Full Description
Understanding Intercultural Communication, 3rd Edition (UIC3) emphasizes a perspective that integrates intersectional identity complexity with a strong values orientation in shaping intercultural contact. We address contemporary issues such as the important roles and effects of technology in our everyday intercultural lives. This is an introductory book designed for undergraduate students, teachers, and practitioners searching for a user-friendly textbook on the fundamentals of intercultural communication. With the lens of flexible intercultural communication, we thread through an abundance of intercultural material with a very practical theme. By integrating current empirical research with lively intercultural examples, the authors ask thought-provoking questions and pose ethical dilemmas for students to ponder.
Contents
Contents
Preface
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
PART I FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Chapter 1 Why Study Intercultural Communication?
Six Practical Reasons to Study Intercultural Communication
The Impact of Technology on Everyday Intercultural Communication
The Global and Domestic Diversity Workforce
The "New Norm": Nontraditional Interpersonal Relationships (Relationship Development, Families, and Identity Complexity)
Global Health Care Concerns and Opportunities
Personal Empowerment, Social Advocacy, and Social Justice
Inclusivity Reason: Increasing Self-Awareness and Other-Sensitivity
Culture: A Learned Meaning System
Surface-Level Culture: Artifacts and Pop Culture
Intermediate-Level Culture: Symbols, Meanings, and Norms
Deep-Level Culture: Traditions, Beliefs, and Values
Updating Your (Virtual) Intercultural Passport
Discussion and Practical Application Questions
Chapter 2 What Is Intercultural Communication Flexibility?
Defining Intercultural Communication: A Process Model
Intercultural Communication Process: Overall Characteristics
Intercultural Communication: Meaning Construction Characteristics
Cultivating Intercultural Communication Flexibility
Three Content Components: Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills
Three Criteria: Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Adaptability
Practicing Intercultural Communication Competence
A Staircase Model
An Essential Hook: A Mindful Perspective
Deepening Intercultural Process Thinking and Outcome Goals
Process Consciousness: Underlying Principles
Movements Toward Outcome Goals
Intercultural Reality Check: Doables
Discussion and Practical Application Questions
Chapter 3 What Are the Essential Cultural Value Patterns?
Functions of Cultural Values
Analyzing Cultural Values
Identity Meaning Function
Ingroup-Outgroup Evaluative Function
Explanatory Function
Motivational Function
Analyzing Cultural Value Continuum Dimensions
Discovering Cultural Continuum Values
Identity: Individualism-Collectivism Value Dimension
Power: Small-Large Power Distance Value Dimension
Uncertainty: Weak-Strong Uncertainty Avoidance Value Dimension
Sex Roles: Feminine-Masculine Value Dimension
Understanding Personality Styles and Value Tendencies
Independent Self-Construal Versus Interdependent Self-Construal
Horizontal Versus Vertical Personality Style
Uncertainty-Oriented Versus Certainty-Oriented Attributes
Androgynous Versus Conventional Sex Role Dispositions
Cultural Values Connecting With Personality Styles and Social Situations
Additional Classical Value Orientation Patterns
Value Orientations: Background Information
Meaning: Activity Value Orientation
Destiny: People-Nature Value Orientation
Time: Temporal Value Orientation
Intercultural Reality Check: Doables
Discussion and Practical Application Questions
Chapter 4 What Are the Keys to Understanding Cultural and Ethnic Identities?
Family and Gender Socialization
Families Come in Different Shapes
Gender Socialization and Interaction Patterns
Group Membership: Intercultural Boundary-Crossing Factors
The Process of Acculturation and Enculturation
Systems-Level Factors
Individual-Level Factors
Interpersonal Face-to-Face and Relational Network Factors
Mass Media and Social Media Usage Factors
Intergroup Adaptive Strategies
Sociocultural Group Affiliation and Identity Formation
Conceptualizing Cultural Identity
Conceptualizing Ethnic Identity
Ethnic-Racial Identity Change Process
Cultural-Ethnic Identity Typological Model
Racial-Ethnic Identity Development Model
Identity Complexity
Multiracial and Biracial Identity
Intercultural Reality Check: Doables
Discussion and Practical Application Questions
Part II CROSSING CULTURAL AND COMMUNICATION BOUNDARIES ADAPTIVELY
Chapter 5 What Is Culture Shock?
Unpacking Culture Shock
Characteristics of Culture Shock
Pros and Cons of Culture Shock
Culture Shock Encounters: A Variety of Culture Shockers
International Students and Cultural Exchange Students
Global Workplace Transferees and Global Mobility Families
Third Culture Kids/Global Nomads (TCK/GN)
International Tourists as Short-Term Sojourners
Initial Tips to Manage Culture Shock
Culture Shock Factors, Adjustment Approaches, and Strategies
Motivational Orientations and Personal Expectations
Cultural Distance Factors and Two Adjustment Approaches
Initial Cultural Adjustment, New Media, and Social Support
Cultural Adjustment Competence Strategies
Personality Attributes
Intercultural Adjustment: Developmental Patterns
The U-Curve Adjustment Model
The Revised W-Shaped Adjustment Model
Culture Shock Adjustment Summary: Peaks and Valleys
Reentry Culture Shock
Reentry Culture Shock: Surprising Elements
