Human encounters : introduction to intercultural communication /
Dahl, Øyvind,1940-author.
This book gives a comprehensive introduction to intercultural communication in the era of globalization. The reader is introduced to essential concepts in the field, different theories and methods of analysing communication, the importance of verbal and nonverbal languages for bringing about mutual understanding and, finally, the ethical challenges that arise. The volume also has a practical aspect. The author discusses subjects such as handling encounters with people using foreign languages; incorporating different life styles and world views; the use of interpreters; non-familiar body language; different understandings of time; relocation in new settings; the use of power and how to deal with cultural conflicts generally. Published in English for the first time following a very successful original edition in Norwegian, this richly-illustrated book offers a refreshing and engaging introduction to intercultural understanding.
Different intonation gives different meanings.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-295) and index.
Cover; Contents; Figures; Foreword; Chapter 1: Understanding in a Global World; Globalization: A word with many meanings; Globalization and the nation state; Purity, Creole or hybrid?; To understand and be understood; Understanding, lack of understanding and misunderstanding; Golden moments; Different categorizations; To communicate is to negotiate about meaning; Chapter 2: Culture: Something We Have or Something We Do?; What is culture?; Descriptive concept of culture; Essentialist cultural understanding: Culture is something we have.
Dynamic cultural understanding: Culture is something we doPhenomenological approach; Culture as a verb; Different labels: Dynamic approach; Summing up different understandings of culture; Cultural dimensions; Cultural frames of reference; Chapter 3: Communication is Creating Something Together; Communication models; The classic model of communication process; Meaning and understanding; Stereotypes: Putting people into boxes; Prejudices: "Frozen stereotypes"; Othering; The danger of culturism; Ethnocentrism, cultural relativism and empathy; Meta-communication.
Content communication and relational communicationSymmetry and asymmetry in communication; Cross-cultural and intercultural communication; Intra-cultural and intercultural communication: Cultural Distance; Theory and practice: Models of analysis in communication; Chapter 4: Process Analysis: Building Bridges; Various forms of intercultural communication; Intercultural communication using static cultural approach; Contrasts between assumptions and values: An essentialist case; Intercultural communication using the dynamic cultural approach; Culture Filter model.
A case illustrating the use of the culture filter modelCommunication without intention; The importance of context; High context and low context; Chapter 5: Semiotic Analysis: Interpreting Signs; Semiotics: The study of signs; Codes are systems of meaning; Icon, index, symbol and position of the sign; Model of semiotic analysis; Production of meaning; Unlimited semiosis; Signification and meaning; Metaphor, irony, metonymy and idiom; Chapter 6: Hermeneutic Analysis: Understanding; Prejudice, pre-judgement and pre-understanding; Horizon of understanding and the fusion of horizons.
The hermeneutic circle: Circle of understandingThree stages of understanding in human encounters; Closed and open communication; From individual to society; Hermeneutics as an analytical tool; The many faces of power; A case for analysis; Chapter 7: Verbal Communication: Language; Spoken verbal language; Written verbal language; Sign language; Human language skills; Grammatical competence; Communicative competence; Language and perception of reality; Learning languages: A gateway to new universes; Words are ambiguous; Denotation and connotation; Sounds may create difficulties.
This book gives a comprehensive introduction to intercultural communication in the era of globalization. The reader is introduced to essential concepts in the field, different theories and methods of analysing communication, the importance of verbal and nonverbal languages for bringing about mutual understanding and, finally, the ethical challenges that arise. The volume also has a practical aspect. The author discusses subjects such as handling encounters with people using foreign languages; incorporating different life styles and world views; the use of interpreters; non-familiar body language; different understandings of time; relocation in new settings; the use of power and how to deal with cultural conflicts generally. Published in English for the first time following a very successful original edition in Norwegian, this richly-illustrated book offers a refreshing and engaging introduction to intercultural understanding.
Intercultural communication.
Intercultural communication.
Also issued online.
Human encounters.