Articles
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The challenge of bilingualism in a multilingual society: The Bolivian Case
Abstract: Bolivia is a multilingual society recognising as many as 36 different ethnic groups with more or less different languages. The attitude towards bilingualism is based on experiences acquired over centuries through a history characterized by a minority ruling the majority. As in the other Latin American countries the ruling elite of Spanish descent has systematically neglected the culture and languages of the indigenous peoples. The Educational... [...] Read more
Towards a Scientific Model of Culture Shock and Intercultural Communication
Abstract: This article seeks to make an original contribution to the study of intercultural communication by examining the ‘culture shock’ model by means of scientific theories of behaviour. It will argue that although culture chock is built on both cultural determinist and cultural relativist foundations, it is broadly empirically accurate. However, it needs to be rendered consilient. Applying Genetic Similarity Theory to it renders it consilient and,... [...] Read more
It’s like a Mexican Bingo
Abstract: Much of Intercultural Communication (ICC) scholarship is interested in the "intercultural encounter": interaction between people who are from different cultures. Taking culture to be emergent in social interaction, in this paper we examine group interviews about health and diabetes which were conducted in the Southwestern U.S. with Hispanic adults. Using discourse analytic methods, we show how culture emerges in these group interviews,... [...] Read more
A song of identity: Yoik as example of the importance of symbolic cultural expression in intercultural communication/health care
Abstract: Yoik is the old Sami form of music/singing produced according to old conventions and used in various communication contexts. A yoik referring to a particular person, a so-called person-yoik, constitutes a musical expression of that person and may be a more powerful symbol of identity and connectedness than a person’s name and may awaken memories otherwise forgotten in patients with dementia. This paper is based on a qualitative interview... [...] Read more
Academic Hyper-mobility and Cosmopolitan Dispositions
Abstract: Academic hyper-mobility provides a chance for exploring intensified intercultural communication encounters and the ever growing spirit of cosmopolitanism. This article hypothesises that in the modern conditions of academic hyper-mobility, cultural patterns play a significant part in framing the processes of communication. The purpose of this research is to examine the role of two differing cultural patterns – collectivism and individualism -... [...] Read more
Science Education and Culture: Inquiry-Based Learning
Abstract: At a time when inquiry-based science education is finding increased acceptance, US classrooms are exhibiting a significant increase in diversity. This necessitates attention to the compatibility between the culture of inquiry teaching and the broad range of cultures that form students’ backgrounds. Although some research has considered students’ cultural backgrounds and the roles these might play in the effectiveness of an inquiry approach,... [...] Read more
How do Iranians and U.S. Citizens Perceive Each Other: A systematic Review
Abstract: Whenever we turn our TV news channel on, we are likely to hear about an Iran-U.S. conflict. Images of the leaders of these two countries intimidating each other can be seen in news channels all over the world. When we are talking about Iran-U.S. international relations, most people think of the political relations which this study takes as intergovernmental rather than international relations. In this study, as we are Iranian and U.S.... [...] Read more