Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach

In this fully updated Fourth Edition of Intercultural Communication, author James W. Neuliep provides a clear contextual model (visually depicted by a series of concentric circles) for examining communication within cultural, microcultural, environmental, sociorelational, and perceptual contexts. Beginning with the broadest context-the cultural component of the model-the book progresses chapter by chapter through the model, to the most specific traits of communication, verbal and nonverbal messages. Each chapter focuses on one context and explores the combination of factors within that context, including setting, situation, and circumstances. Highlighting values, ethnicity, physical geography, and attitudes, the book examines means of interaction, including body language, eye contact, and the exchange of words, as well as the stages of relationships, cross-cultural management, intercultural conflict, and culture shock. Features Features a new chapter on Cross-Cultural Conflict (Chapter 10) that includes discussions of face-negotiation theory, facework and facework strategies, conflict communication styles, and cultural preferences for conflict styles Includes new sections on White/European American culture, an expanded discussion of Arab Americans, new material on Indian culture, and an expanded discussion on Chinese groups and communication, especially as it pertains to the business world Includes new discussion questions at the end of each chapter that ask students to critically think about the chapter material Offers realistic, cross-cultural dialogues throughout the book to demonstrate how key theoretical concepts manifest themselves in human interaction. Includes self-assessment instruments that measure concepts such as intercultural communication apprehension, ethnocentrism, individualism, and collectivism to help students understand themselves and evaluate their skill development