The general terms "high context" and "low context" (popularized by Edward Hall) are used to describe broad-brush cultural differences between societies.
High context communication refers to communication in societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time.Many aspects of communication are not made explicit because the both sides know what to express and what to think from years of interaction with each other.Communication in your family is probably an example.For example,when your mother has prepared your dinner,without any words,all of your familly members know it is dinner time and will sit at desk for the dinner.
Low context communication refers to communication in societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason.In these societies,communication may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave.For example,a Chinese do businesses with an American who he does not familiar with.He may choose to communicate with the American by writting emails and will finnaly form a contract for the business.