The textbook for students of intermediate English as a Second Language (ESL) is based on cross-cultural communication misunderstandings described in essays written by university students. It consists of 20 instructional units, each beginning with a real student's dilemma caused by cultural differences and each dealing with one particular custom. Early units address simple issues; later units relate to more complex subjects. Topics include: clothing; holidays; health and illness; food taboos; eating out; guests and hosts; confusing phrases; greetings; forms of address; body language; touching in public; dating; weddings; good and bad luck; parents and children; the classroom; the changing role of women; attitudes toward aging; stereotypes and prejudice; and religious practices and beliefs. Within each unit are diverse activities and exercises to develop discussion and build English language skills. Exercises include comprehension and inference questions, vocabulary development, puzzles, role-playing, interviews, and oral and written reports. Activities are designed to be self-explanatory and allow for flexibility in use. (MSE)