American Cultural Patterns A Cross-Cultural Perspective

9781877864018

1877864013

With a more globalized economy and a redefinition of the American in the overseas workplace, we have a growing need to address cross-cultural communication and determine how to bridge the inevitable gaps in understanding. American Cultural Patterns: A Cross-Cultural Perspective, originally published in 1972, is an indispensable classic that has been used extensively as a classroom textbook for its comprehensive, critical approach to American thought and behavior. In this revised edition, Edward C. Stewart and Milton J. Bennett combine their expertise to describe Americans' perception both of themselves and the world as well as their values, their common patterns of thinking and their verbal and nonverbal behaviors. By juxtaposing these traits against the cultures of both Western and non-Western countries, we get a comprehensive look at the possible pitfalls in communicating with Americans and guidelines on how to avoid misunderstanding. Insightful and practical, American Cultural Patterns is a must-have for any who wish to communicate effectively with their American counterparts. ContentsIntroduction1 Conceptualization of the Cross-Cultural Problem2 Cultural Patterns of Perception and Thinking3 Language and Nonverbal Behavior4 Form of Activity5 Form of Social Relations6 Perception of the World7 Perception of the Self8 Intercultural Communication ApplicationsBibliographyIndex