ShoutlineA comprehensive critical introduction to the field of intercultural communication Main DescriptionThrough increased migration, tourism and global media, people with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds are in contact more than ever. This widespread linguistic and cultural contact has resulted in a strong interest in intercultural communication, both outside and inside academia. Intercultural Communication offers an up-to-date, critical introduction to the field of intercultural communication from the perspectives of discourse-analysis and sociolinguistics. This book makes two key contributions to the field. Firstly, its grounding in discourse analysis and anthropological linguistics treats cultural identity, difference and similarity as discursive constructions. And secondly, with its grounding in sociolinguistics, particularly bilingualism studies, it highlights the use of different languages and/or language varieties as a central aspect of intercultural communication. In doing so it illuminates the differential prestige of languages and language varieties, and the varying access that speakers have to them.Key features: *Innovative approach to a well-established and burgeoning field*International appeal with case studies from around the world*Reader-friendly and accessible style*Each chapter includes learning objectives, key points, exercises and suggestions for further reading.

Selling Points*Many universities worldwide offer degrees in Intercultural Communication*Intercultural Communication courses are taught at numerous universities, usually as an elective in Communication Studies, Linguistics, or Modern Languages programs*The book addresses an international audience, particularly in the USA, Europe, and Australasia, including Japan and Hong Kong*Fills a gap in existing literature by providing a textbook introduction to the field.