Communication Between Cultures (Wadsworth Series in Communication Studies) [Paperback]

Larry A. Samovar (Author), Richard E. Porter (Author), Edwin R. McDaniel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495007277 | ISBN-13: 978-0495007272 | Publication Date: March 6, 2006 | Edition: 6

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CULTURES continues with the features that have made it the best-selling text for the intercultural communication course. The new edition of this leading gives students an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and helps them develop practical skills for improving their communication with people from other cultures. It's renowned for being the only text on the market to consistently emphasize religion and history as key variables in intercultural communication. Packed with the latest research and filled with numerous, compelling examples that force students to examine their own assumptions and cultural biases, this book helps students understand the subtle and profound ways culture affects communication. The book is divided into four interrelated parts: Part I introduces the study of communication and culture; Part II focuses on the ability of culture to shape and modify our view of reality; Part III puts the theory of intercultural communication into practice; and Part IV converts knowledge into action.

Product Details

• Paperback: 415 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (March 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495007277
• ISBN-13: 978-0495007272
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book on cultures, values and how we communicate, October 7, 2007

By 

Doris (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Communication Between Cultures (Wadsworth Series in Communication Studies) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book that begins with what culture is and how deeply ingrained cultural values are in us all. You will learn the different factors involved in the inculturation process and how the way we perceive and communicate in the world is shaped by the values we hold important. The book has plenty of examples of values many cultures consider important and how this effects their communication. I really enjoyed reading this book. If you communicate, you should read this book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia instead of coherent book, January 6, 2009

By 

R. Dai - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Communication Between Cultures (Wadsworth Series in Communication Studies) (Paperback)

Way too long and wordy for the amount of wisdom it contains.

The Good?
If you don't know anything about culture, then this is useful, even then, you might be just fine reading the summary of each chapter instead of reading the whole thing.

The Bad:
1. WAY TOO MANY REFERENCES! While I appreciate the authors' integrity to cite their sources and the fact that they are obviously well read (too well), they cite about 170-200+ sources PER chapter, this makes very difficult reading as you trying to switch between different writing styles and emphasis of the sources. Synthesize more and quoted less, the book would be twice as good with half the length.

2. Too much fluff:
Ex. Page 72, "The importance of worldview to the study of intercultural communication cannot be overstated." How about just say, "Worldview is essential to Intercultural communication." Cannot be overstated? The authors surely try, with 6 quotations. These kind of vague, uninsightful statements abound in this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 27, 2012

By 

Debra Ann Elliott - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Communication Between Cultures (Wadsworth Series in Communication Studies) (Paperback)

The book arrived in excellent condition. I ordered the book and now I'm not going to the particular school I needed it for, so I will donate it back to a thrift store.