4th Edition
Among Cultures The Challenge of Communication
Through its unique approach of using narratives and stories to convey theories and concepts, this text, now in its fourth edition, gives students a foundational knowledge in intercultural communication that is imperative for understanding and navigating our increasingly complex human interactions.
This edition continues with an interpretive approach to intercultural communication that is dedicated to providing resources to understand and explain how our own and other cultural systems are reasonable and valuable. New to this edition are increased explorations of immigration, intersectionality, and privilege. For greater flexibility, it introduces a series of mini chapters on topics such as globalization (including discussion of the impact of new media and popular culture), education, and the role of culture in family communication, health communication, environmental communication and multicultural leadership. Each chapter again closes with a summary, reflection questions, and suggestions for activities available for students’ own review or as potential class exercises.
The book is an ideal companion for introductory or upper-level undergraduate courses in intercultural communication.
Online resources include self-tests, enrichment activities, reflection questions, recommendations for addition readings for students, lecture slides, chapter objectives, supplemental readings, sample discussion and test questions, and additional classroom activities for instructors. Please visit www.routledge.com/cw/hall.
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. What is Meant by Intercultural Communication?
2. What is the Relationship Between Communication and Culture?
3. How Can We Learn About Our Own and Others’ Cultures?
4. How is Culture Related to Our Identities?
5. Where Can We Look to Explain Verbal Misunderstandings?
6. Where Can We Look to Explain Nonverbal Misunderstandings?
7. Why Do So Many People Get Treated Poorly?
8. How Can We Manage Conflict in Intercultural Settings?
9. How Can We Succeed in Our Intercultural Transitions?
10. Can Judgments of Right and Wrong Be Made When Dealing with Other Cultures?
11. What Diversity Exists in the Study of Intercultural Communication?
12. How Do Cultural Differences Impact Our Family Life?
13. What Role Does Culture Have in Healthcare Settings?
14. How Do I Lead Successfully in Intercultural Organizations and Settings?
15. How is Our Understanding of the Environment Influenced by Our Culture?
16. How Do Cultural Differences Impact Our Education Experience and Outcomes?
17. How Does Globalization Impact Intercultural Relationships?
Biography
Bradford ‘J’ Hall is a (Full) Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Philosophy at Utah State University, U.S.A. He teaches in the areas of intercultural communication, communication theory, and language and social interaction. His research deals with issues of culture, identity membership, conflict, and everyday conversation.
Patricia O. Covarrubias is a (Full) Professor and inaugural Director of the Graduate Program in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at the University of New Mexico, U.S.A. She brings a communication lens to the study of Chicanx humanities and social-scientific texts, rhetorics, and everyday social interaction.
Kristin A. Kirschbaum is a Lecturer at California State University in San Marcos where she teaches courses in intercultural communication, health communication, and research methods among other course offerings. Her extensive background in intercultural health communication has been tried and tested in recent years to help her extended family navigate communication in the health system.
"For those who love reading stories and making sense of the back story or the story behind the story, this book will provide you with the tools you need to deeply analyze, delicately deconstruct and thoroughly appreciate all your intercultural encounters. An enjoyable addition to an increasingly important body of work aimed at students keen to know what they can do to make the world a better and safer place for all."
Julyn Kang, National University of Singapore
"Among Cultures is an excellent textbook for students to understand cultures through interpretive approaches. I’d recommend it for teaching an entry-level undergraduate intercultural communication course."
Hsin-I Sydney Yueh, Northeastern State University, USA
