Chapter One Communication and Culture 1 Basics of Communication Communication: broad types and essential elements Communication: definition and components Communication : characteristics 2 Understanding Culture Culture: too familiar to be noticed Culture : definition Culture : elements Culture : characteristics 3 Communication and Culture Communication : culture bound Communication: high-context and low-context ~Chapter Two Intercultural Communication 1 Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication: definition and levels Intercultural communication: importance and difficulties 2 OverviewChapter Three The Hidden Core of Culture 1 Understanding the Core of Culture 2 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 3 Instruments Comparing Cultural Values Kluchhohn's value orientations Hofstede' s value dimensions 4 Study of Specific Cultural ValuesChapter Four Verbal Communication 1 Understanding Language 2 Language and Culture Language and thought Culture and word meanings 3 Styles of Discourse 4 Discourse Patterns and Thought PatternsChapter Five Nonverbal Communication 1 Understanding Nonverbal Communication Definition Importance Functions 2 Nonverbal Communication and Culture 3 Elements of Nonverbal Communication Body language ���� Chapter Six Interpersonal RelationshipsChapter Seven Social Interaction CustomsChapter Eight Improving Intercultural CompetenceAppendix 1 Book List for StudentsAppendix 2 Pelevant WebsitesReferences