 2025

three crumpled yellow papers on green surface surrounded by yellow lined papers — Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Culture explains why some agreements break down, markets react unpredictably, and viral trends spiral out of control.

Here's what everyone misses:

It’s not just war strategy, financial policy, or workplace culture. It’s a cultural difference in communication styles.

The Cultural Divide

Societies choose between two communication styles: high-context (indirect) communication, where meaning is embedded in history, relationships, and unspoken cues, and low-context (direct) communication, where words are direct, explicit, and meant to stand alone.

Some cultures expect detailed explanations, transparency, and clarity. Others assume shared history, relationships, and implied meanings are enough.

Which system works best? Should societies be explicit and direct, or should context, history, and relationships do the talking?

It all depends on your cultural perspective.

The News

Russia Attacks Ukraine: The Unspoken Rules of Diplomacy

Russia launched attacks on Ukraine using kamikaze drones and missiles. This came just hours after President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump brokered a partial ceasefire. To many people, this is a clear violation of the ceasefire. But in high-context (indirect) communication, not all agreements are as straightforward as they seem.

Those who don’t know the history, relationships between countries and individuals, or the personal grudges at play can’t communicate.

Russia, a high-context (indirect) culture, uses implied expectations, historical precedent, and indirect warnings. For the Russians, the ceasefire contained unspoken conditions. What was unsaid mattered as much as what was printed in the agreement. Once these unspoken agreements were broken, the cease-fire was over.

In contrast, low-context (direct) cultures expect agreements to be clear and binding. Western leaders see Russia's attack as a direct violation of the ceasefire.

Brazil’s Interest Rate Hike: A Message Between the Lines

Brazil’s Central Bank is expected to raise interest rates by 100 basis points, citing inflation concerns. But this decision isn’t just about economics—it’s about signaling to global investors.

The U.S. Federal Reserve communicates in a low-context (direct) way—through data, direct explanations, and transparent forecasts.

Brazil operates in a more high-context (indirect) manner. Rate hikes in Brazil don’t just respond to inflation; they send an implicit message about political stability, market control, and government priorities.

To understand what Brazil’s rate hike is “really” saying, you must be aware of Brazil’s fiscal history.

The country has a history of high inflation, currency volatility, and political interference in economic policy. A rate hike isn’t just a response to inflation—it reassures global investors that the government is acting responsibly and maintaining stability.

BCG Consultant’s Work Hours & TikTok Toy Challenge: The Limits of Literal Messaging

A BCG consultant recently revealed working 70-hour weeks, including 20 hours without a break. Meanwhile, a 7-year-old girl in Missouri was placed in a coma after attempting a dangerous TikTok challenge.

At first glance, these seem like separate issues. But they are about the risks of low-context (direct) communication.

Workplace norms in low-context (direct) business cultures, like the US, rely on literal communication.

Long hours, burnout, and excessive workloads aren’t implied expectations—they’re directly stated, normalized, and even worn as a badge of honor. In contrast, high-context (indirect) cultures often avoid openly discussing overwork, expecting employees to “just know” what is expected.

Similarly, the TikTok challenge incident reflects how low-context (direct) digital platforms strip away the nuance of communication. In high-context (indirect) cultures, dangerous actions often come with unspoken warnings or social cues.

But in a world of literal, viral content, messages are taken at face value—with sometimes deadly consequences.

Which Path is Better?

High-context (indirect) communication works in some situations. Diplomacy requires understanding shared history, relationships, and implied meanings. Russia’s ceasefire actions make sense only if you read between the lines of past conflicts and unspoken conditions.

In economics, Brazil’s interest rate hike isn’t just a number—it’s a signal to investors that carries unstated political and financial messages. Without understanding the context, you’re missing the full conversation.

Low-context (direct) communication works in other situations. In global markets, explicit financial policies reduce uncertainty. The U.S. Federal Reserve states its intentions clearly to prevent speculation.

In workplace culture and digital platforms, direct messages set clear expectations. The BCG consultant’s long hours weren’t implied; they were openly acknowledged.

TikTok challenges go viral because messages are taken at face value—without the unspoken warnings that would exist in a high-context (indirect) environment.

Some societies believe historical context and relationships lead to more stable, nuanced communication. Others argue that clarity and directness prevent misinterpretations and manipulation.

Which system works best? It all depends on your cultural perspective.