Understanding Intercultural Communication

Understanding Intercultural Communication offers a comprehensive look at the foundational concepts of the discipline. Employing the dynamic theme of flexible intercultural communication, it effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice. A distinctive feature is the book's well-balanced emphasis on both cross-national intercultural communication issues and U.S. domestic diversity issues. Written in a conversational style, it presents up-to-date, identity-based frameworks and fresh approaches.

By integrating current empirical research with lively examples, the text illustrates the practical nature of the intercultural communication field. The authors encourage students to think critically by asking thought-provoking questions and posing intercultural ethical dilemmas for students to ponder. They offer strong coverage of such topics as the process of ethnic and cultural identity change, culture shock and intercultural adjustment, intercultural verbal communication styles, conflict facework interactions, romantic relationships and raising bicultural children, global identity challenges, and decision-making choices in intercultural ethics.

Understanding Intercultural Communication features "Jeopardy Boxes" on the use of domestic culture, global culture, and diversity; "Double Take" personal narratives and stories; "Know Thyself" mini-assessments; "Quick Poll" reaction polls; "Picture This" intercultural-interethnic poems; and "Snapshots" illustrating cultural diversity and culture shock. In addition, dialogue scenes, global news clips, practical intercultural toolkits, and checkpoints reinforce student learning in each chapter. An interactive Student Study Guide on CD is included with every copy of the text. An Instructor's Manual/Testing Program and a Companion Website are also available.

Stella Ting-Toomey is at California State University at Fullerton. Leeva C. Chung is at the University of San Diego.