Second, theories can be designed to describe how communication varies across cultures.

Second, theories can be designed to describe how communication varies across cultures.

Japan is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, both historically through ancient waves of immigration and in recent years due to its foreign relations and internationalization. However, Japan has socially, culturally, politically, and intellectually constructed a distinct and homogeneous identity. More recently, this identity construction has been rightfully questioned and challenged by Japan’s culturally diverse groups. This book explores the discursive systems of cultural identities that regenerate the illusion of Japan as a homogeneous nation. Contributors from a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches investigate the ways in which Japan’s homogenizing discourses are challenged and modified by counter-homogeneous message systems. They examine the discursive push-and-pull between homogenizing and heterogenizing vectors, found in domestic and transnational contexts and mobilized by various identity politics, such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, foreign status, nationality, multiculturalism, and internationalization. After offering a careful and critical analysis, the book calls for a complicating of Japan’s homogenizing discourses in nuanced and contextual ways, with an explicit goal of working towards a culturally diverse Japan. Taking a critical intercultural communication perspective, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of Japanese Studies, Japanese Culture and Japanese Society.

The seventh volume of the distinguished series International and Intercultural Communication Annuals is published for the first time by SAGE. It is also the first volume to be presented in a new format: theme-oriented volumes that examine key issues in intercultural communication. Twenty four leaders in the field contribute original essays that review the progress made toward developing theories of intercultural communication. Theories based on traditional communication perspectives, new theories that are unique to this new emerging discipline, and contributions from such areas as philosophy, social psychology and linguistics are described. `If one were to offer a seminar designed to take stock of theory in intercultural co

This book looks at the movements of immigrants and refugees and the challenges they face as they cross cultural boundaries and strive to build a new life in an unfamiliar place. It focuses on the psychological dynamic underpinning of their adaptation process, how their internal conditions change over time, the role of their ethnic and personal backgrounds, and of the conditions of the host environment affecting the process. Addressing these and related issues, the author presents a comprehensive theory, or a "big picture,"of the cross-cultural adaptation phenomenon.

Published in cooperation with the Speech Communication Association Division on International and Intercultural Communication Just as the earlier version of this work (Intercultural Communication Theory) helped to define the field, Theories In Intercultural Communication also makes an important contribution. This collection represents the major current approaches to the study of intercultural communication, as well as of communication in general. The contributors cover constructivist theory, coordinated management theory, convergence theory, adaptation in intercultural relationships, intercultural transformation, and network theory. The volume offers an analysis of the most current theories in intercultural communication. It also points to areas of further research and the need for continued refinements of existing approaches. This volume is valuable for graduate students and professionals in the areas of communication (especially intercultural and interpersonal), ethnic studies, cross-cultural studies, comparative studies, and education. "The book is well conceived in its purpose, scope, and organization. It is also well executed with an even quality throughout. Each chapter author clearly presents the theory and provides thorough documentation. . . . This volume . . . promises to become a central piece in both the definition and development of theory in intercultural communication." --Modern Language Journal "This volume does represent a significant attempt to consolidate and crystallize the current intellectual core concepts of mainsteam intercultural communications theories and to push the field forward toward a more rigorous and coherent state. . . . As a collection, these essays cover a lot of the bumpy terrain that constitutes the field of intercultural communication from an interpersonal perspective. . . . Very useful in the context of a university course on intercultural communications." --Canadian Journal of Communication

Bringing together current theories on intercultural communication, this volume introduces some new theoretical developments. These diverse approaches offer guidance for investigating the complex phenomenon of intercultural communication. Part One provides an overview of the role of theory in intercultural communication research, Part Two includes theories on intercultural communication competence and adaptation, and Part Three focuses on specific contexts for intercultural communication such as health and small groups.