About the Book
- Page ID
- 323121
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Adventures in Intercultural Communication offers an engaging, narrative‑rich introduction to the core concepts outlined in the CID 150 Intercultural Communication descriptor for the California Community College System. The text positions intercultural communication as a dynamic, transactional process—one that influences how we interpret the world, build relationships, and participate in an increasingly interconnected global community. As an open educational resource (OER), the book blends curated existing materials with substantial original content. New features include Spotlight on Social Media, Student Voices, Cultural Connection stories, and Growing Your Intercultural Communication Skills, inviting students to connect theory with lived experience.
The early chapters establish the foundations of the field, emphasizing that communication is shaped by cultural histories, social norms, and shared expectations. A central thread throughout the text is Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC). Students are guided through developmental models, including the Staircase Model, to understand how competence evolves—from initial unawareness to intuitive, adaptive communication across cultural differences. These chapters also explore how cultural filters and digital divides influence perception in contemporary communication environments.
As the book progresses, students examine cultural identity, values, and the emotional terrain of navigating unfamiliar cultural spaces. Frameworks such as Identity Development, Dimensions of Cultural Variability, the Dialectical Approach, and the W‑Curve Model of Culture Shock help learners make sense of how identities are formed, negotiated, and sometimes challenged. These concepts are paired with examples and reflections that resonate with the experiences of community college students.
The “messaging” chapters highlight how meaning is constructed through both verbal and nonverbal channels. Students consider how language shapes thought through Linguistic Relativity and explore why cultures differ in their use of silence, directness, and contextual cues. Nonverbal communication—responsible for much of our emotional meaning—is unpacked through real‑world illustrations of posture, eye contact, and personal space.
The final chapters underscore the relational nature of intercultural communication, addressing barriers such as prejudice, ethnocentrism, and systemic inequities. Students learn tools for navigating conflict, including Face‑Negotiation Theory, and explore the possibilities that emerge when people build relationships across cultural boundaries. The text ultimately affirms that intercultural engagement fosters empathy, growth, and deeper human connection.
Designed with first‑ and second‑year students in mind, the book incorporates accessible explanations, reflective activities, and inclusive examples. Its CC-BY-NC-SA license and placement on the LibreTexts platform make it adaptable for face‑to‑face, hybrid, and online learning. The text reflects a commitment to equity, universal design, and student‑centered learning—making it a flexible, comprehensive resource for courses aligned with CID 150.