As humans, we unconsciously process a lot of background information to glean insight and understanding. One of the ways we do this is through our absorption of information through our senses with the utilization of context and context clues.
Context is the underlying circumstances that will lead to the formation or formulation of a specific idea, action, attitude, and behavior. People use context to have a more deep and clear understanding of a specific situation, action, idea, concept, or word.
The acquiring and setting of context is very important as it provides a deeper understanding and a more clear interpretation. People can obtain context clues, which are the data associated with a specific situation or event that can lead to a deeper understanding of the context. People have various practical ways of obtaining context clues which range from a context analysis map, a school or preschool context statement, and a context indicator reference sheet. The easiest way to obtain context clues is through basic investigation through our senses.
Begin by searching for the specific word or situation you want to decipher or discern in the text. You can either indicate or mark the word you want to decipher or discern to visually aid you.
After you have selected the word you want to decipher or discern, you must observe the statements or sentences that come after or before the word you want to decipher or discern. This will help you generate context clues that can provide meaning that can be connected to the word or situation.
Context clues can also be generated and observed through different means. If an image accompanies the word or situation, said image will provide visual context clues you can use to create a more succinct meaning or interpretation. This will also include various context clues generated through the use of various senses.
When you have finished reading the statements accompanying the word or situation, you must now infer or deduct the word or situation with your understanding. This will also context clues generated by prior knowledge of the word or situation.
Context is described as interrelated conditions that exist in the environment or culture. This means that people of different generations passed down and have contributed to a specific culture’s context. A culture of high context or high context clues affects the communication of people within that culture. This is because the high presence of context clues prefers a more direct way of communication. Cultures with high context clues prefer a more oral form of communication and can openly communicate their feelings through direct communication. While cultures of low context or low context clues prefer a more indirect form of communication. This means that the people within that culture prefer a more written form of communication through letters and chats. People in cultures of low context clues will have a hard time expressing their feelings directly and will prefer sharing their thoughts through writing.
Historical context is the understanding of the environment, the culture, the trend, and the beliefs people held at a specific timeframe. This is very important as it allows people to understand and empathize with how the situation was at a specific time. Not only does it allow people to empathize with the people in the past, but it will also provide a specific understanding of the person’s thought process and reasoning for their actions. Historical context is very important as it allows us to understand what specific thought processes and events lead to a specific outcome, which will allow us to either prevent or encourage a specific outcome or event to occur shortly.
Cultural context refers to the environment, culture, and tradition the individual is born into or taught about. This cultural context affects the individual’s ethics, core values, and principles, which in turn will affect the said individual’s actions. Not only does cultural context affect the person’s action but it will also affect their reactions, attitudes, practices, and processes. The person’s cultural context may not only be comprised of cultures and traditions that come from the same background and may be mixed with other cultures and traditions. The cultural context will also take into account the various historical context brought about by specific cultural practices and traditions, which may generate specific thoughts about them.
Context is a very important concept as it provides light to specific actions and reasoning. Through the use of context clues, we can pace our thoughts and stances through conversation and writing without needing to indicate them outright. In conclusion, context is one of the keys to living a more empathetic and harmonious life.
