本书以传统的篇章结构为纲,以“案例”解读为引导,兼顾理论系统、日常需要与教学活动的生动有趣,以利培养学习者的跨文化交际能力,以及独立思考和批判性思维的能力。
本书的读者对象为英语专业本、专科学生,非英语专业已达到大学英语四级的本科生及研究生,以及相同程度的其他英语学习者和使用者。对涉外工作者亦有重要参考价值。

Chapter One Communication and Culture
Ⅰ Basics of Communication
Communication: broad types and essential elements
Communication: definition and components
Communication: characteristics
Ⅱ Understanding Culture
Culture: too familiar to be noticed
Culture: definition
Culture: elements
Culture: characteristics
Ⅲ Communication and Culture
Communication: culture bound
Communication: high-context and low-context
Chapter Two Intercultural Communication
Ⅰ Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication: definition and levels
Intercultural communication: importance and difficulties
Ⅱ Overview
Chapter Three The Hidden Core of Culture
Ⅰ Understanding the Core of Culture
Ⅱ Recognizing Key Elements in the Core of Culture
The Axial Age and the different cultural spirits
Worldviews
Holistic vs. dualistic worldviews
Values: definition
Values: types
Values: characteristics
Ⅲ Instruments Comparing Cultural Values
Kluchhohn’s value orientations
Hofstede’s value dimensions
Ⅳ Study of Specific Cultural Values
Chapter Four Verbal Communication
Ⅰ Understanding Language
Ⅱ Language and Culture Language and thought Culture and word meanings
Ⅲ Styles of Discourse
Ⅳ Discourse Patterns and Thought Patterns
Chapter Five Nonverbal Communication
Ⅰ Understanding Nonverbal Communication
Definition
Importance
Functions
Ⅱ Nonverbal Communication and Culture
Ⅲ Elements of Nonverbal Communication Body language Paralanguage Environmental language
Chapter Six Interpersonal Relationships
……
Chapter Seven Social Interaction Customs
Chapter Eight Improving Intercultural Competence
Appendix Ⅰ Book List for Students
Appendix Ⅱ Relevant Websites
References

本书旨在帮助英语学习者确立文化意识和跨文化意识,提高跨文化交际能力。它以传统的篇章结构为纲,内容的处理以“案例分析”法为主,兼顾理论系统、实际需要与学习的生动有趣,以利于培养学生的独立思考和批判性思维能力。
本书主要由引言和八个章节构成。内容主要涉及世界观和价值观、语言交际、非言语交际、不同文化中的人际关系、汉英文化中部分社交习俗的异同、文化对教育的影响、如何确立文化及跨文化意识等方面。