Chapter 1 An Overview of Intercultural Communication 1
1.1 Terminologies and Definitions about IC 1
1.2 The Birth of Intercultural Communication as a Field of Study 4
1.3 Intercultural Communication as a Multi-disciplinary Field of Study 5
1.4 What Is Studied in Intercultural Communication? 8
1.5 The Theories of Intercultural Communications 10
1.6 Intercultural Communication Study in China 23
1.7 Pervasiveness of Intercultural Communication 25
Further Reading Importance of Intercultural Communication 31
Questions for Thought 34
References and Related Websites 35
Chapter 2 Culture 37
2.1 Definitions of Culture 37
2.2 The Dominant Culture 42
2.3 Co-Culture 45
2.4 Elements of Culture 47
2.5 Characteristics of Culture 56
2.6 The Basic Functions of Culture 67
2.7 Diverse Cultural Patterns 68
Further Reading What Cultures Teach 84
Questions for Thought 87
References and Related Websites 88
Chapter 3 Communication 90
3.1 Defining Communication 90
3.2 Characteristics of Communication 92
3.3 Different Types of Communication 101
3.4 Different Models of Communication 102
3.5 Elements of Communication 107
3.6 Functions of Communication 111
Further Reading Communication for Those Who Work at It 117
Questions for Thought 121
References and Related Websites 121
Chapter 4 Language and Culture 124
4.1 Language and Cross-cultural Communication 124
4.2 Language and Culture 129
4.3 Language,Representation,Power and Inequality Concept 142
4.4 Conclusion：Language,Culture and Thought 152
Further Reading Language and Culture 154
Questions for Thought 157
References and Related Websites 157
Chapter 5 Religion 162
5.1 Understanding Religion 163
5.2 Six Major Religious Traditions 170
Further Reading Freedom of Religious Belief in China 240
Questions for Thought 246
References and Related Websites 246
Chapter 6 Cultural Influences on Architecture 253
6.1 Architecture in Western Countries 253
6.2 Architecture in China 282
Further Reading The Basic Concepts of Feng Shui 300
Questions for Thought 302
References and Related Websites 303
Chapter 7 Nonverbal Communication 305
7.1 Definitions of Nonverbal Communication 305
7.2 Functions of Nonverbal Communication 305
7.3 Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication 307
7.4 Classifications of Nonverbal Communication 308
Further Reading Defining Nonverbal Communication 329
Questions for Thought 330
References and Related Websites 330
Chapter 8 Blockings in Intercultural Communication 333
8.1 Potential Problems in Intercultural Communication 334
8.2 Culture Shock 343
Further Reading Global Village 353
Questions for Thought 356
References and Related Websites 356
Chapter 9 Competence of Intercultural Communication 359
9.1 Defining Intercultural Communication Competence 359
9.2 Components of Intercultural Communication Competence 364
9.3 Dimensions of Intercultural Communication Competence 368
9.4 Approaches to the Study of Intercultural Communication Competence 376
9.5 The BASICs of Intercultural Communication Competence 380
9.6 Improving Intercultural Communication 386
9.7 The Future of International Communication 422
Further Reading Is China Stuck in“Cultural Isolation”? 427
Questions for Thought 434
References and Related Websites 434
Chapter 10 Multiculturalism in the Context of Globalization 444
10.1 Introduction to Globalization 444
10.2 The Impact of Globalization on Culture 449
10.3 Multiculturalism in the Context of Globalization 459
Further Reading Origin of“Multicultural” 468
Questions for Thought 469
References and Related Websites 469