Meanings in Madagascar: Cases of Intercultural Communication [Hardcover]

Oyvind Dahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0897896424 | ISBN-13: 978-0897896429

Most analyses of interpersonal communication ignore the relationship between communication and culture. When intercultural communication takes place, the interlocutors may have very different conceptions of what is being discussed, since meaning in any culture results from lifelong learning within that culture. Such concepts as worldviews, cultural beliefs, and decision-making processes are unique to each culture, and affect each culture's interpretation of the same discussion. In illustrating possible misunderstandings because of cultural differences, Dahl focuses on the Merina in the Highlands of Madagascar and the Western World. He suggests many ways in which the Malagasy's worldview and values are different from the Westerner's, and how these differences affect communication.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

OYVIND DAHL is Professor of Social Anthropology and Intercultural Communication in the School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger-Norway.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Bergin & Garvey (May 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897896424
• ISBN-13: 978-0897896429
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,328,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > History > Africa > Madagascar

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate and Insightful, June 3, 2011

By 

A. Stark - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meanings in Madagascar: Cases of Intercultural Communication (Hardcover)

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar I chanced upon this book in the Malagasy PC library. So rare was the book I was not allowed to remove it from our training center and had to read the book in three days. Like the other reviewer stated, I wish I had read this before going to Mada. Very accurate and balance commentary of Malagasy culture and history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for working in Madagascar, March 26, 2009

By 

J. McKniff (Sarasota, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meanings in Madagascar: Cases of Intercultural Communication (Hardcover)

I wish I had found this book before I started my 3 years of work in Madagascar rather than a year into my stay. It gives nuanced, informed and non judgemental insights into communications styles, and more, of Malagasy people in contrast to Europeans and North Americans. Respectful communications are essential in Madagascar. Would also be helpful for Malagasy working with expats to learn non Malagasy communication norms and to release what might have been perceived as rudeness or aggression was quite possibly an admired way of being respectfully direct to a peer in their culture and meant as a professional complement .