Among Cultures

Among Cultures: The Challenge of Communication, Third Edition, offers an in-depth exploration of intercultural communication by using narrative as a central tool to understand the interplay between culture and communication. The text posits that individuals make sense of their worlds by crafting and sharing personal narratives, thereby providing readers with a rich array of stories and real-life examples that illuminate intercultural dynamics. The book covers fundamental topics such as verbal and nonverbal communication, the roles of stereotypes and bias, identity formation, conflict resolution, diversity, and ethical considerations. Through an interpretive approach, it reveals the rationale behind different cultural practices and helps readers appreciate the underlying logic of other cultural systems. Thought-provoking activities, including self-assessments and nonverbal self-knowledge tests, complement each chapter’s reflective questions to encourage personal engagement and discussion. New to this edition are enhanced sections that discuss the function of culture in contemporary contexts, particularly in relation to the environment, health, and technology. Updated content on identity, silence, and terms of address, alongside revisions on honorifics, key terms, social dramas, and ethical approaches, further enrich this refreshed and comprehensive resource on intercultural communication.