Language and Culture in Context:
A Primer on Intercultural Communication
An open textbook by Robert Godwin-JonesSchool of World Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University
Preface:
Chapter 1
Broadening HorizonsTopics:
I. Introducing intercultural communicationWhat is intercultural communication? The need for intercultural communication today Culture: Central to our lives Culture from the perspective of complexity theory Communication: A human necessity
II. Cultures under study and in the mediaIntercultural Communication as an academic discipline Cultural taxonomies and their dangers Ethics & intercultural communication Countering the media echo chamber Technically speaking: Information literacy
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Chapter 2
Building IdentitiesTopics:
I. How identities are builtCultural identity Integration and marginalization Social identity Worldviews and religions Intercultural communication and ideology
II. Judging and treating others fairlyCategorization and stereotyping Addressing prejudice and intolerance Language and identity Food and culture Technically speaking: Online identities
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Chapter 3
Using LanguageTopics:
I. Language and cultureLanguage: How we process the world around us Language reflects culture Sociolinguistics: Studying language in use World languages Bilingualism and multilingualism
II. Second language learningApproaches to language learning Understanding the nature of language Learning a second language English as a world language Technically speaking: Language learning and technology
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Chapter 4
Conversing and RelatingTopics:
I. Communication in practiceLanguage and relationships Communication styles Communication contexts Communication accommodation Uncertainty management
II. Language in societySources of miscommunication Culturally embedded language use Gender and communication Communication in personal relationships Romancing across cultures Technically speaking: Communicating and relating online
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Chapter 5
Communicating nonverballyTopics:
I. Body languageThe nature of nonverbal communication Sending signals without words Gestures across cultures The universality of facial expressions Personal space Physically interacting with others
II. Nonverbal messagingParalanguage: Conveying meaning through ways of speaking Managing conversations Physical appearance and dress Nonverbal expectancy violation theory Music: Another way to communicate nonverbally Technically speaking: Semiotics and the Internet
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Chapter 6
Contextualizing intercultural communicationTopics:
I. Environmental contextsThe impact of the environment on conversations Built environments and communication patterns Privacy across cultures Cultural spaces Car and driving behavior in a cultural context Time orientation
II. Professional and institutional contextsBusiness and organizational contexts Equity and ethics The importance of names Communicative genres Translation and interpretation Education Technically speaking: Professional discourse & privacy online
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Chapter 7
Encountering other culturesTopics:
I. Communicating across culturesPersonal encounters Conflicts and language Conflict resolution The concept of face Cultural schemas Mediated encounters
II. Moving among culturesExperiencing a different culture Cross-cultural adaptation Refugees Culture Shock Study abroad Achieving intercultural competence Technically speaking: Reflective writing
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