Chapter 1

Brief Introduction to Intercultural Communication

1.1 Defining and Describing Culture 2

1.1.1 Two Types of Culture 2

1.1.2 Five Dimensions of Culture 3

1.1.3 Characteristics of Culture 5

1.2 Culture and Communication 9

1.2.1 Defining and Describing Communication 9

1.2.2 Relationship Between Culture and Communication 10

1.3 Defining and Describing Intercultural Communication 13

1.3.1 Definition of Intercultural Communication 13

1.3.2 Five Elements in the Communication Process 14

Chapter 2

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

2.1 Introduction to Verbal Communication 22

2.1.1 Role of Language in Verbal Communication 23

2.1.2 Receptive and Productive Language Skills 25

2.1.3 Need for Using Bias-Free Language 26

2.1.4 Types of Verbal Communication 26

2.2 Verbal Communication Skills 29

2.2.1 Effective Verbal Communication 29

2.2.2 Examples of Verbal Communication Skills in the Workplace 29

2.2.3 7Cs of Communication 32

2.2.4 Steps to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills in the Workplace 33

2.3 Introduction to Nonverbal Communication 36

2.3.1 Definition of Nonverbal Communication 37

2.3.2 Types and Features of Nonverbal Communication 37

2.4 Functions of Nonverbal Communication 43

2.4.1 Conveying Meaning 43

2.4.2 Regulating Conversational Flow 44

2.4.3 Affecting Relationships 45

2.4.4 Expressing Identities 49

2.5 Guidelines to Improve Nonverbal Competence 51

Chapter 3

Communicative Competence & Intercultural Competence

3.1 Communicative Competence & Intercultural Communicative

Competence 60

3.1.1 Framework for Communicative Competence 61

3.1.2 Concept of Intercultural Communicative Competence 62

3.1.3 Concept of Transcultural Competence 63

3.1.4 Skills of Multilingual Communicators 64

3.2 Communicating Under Different Cultural Contexts 65

3.2.1 Differences in Greetings 66

3.2.2 Differences in Approval and Disapproval Movements 68

3.2.3 High-Contact Culture & Low-Contact Culture 71

3.2.4 Signs Cannot Be Used Casually Abroad 73

3.3 A Recipe for Successful Intercultural Communication 75

3.3.1 A Heart Set 76

3.3.2 A Mindset 77

3.3.3 A Skill Set 78

3.3.4 Other Practical Approaches 79

3.4 Culture Shock 79

3.4.1 Five Stages of Culture Shock 79

3.4.2 Reverse Culture Shock 83

3.4.3 Transition Shock 84

Chapter 4

Cultural Patterns

4.1 A Brief Introduction to Cultural Patterns 90

4.1.1 Beliefs 91

4.1.2 Values 92

4.1.3 Norms 94

4.2 High-Context & Low-Context Cultures 96

4.2.1 High-Context Culture 96

4.2.2 Low-Context Culture 97

4.2.3 Differences Between High-Context Culture & Low-Context Culture .98

4.2.4 China��A Country in a High-Context Culture 101

4.2.5 America��A Country in a Low-Context Culture 102

4.3 Cultural Dimensions Theory 106

4.3.1 Masculinity & Femininity 107

4.3.2 High Power Distance & Low Power Distance 109

4.3.3 Collectivism & Individualism 113

4.3.4 Uncertainty Avoidance 117

4.3.5 Long-Term Orientation & Short-Term Orientation 119

4.4 Values Orientation Theory 124

4.4.1 Human-Nature Orientation 125

4.4.2 Man-Nature Orientation 126

4.4.3 Time Orientation 127

4.4.4 Activity Orientation 128

4.4.5 Relational Orientation 129

Chapter 5

Intercultural Communication in Various Social Contexts

5.1 Family and Friends 136

5.1.1 Brief Introduction to Relationship 136

5.1.2 Family Relationships 137

5.1.3 Friendships 138

5.2 Education 140

5.2.1 Relationship Between Education and Culture 140

5.2.2 Cultural Dimensions in an Educational Context 141

5.3 Economics and Business 144

5.3.1 Three Main Factors Influencing International Communication in Business 144

5.3.2 Important Tips on Doing Business Internationally 146

5.4 Principles and Rules of Intercultural Communication 148