Intercultural Communication and Identity

This Element explores the role of identity in intercultural encounters,theorizing it through social psychological,poststructuralist,and critical lenses. It demonstrates how inscriptions of identity such as race, ethnicity, nationality, and class can be used to critically examine the dynamics of situated intercultural encounters and understand how they index competing and colluding ideologies. It also highlights the diversity of identity performances in different intercultural contexts and discusses research methodologies employed to examine identity in intercultural communication.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 68 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element explores the profound impact of identity as a construct on the critical awareness of speakers' positioning in intercultural encounters. It delves into the intricate theories surrounding identity in relation to culture, encompassing social psychological, poststructuralist, and critical perspectives. It sheds light on the discursive construction and mediation of identity, challenging essentialist notions of language and culture. By examining the inscriptions of identity such as race, ethnicity, nationality, and class, this Element uncovers the dynamics of situated intercultural encounters and their potential to index competing and colluding ideologies. Through a global lens, it illuminates the diverse performances of identities in intercultural contexts and discusses the methodologies employed to study identity in intercultural communication. This Element serves as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of identity in intercultural relations and its implications for communication and social interaction.

Identity as a construct plays a crucial role in fostering a critical understanding of how speakers position themselves and are positioned by others in intercultural encounters. It has been theorized through various social psychological, poststructuralist, and critical lenses, highlighting the multifaceted nature of identity and its relationship to culture. Identity is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic and fluid construct that is shaped by a multitude of factors, including socialization, cultural norms, and personal experiences.

One of the central themes in identity research is the relationship between identity and culture. Scholars have explored how identity is discursively constructed and mediated, with cultural norms and ideologies playing a significant role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and others. Identity is not a monolithic entity but rather a complex interplay of multiple identities, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, and class, which can intersect and influence each other.

By examining identity research from different parts of the world, scholars have shed light on how identities are performed in diverse intercultural contexts. Identity performances are shaped by a combination of factors, including language, gestures, clothing, and rituals, which can vary across cultures. These performances can index competing and colluding ideologies, highlighting the complex dynamics of intercultural encounters.

To study identity in intercultural communication, researchers have employed a range of methodologies. These include ethnographic research, which involves immersing oneself in a particular culture to observe and document identity performances. Other methodologies include interviews, surveys, and focus groups, which allow researchers to gather data and insights from individuals about their identities and intercultural encounters.

In conclusion, identity as a construct enables a critical awareness of how speakers position themselves and are positioned by others in intercultural encounters. It has been theorized through various social psychological, poststructuralist, and critical lenses, highlighting the complex interplay between identity and culture. Identity performances are shaped by a combination of factors, including language, gestures, clothing, and rituals, and can index competing and colluding ideologies. By examining identity research from different parts of the world, scholars have gained valuable insights into how identities are performed in diverse intercultural contexts and the methodologies employed to study identity in intercultural communication.

ISBN-13: 9781009206730