Understanding Intercultural Communication

by Stella Ting-Toomey, Leeva C. Chung

Understanding Intercultural Communication, 3rd Edition (UIC3) emphasizes a perspective that integrates intersectional identity complexity with a strong values orientation in shaping intercultural contact. We address contemporary issues such as the important roles and effects of technology in our everyday intercultural lives. This is an introductory book designed for undergraduate students, teachers, and practitioners searching for a user-friendly textbook on the fundamentals of intercultural communication. With the lens of flexible intercultural communication, we thread through an abundance of intercultural material with a very practical theme. By integrating current empirical research with lively intercultural examples, the authors ask thought-provoking questions and pose ethical dilemmas for students to ponder.

Genres: Nonfiction, Communication, Read For School, Cultural Studies, School

Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2022

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stella Ting-Toomey is Professor of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton (CSuf). She has edited and authored 17 books and over 120 articles on intercultural communication.

Leeva C. Chung is Professor of Communication Studies at the University of San Diego and has taught there since 1998.

This book is a taxonomy of sorts encompassing the multiple facets and layers of intercultural communication. The thesis of the book is that acquiring knowledge and skills in communication can equip people to "engage in dynamic flexibility" which is the goal of intercultural communication. "To engage in dynamic flexibility, we must be simultaneously adoptive and creative in synchronicity our words, movements, and breath of the culturally dissimilar other." We must strive to take risks in reaching out to communicate with other cultures in a respectful way. The authors assert that intercultural communication will enable us to experience "the diverse richness of the human spirit".

The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 offers the fundamental concepts in intercultural communication. Part II describes crossing cultural and communication boundaries adaptively. Part III explains managing challenges in intercultural relationships flexibly.


The book appears to be a thorough treatment about a very broad and intricate subject. What I especially liked about the book is that the authors end each chapter with "do-ables" in the final "Intercultural Reality Check." This was particularly helpful for me to see the concepts described applied in practical ways that I can continue learning and practicing.

To conclude the book, the authors describe in several sentences the practices of ethical intercultural communication which align with several applications to my ministry setting. The authors' summary definition of flexible intercultural communication includes ten statements, five of which I have chosen as themes applicable to my ministry setting.

1) "Flexible 'intercultural communication is making detours and having the courage to try again.” 2) "Flexible intercultural communication is knowing thyself on a continuous basis."
3) "Flexible intercultural communication is other-centered."
4) "Flexible intercultural communication is about identity respect issues."
5) "Flexible intercultural communication is the intentional development of mindfulness."

The key to mindfulness and flexible intercultural communication for me is recognizing with gratitude the opportunities for friendship with people who are different from me. I hope that the safety and hospitality I offer will be returned to me so that my life will be enriched and that my learning will continue.

[Natalie Cardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a later edition from 2022, I think. And why would I rate a textbook 5 stars? I thought it was so enlightening and valuable, I wished every person in the school system could have read it and been trained on this. Obviously some parts are technical and dry, otherwise no one would learn anything. But I have never cried at the end of a textbook until now. They gave the most inspiring message of purpose and hope that aligns with my values and aspirations as well and the ending was absolutely beautifully written.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am shocked to say I read every chapter of this book for my Intercultural Communications course. I think it was a pretty solid backbone for cultural lessons, and I was able to refer back to so much terminology. I honestly would open this book up again, as the concepts are great talking points and have helped me learn more about the great big world!

[Tara Guiffredo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although, this is a text book, it gave many practical ways of becoming a more experienced intercultural communicator. Each section focused on different kinds of culture or cultural experiences, and the reader is able to discover their culture while learning to understand another.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring, helpful guide to increased effectiveness in communicating across different cultures and languages. There is some typical politically liberal bias, as one would expect from a pair of American academics, but overall a very well written book!

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this a while ago for a class. Never gave myself the credit. This was one of my textbooks while I was living through the Turkiye earthquakes, so it is no surprise that I never got around to recording them.

[Robi · Rating 4 out of 5]

alus pisan

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Washing my hands of this book now that classes are over. I read what I needed

[Luke Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is decent but is redundant and drawn out. It gives fair information and does have helpful insight. The book is worth a read if you are involved with intercultural studies.

[Karl Swanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book for a course. This work is quite redundant and could've been reduced to a primer.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs to be updated

[Melody Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like a textbook

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

A communications text book that teaches business men and women the importance of avoiding unnecessary offensive actions when dealing with other cultures. The greatest concept is that of ethnocentrism- considering your own culture to be superior to others. Great implications for missionaries and Pastor's alike.

[Honey Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a bad book, but it tries to be too flippant about some delicate topics.

[Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction into the values that drive communication in different cultures.