Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication

This fully updated third edition of Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication provides an accessible, lively introduction for students who are new to the study of intercultural communication, with special attention devoted to the language dimension.

Incorporating real-life examples from around the world and drawing on current research, this text argues against cultural stereotyping and instead provides students with a skill-building framework to enhance understanding of the complexities of language use and intercultural communication in diverse settings. Readers will learn to become more attuned to power relations and the ways in which a complex mix of internal and external factors can influence language choice/attitudes, the intercultural communication process, and intercultural relationship building.

Features new to this edition include:

  • ‘pause and reflect’ boxes and images throughout each chapter that encourage meaning making and connections between theories and practice
  • dialogues and student accounts of intercultural experiences that link theories with real-life applications
  • discussion questions, journal jumpstarts, and suggested activities at the end of each chapter to engage students and provide a more interactive experience
  • new material that takes account of key social, cultural, and political events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the refugee crisis, the climate emergency, and the rise of populism
  • updated theoretical constructs that reflect recent developments in this area of study, such as criticality and reflexivity in intercultural communication
  • refreshed references and glossary to enhance understanding of key terms and concepts
  • revised and updated Instructor and Student Resources, including recommended resources on intercultural pedagogy, sample course schedules and assignments, in-depth chapter-specific resources, and a test bank
  • revised and updated student resources, including suggested readings and links to online resources, key terms for each chapter, e-flash cards, study quizzes, and a glossary

This is the essential textbook for introductory courses in language and intercultural communication within applied linguistics and communication studies.