Organized around basic questions related to intercultural interaction, this text explores how culture and communication
are intimately related. The author explores topics not typically found in other texts, such as the roles of rituals
and social dramas, and he provides an extensive and relevant discussion of differing worldviews. Making extensive
use of narrative to help promote interest and learning, the text is geared to practical applications which students
can incorporate into their own lives and interactions with others.
Benefits:
NEW! This edition features an expanded overview of intercultural communication as a field of study.
Extensive use of narratives helps convey the emotional aspects of intercultural communication and provide discussion
material for students as well as stimuli for thinking of their own experiences and examples.
Activities can be used by professors or students to increase understanding of the topics discussed in each
chapter.
NEW! An increased number of domestic intercultural narratives have been added to the text.
NEW! The chapter on identity has been extensively reworked to include information on how we develop identities
and a discussion of different forms of ascription in the development process.
NEW! A discussion of face as it relates to verbal misunderstandings has been added to this edition.
NEW! The conflict chapter explores both intercultural and intergroup influences on creating, sustaining, and
managing conflict.
NEW! A completely new chapter has been added to review the three major theoretical perspectives in the intercultural
field, critical, social scientific and interpretive. This review is done in a way which considers the place of
power in intercultural settings and provides expanded coverage of the role of the mass media in intercultural relations.
In-chapter exercises and applications help students understand themselves and their experiences.
End-of-chapter pedagogy reminds students of key points, and strengthens students understanding of their own
culture, as well as the cultures of others.
Reflection questions are interspersed throughout the text to help students reflect on key issues.
Table of Contents
1. What is Meant by Intercultural Communication?
2. What is the Relationship Between Communication and Culture?
3. How Can We Learn About Our Own and Others'' Cultures?
4. How is Culture Related to Our Identities?
5. Where Can We Look to Explain Verbal Misunderstandings?
6. Where Can We Look to Explain Nonverbal Misunderstandings?
7. Why Do So Many People Get Treated Poorly?
8. How Can We Manage Conflict in Intercultural Settings?
9. How Can We Succeed in Our Intercultural Travels?
10. What Diversity Exists in the Study of Intercultural Communication?
11. Can Judgments of Right or Wrong Be Made When Dealing with Other Cultures?
