Uses a semiotic reading of nonverbal communication as a way to comment on the ideologies of various cultural contexts. Suggests that the semiotic approach offers a method of "reading" the metatextual meanings surrounding nonverbal behavior. Finds that a reading of the political leaders of different cultures reveals the connection between…

Explores the design choices for Network Earth, a museum exhibit that introduced the general public to computer networks and related issues (and was designed by a team with no formal training). Notes that although the design process and general goals were similar to those at other sites studied and in the literature, certain practices differed…

Many recent studies on computer-mediated communication (CMC) have addressed the question of orality and literacy. This article examines a relatively recent subgenre of CMC, that of written online sports commentary, that provides us with written CMC that is clearly based on firmly established oral genres, those of radio and television sports…

Investigates how cultural groups differ in the relative importance they attach to conversational constraints. Suggests that the perceived importance of clarity is higher in the more individualistic cultures but that the perceived importance of avoiding hurting the hearer's feelings and of minimizing imposition is higher in the more collectivistic…

Considers if American Ebonics is a different language from English or if it is a dialect of English. Discusses how American Ebonics relates to the larger Ebonics picture. Focuses on the grammatical patterns of Ebonics that diverge the most from standard English. Addresses pedagogical implications. (SC)

Reviews the current state of information-seeking research and theory in the field of intercultural communication. Draws distinctions between different types of intercultural communication research. Discusses how information seeking might be relevant across types and different between types of intercultural communication. Recommends directions for…

An ethnographic study examined the culture of the Chinese students and scholars in America with a specific focus on their experiences in the cultural adaptation process. Subjects were three Chinese nationals (one female and two males) living in the area of a large midwestern university. Subjects were interviewed for about an hour each, with…

Explores, through critical performance ethnography, the performative constitution of whiteness in an introductory communication classroom. Suggests that white subjects often fail to see whiteness in action. Argues that race in general, and whiteness in particular, is a social communicative accomplishment--a performative constitution of identity…

A study examined the difficulties Mainland Chinese students encountered in the process of adjusting to American culture. Subjects were 10 Mainland Chinese students enrolling in a mid-size public university, 8 females and 2 males. The length of time in America was from 10 months to 3 years, the average age was 27.9, and 6 were married. In-depth…

A study examined Japanese-American intercultural communication at the beginning stage from the perspective of Japanese participants. Data were collected in interviews with 50 Japanese visiting students to a large southwestern university for their account of their short-term (5-week) experience in America, which consisted of incidents, events, and…

Noting that cross-cultural and language barriers pose formidable challenges to managers, a case study examined the application of selective nonverbal communication strategies (nonverbal cues, learning by observation, and the organization of learning) for management and training development efforts within diverse cultural environments. Source…

Because an understanding of the cultural value orientation leads to more effective communication with people from different cultures, this paper examines how the difference of cultural value orientations affects the communication process. The paper explores the dissimilarities of value orientations between Chinese and American families from the…