The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of principals and Hispanic parents of English language learners about the school experience of their students. Through collecting stories (narrative) of their children's school experiences, I was able to determine that the key perceptions of principals and Hispanic parents focused on their…

This paper explores difficulties students may experience in giving opinions in class, drawing on data gleaned from the administration of questionnaires and interviews to Japanese and British students. The results show that the students from both groups regard highly of giving and exchanging opinions in class; however, there is a marked difference…

Though international teachers have been present in U.S. schools for decades, their recruitment for urban schools as a response to the supposed teacher shortage is a relatively new phenomenon with little research to support it. This study examines international teachers' recruitment and preparation for urban environments. Informed by classroom…

Objective: Knowledge of acculturative processes and their impact on immigrant families remains quite limited. Acculturative family distancing (AFD) is the distancing that occurs between immigrant parents and their children and is caused by breakdowns in communication and cultural value differences. It is a more proximal and problem-focused…

Higher institutions in the United Kingdom (UK) have responded enthusiastically to two prime ministers' "Initiatives for International Education" to promote Britain as a destination for overseas students and international fees from Chinese students now play an important role in the funding of the UK university sector. Yet it is not clear…

Examines the traditional Japanese model of university teaching and compares it with the traditional model found in American universities. After a comparative analysis of both approaches, he discusses and raises questions about the feasibility of developing a truly universal methodology, given deep cultural differences and expectations. Describes…

Description of a program designed to aid the Alaskan Native to develop the confidence and competence needed to interact on an equal basis with his non-Native peers. Paper presented for the Intercultural Communication Conference sponsored by the National Society for the Study of Communication at the Speech Association of America Convention, Los…

Discussion of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on a study that explored CMC in communication misunderstandings. Considers the lack of nonverbal cues, language and cultural barriers, and differences from face-to-face communication, and includes a copy of the questionnaire used in the study. (LRW)

After defining and describing communication from a cultural perspective, this paper then proposes two areas--shared meaning and shared identity--as being relevant in and rich for communication inquiry. The paper addresses these two areas by (1) specifying assumptions for a cultural perspective on communication, (2) defining culture as a…

Article suggests implications for the management of foreign and minority workers. (Author/MM)

Misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication often occur when we interact with people from different cultures. Therefore, it is essential for us to be sensitive to other cultures. This article analyses the prevailing problems in intercultural communication and gives suggestions to higher education institutions in the hope of improving…

The importance in Japan of group identity, the Japanese approach to decision making, and the way in which the Japanese avoid conflict and build consensus when making a decision are characteristics of Japanese interactions that are critical for Americans to understand in order to communicate successfully with the Japanese. Those who would be…

Understanding how laughter communicates helps to explain how individuals respond to laughter in intercultural situations. There are three manifestations of laughter: reflex responses to particular physical stimuli; automatic reactions to informative stimuli that can be intentionally controlled; and symbols encoded with semantic meanings…

Describes an international business communication course taught at Murray State University. Acquaints students with the challenges of international business communication, provides guidelines for successful cross-cultural business communication, and gives practice in solving international business problems through the use of the guidelines. (RAE)