Communicating in Intercultural Spaces

Communicating in Intercultural Spaces is a unique contribution to literature in intercultural communication from two authors who bring distinct socio-cultural voices to this work. Written for readers ranging from advanced undergraduate students to intercultural practitioners, this book offers a new conceptualisation for understanding intercultural communication. Eight propositions frame the concept of intercultural spaces. Grounding the discussion on the framing of intercultural spaces, the authors engage with a range of topics such as perception, language, acculturation, and intercultural competence, couched in original personal narratives from 21 leading intercultural scholars. The narratives and vignettes add vibrant context to the scholars’ works that are cited in this book. The book also delves into the origins of intercultural communication as a discipline and the dark side of communicating across differences. Each chapter ends with a brief dialogue between the authors, followed by questions for stimulating further reflection. Readers should expect to walk away with an understanding of key theories and frameworks in intercultural communication and the tools with which to develop their own intercultural communication competence.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Communicating in intercultural spaces 2. Origins of intercultural communication 3. Perception and cultural lenses 4. Language, symbols, and context 5. The dark side of differences 6. Cultural transitions and identity 7. Intercultural communication competence 8. Learning and living in a culturally diverse world. Appendices

About the Author :
Lily A. Arasaratnam-Smith, PhD, is Deputy Vice President Faculty and Professor of Communication at Alphacrucis University College, Australia. Her expertise is in intercultural communication competence. Lily is a Fellow and President-Elect of the International Academy for Intercultural Research. L. Ripley Smith, PhD, is Professor of Intercultural and Media Communication at Bethel University, St. Paul, MN, USA. His expertise includes intercultural adaptation, cultural identity, and the impact of social networks on intercultural relations. Ripley is a Fellow and three-term Board Secretary of the International Academy for Intercultural Research.

Review :
“Enter the fascinating world of 'Communicating in Intercultural Spaces', a meticulously crafted guide to the heart of intercultural research. This unique book seamlessly blends past and present, combining scientifically sound information with personal stories of the giants who have shaped this interdisciplinary field. The authors skilfully navigate the landscape, drawing on insights from psychology, anthropology and communication studies to turn abstract concepts into accessible gems. Each chapter concludes with an inviting discussion with Lily and Ripley, offering a chance to pause and savour the fascinating world of intercultural spaces. A must read for anyone seeking to master the intricacies of our diverse and interconnected world.” - Daniela Gröschke, Professor at Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Germany. “The personal narratives from eminent intercultural scholars offer an elegant and refreshing approach to distil complex, esoteric concepts in a relatable fashion. This format of presentation –the infusion and integration of anecdotes and casual conversation with the theoretical frameworks – will appeal to both the academic community and policymakers alike. This volume has brought new insights to how we make sense of the literature and elevated our discourse on intercultural communication.” Chan-Hoong Leong, Senior Fellow, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. “This very nicely written and organised text takes a middle road between cross-cultural psychology and intercultural communication, weaving together the former’s empirical research with the latter’s constructivist models of competence. In addition to its good conceptual mix, the first-person tone and inclusion of autobiographical sketches from interculturalists makes the book feel more personally relevant than many other texts on this topic.” Milton J. Bennett, PhD., Intercultural Development Research Institute, Italy & USA. “This work makes an important contribution to intercultural communication education—an innovative and engaging blend of basic concepts and everyday application. The blend of real-life personal narratives from a diverse group of intercultural experts with fundamental intercultural communication concepts, illustrates and gives form to the promises, joys and challenges of “the intercultural life.” importantly the book includes a global focus, with examples and references to international contexts and issues. Very readable, just the right level to engage readers of a wide range of education and diverse backgrounds.” Judith N. Martin, PhD., Arizona State University, USA.