Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach

This introduction to intercultural communication provides students with a clear model for examining communication within cultural, micro-cultural, environmental, socio-relational, and perceptual contexts. The author depicts his theory as a series of circles representing the idea that communication is defined by the interdependence of cultural contexts. His presentation of contexts begins with the outermost cultural circle of the model and moves inward toward the most specific traits of communication--verbal and non-verbal messages. Each chapter focuses on one context and the combination of factors included within that context--setting, situation, and circumstances. The text also highlights influences such as values, ethnicity, physical geography, and attitudes and then examines certain means of interaction, including body language, eye contact, and the exchange of words. Additional topics covered include the stages of relationships, cross-cultural management, intercultural conflict, and culture shock. Features & Benefits: - Sample cross-cultural dialogues demonstrate for students how the various concepts discussed manifest themselves in human interaction; - Self-report instruments help students understand themselves and assess their performance and skill development as they learn the important concepts of intercultural communication; - Every chapter contains a summary, glossary of terms, and an extensive reference list. Photos, charts, and graphs help make the material more accessible and realistic to students; - A content-rich Website offers resources for instructors and students, including PowerPoint slides to enhance class presentations.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1. The Necessity of Intercultural Communication The Need for Intercultural Communication Fundamental Assumptions About Intercultural Communication Chapter Summary 2. The Cultural Context Individualism-Collectivism An Intercultural Conversation: Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures Patterns of Individualism and Collectivism Across the United States The Pancultural Self High- and Low-Context Communication An Intercultural Conversation: High- and Low-Context Cultures Value Orientations Power Distance Communication and Power Distance An Intercultural Conversation: Large and Small Power Distance Cultures Uncertainty Avoidance A Theory of Uncertainty Orientation An Intercultural Conversation: Weak and Strong Uncertainty Avoidance Chapter Summary 3. The Microcultural Context Microcultural Group Status Muted Microcultural Groups Microcultures in the United States Hispanics/Latinos African-Americans The Amish The Hmong Arab-Americans Chapter Summary 4. The Environmental Context Environments and Information Load Culture and the Natural Environment The Built Environment` Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Housing Privacy Perceptions of Privacy in the United States Monochronic Versus Polychronic Time Orientations An Intercultural Conversation: Monochronic and Polychronic Cultures Chapter Summary 5. The Perceptual Context Culture and Cognition Sterotyping An Intercultural Conversation: Sterotyping Ethnocentrism A Contemporary Conceptualization of Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism, Intercultural Communication, and Interpersonal Perception Ethnocentrism and Communication in the Workplace Chapter Summary 6. The Socio-Relational Context Dimensions of Group Variability Role Relationships, Social Stratification, and Hierachy An Intercultural Conversation: Student/Teacher Role Positions An Intercultural Conversation: Cross-Cultural Role Positions Sex and Gender Roles Across Cultures Chapter Summary 7. The Verbal Code The Relationship Between Language and Culture The Structure of Human Language Elaborated and Restriced Codes Cross-Cultural Communication Styles An Intercultural Conversation: Direct and Indirect Speaking An Intercultural Conversation: Personal and Contextual Styles An Intercultural Conversation: Instrumental and Affective Speaking Language and Ethnic Identity Chapter Summary 8. The Nonverbal Code Definetion of Nonverbal Communication The Relationship Between Verbal and Nonverbal Codes Channels of Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication and Dimensions of Cultural Variability An Intercultural Conversation: Violation of Nonverbal Expectancies Chapter Summary 9. Developing Intercultural Relationships Comunication and Uncertainty Anxiety Uncertainty Management (AUM) Theory of Effective Communication Uncertainty Reduction and Intercultural Communication Apprehension An Intercultural Conversation: Uncertainty Reduction and Sociocommunicative Style Empathy and Similarity in Relationship Development Perceptions of Relational Intimacy Across Cultures Marital Relationships Chapter Summary 10. Intercultural Communication in Organizations Intercultural Management An Intercultural Conversation: Clashing Cultural Concepts on the Job An Intercultural Conversation: Misinterpretation of Common U.S. Phrases Intercultural Relations Conflict in Organizations Chapter Summary 11. Acculturation and Culture Shock A Model of Acculturation Acculturation in the United States Culture Shock Chapter Summary 12. Intercultural Competence A Model of Intercultural Competence Intercultural Training Programs Intercultural Conversation: Practice in the Real World Sample Intercultural Training Prospectus Chapter Summary About the Author Index

About the Author :
James W. Neuliep (Ph.D., University of Oklahoma) conducts research and teaches courses in intercultural communication, communication theory, communication apprehension, ethnocentrism, and research methods at St. Norbert College. In addition to his introductory intercultural communication textbook, he was also written an introductory communication theory textbook, and his research has appeared in many respected journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Intercultural Communication Research and has served on the editorial boards of Communication Reports, Communication Research Reports, Communication Studies; International and Intercultural Communication, Journal of Communication; Journal of Applied Communication Research; Journal of Social Behavior and Personality; and Communication Quarterly.

Review :
"This text seems perfectly geared to the current generation of highly pragmatic students, who are eager for structure, for information that is organized and repeated for easy assimilation, and for steady readouts on how they are doing."  —TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION