Suggests that a systematic triadic theory could prove relevant to contemporary understandings of communication. Reviews historical foundations of triadic theory, identifying semiotic, sociological, and interactionist conceptions of the triad. Outlines a transactional-participatory understanding of the triad, based on a mutual-personal model of…

Proposes a schemata model for how intercultural communicators structure meaning concerning another culture. Applies the model to a historical case study--the first official trade encounter between members of a trade mission from Great Britain and Emperor Qian Long's court in China. Proposes seven hypotheses for future research. (SR)

The life cycle of "new math" is fertile ground for the study of the diffusion of an innovation. New math arrived in 1958 to save the day for America after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first successful space flight in 1957. In a period of 16 years an entire diffusion cycle was completed throughout the entire educational system…