Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-300) and index.
"From high-level business negotiations to casual conversations among friends, every interpersonal interaction is shaped by cultural norms and expectations. Seldom is this more clearly brought to light than in encounters between people from diverse cultural backgrounds, when dissimilar communication practices may lead to frustration and misunderstanding. This thought-provoking text presents an identity-based framework for understanding the impact of culture on communication and for helping students develop mindful intercultural communication skills. With illustrative examples from around the globe, the book shows that communicating involves much more than transmitting a particular message--it also reflects each participant's self-image, group identifications and values, and network and relational needs. Readers learn to move effectively and appropriately through a range of transcultural situations by combining culture-specific knowledge with competent listening and communication skills. Throughout, helpful tables, charts, and recommendations for translating concepts into practice enhance the utility of the text. Book jacket."--Jacket.