This innovative book contains studies of personal relationships from a variety of non-western cultures, and leaves behind the western biases that are typical of most research and theorizing done in this expanding area.

Chapters focus on personal communication practices in countries including Iran, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and Korea. The editors cover the major theories that explain communication across cultures through both emic and etic approaches, by examining how members of a culture understand their own communication, and by comparing specific aspects of communication across...

In this volume, Gudykunst applies his world-renowned approach to intercultural communication to the specifics of Japanese//North American communication. After laying out the basic theories of intercultural communication, the authors explain the similarities and differences in patterns of communication in Japan and the United States. They then demonstrate how an understanding of these contrasting patterns can help Japanese and North Americans communicate more effectively. By examining issues such as attitudes and stereotypes, ways to deepen the understanding of Japanese behaviour are...