Articles
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Power in Intercultural Education: "Education in Bolivia – from Oppression to Liberation"?
Abstract: In this article I will consider the discussion on the educational system in Bolivia. Education is a potentially powerful way of communication. The educational reform of 1994 was a radical reform making it possible for the Indigenous peoples to receive education in their native languages. Nevertheless the government of Evo Morales abolished it as soon as they were in position, starting the process of making a new law with the slogan... [...] Read more
The Image of Europe as Advertised in Russia
Abstract: This contribution analyses the image of Europe passed on in current TV-advertising in Russia. This image is only understandable in the context of the current social discussions about national identity and builds on the national self-images. While Russia is very markedly different to Europe in terms of size and importance, tradition and history as well as community and shared identity, the image of Europe is depicted as a homogenous,... [...] Read more
Cultural Fluency as a Guide to Effective Intercultural Communication: The Case of Japan and the U.S.
Abstract: Intercultural communication serves a vital role in that it can forestall miscommunication and misunderstanding. Because of increased intercultural contact and interdependence, people in the world are forced to "rethink" intercultural communication in order to acquire effective intercultural communication competence. The present paper provides a critical discussion of the conceptualization of intercultural communication and the commonly... [...] Read more
A Longitudinal study on intercultural awareness and Foreign Language acquisition in the Netherlands
Abstract: In a longitudinal study we assessed the effect of a four-year International Business Communication program at a university in the Netherlands on students’ intercultural awareness and foreign language acquisition. In pre-test and post-test a measurement instrument featuring everyday (monocultural and intercultural) dialogues involving business associates was used to assess intercultural awareness in a group of 39 students. In addition,... [...] Read more
Obstacles to Innovative Interaction: Communication Management in Culturally Diverse Organizations
Abstract: Cultural diversity has often been described as yielding competitive advantages like, for example, innovation resulting from the combination of different cultural perspectives. However, there are also substantial organizational problems related to managing cultural diversity, which need to be overcome in order for diversity to be a useful asset. Based on an empirical study of Danish multicultural companies, this article argues that the... [...] Read more
Introducing non-verbal communication to Japanese university students
Abstract: Non-verbal communication is an important aspect to teach Japanese English language students if they are to communicate effectively in English. The purpose of this research is to determine which aspects of non-verbal communication would be important to teach Japanese university students studying English. Literature regarding Japanese use of non-verbal communication is described and used as a basis to determine aspects of non-verbal which would... [...] Read more
Nonverbal Affiliative Phenomena in Mandarin Chinese Conversation
Abstract: Based on naturally occurring audio-video data collected from university campus settings, this study has identified four nonverbal actions ¾ zhùshì "gaze", diantóu "head nods", wexiao "gentle smile" and shouchù " hand touch" employed by Mandarin Chinese speakers in their interpersonal communication. Detailed data analysis and discussion reveal how Mandarin Chinese speakers manage their affiliation and attachment nonverbally with the... [...] Read more