Book Review 435

remaining three chapters, Starosta posits one possible Burkean rhetorical approach and Sarett reviews many of the issues involved in observational research in intercultural communication. The last chapter by Starosta on intercultural rhetoric seems less an explanation of rhetorical methodology than a treatise on the nature and effects of rhetorical forms in intercultural communication.

Besides the unevenness of the quality of the articles as noted above, the only other shortcoming of the volume is an inconsistency in the theme and level of analysis regarding particular research methods. For example, one chapter focuses on the philosophical bases of the methodology (e.g., Woelfel and Napoli), while another presents a specific instance of a study using a particular methodology (e.g., Wolfson and Norden). To facilitate the comparison and contrast of various methodologies, the chapters should have a consistent level of inquiry and, if possible, a similar organizational scheme (e.g., theoretical bases, epistemological assumptions, characteristic research methods, and typical research applications.) Because this is an edited volume, however, it is very difficult to obtain such consistency.

These shortcomings do not undermine my belief that this is an extremely valuable resource for anyone interested in intercultural communication. For those wanting to do research in this field, this volume is a mandatory reading.

Richard L. Wiseman California State University

Fullerton, California

CROSSINGCULTURES:READINGSFORCOMPOSITION Henry Knepler and Myrna Knepler

New York: Macmillan, 1983, 429 pp., $11.95 (Paper)

Recent improvements in communication technology and transportation have created a need for people to view their world more as a global village. This has made it essential to strive for an awareness of common worldwide problems. Americans have found themselves lacking in an understanding of differences across cultures when they have attempted to promote peace and encourage development in other sections of the world. Our experiences in Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon are examples of how important it is to understand differences in cultural background, meanings and values.

Crossing Cultures is a collection of readings which focuses on life in different cultures. These readings present examples of situations which highlight the ideas and beliefs of people from different cultures and show

436 Book Review.3

some of the sources of frustrations and misunderstandings which result from the lack of awareness of the culture of others. The ten parts of Crossing Cultures make separate and unique contributions to an awareness of the importance of understanding the backgrounds, experiences and circum- stances which play a part in the lives of different cultural groups.

Part one explores the childhood experiences of children whose daily lives mirrored the tradition passed along by their parents and highlighted the conflict between the cultures of the home, and the neighborhood. The parents’ roles are brought into clearer focus as they try to prepare their children for adulthood.

Part two discusses the effect one’s heritage has in growing to adulthood. Some people develop a considerable amount of pride through observing traditions and rituals whereas others tend to be embarrassed because various aspects of their heritage are quite different from mainstream America. The symbolic nature of foods and their importance in providing a vehicle for family cohesion is alluded to in the discussion.

The structure and diversity of family configurations is the focal point of part three. The problems inherent in trying to form and nurture a family are brought out and discussed.

Part four is perhaps the most revealing of the sections in that it discusses stereotyping, discrimination, hatred and the distrust that results from ignorance, assumptions and the drawing of conclusions based on little or no actual information. These areas are major sources of misinterpretations, misunderstandings and cross cultural conflicts.

Parts five, six and seven discuss the various ways that individuals have attempted to leave or escape one culture and become a part of another. Travel, immigration and upward mobility are pointed to as means to effecting long-lasting changes in one’s life. The adjustment problems faced in a new culture, the impact of changing roles and classes and the frustrations faced during efforts to conform to mainstream America are some of the obstacles that are encountered by persons from other cultures or subcultures.

Part eight discusses the American commitment to rapid change and what is perceived to be progress by Americans. However, we must consider the fact that some cultures are so committed to tradition and so resistant to change that they may not consider change as desirable. The American attempt to help the Shah of Iran modernize Iran is a good example.

Part nine attempts to define culture by looking at the wide range of experiences human beings have and the diversity of meanings which are attached to these experiences. One of the readings in this section focuses specifically on customs and their role in defining culture. Another compares Eskimo life to ours and shows how much contrast exists.

Part ten discusses the importance of nonverbal communication, non- standard English, and the meanings attached to communication behavior. The reader is led to an understanding of the importance of all forms of

communication and an awareness of the misinterpretations which may result without special attention to these various aspects of communication.

The strengths of Crossing Cultures are in the breadth of areas covered that relate to the study of cultures and their diversity. Also the manner of presentation through relating various experiences is an effective way to approach the topics being discussed, The organization of the book by topics is more appeahng than the optional organization by types of selections. However, it is good to provide for different uses this way.

The major weakness that was noted was the amount of attention given to the immigrant and adjustment problems of persons changing cultures. The point here could have been made without consuming three chapters (six, seven, and eight). This does not in any way minimize the importance of the area but simply points out what seems to be an imbalance.

This book is really two books in one in that it offers two suggested ways of

organizing the materials for use by the consumer. This sets it apart from most other texts in terms of organization and purpose, and facilitates its use.

1 find that the use of an array of real life situations to form the basis for discussion of the diverse ways in which people live is a sound approach to the development of cross cultural understandings. The authors were able to provide examples of encounters which explored the origins of cultural diver- sity and some of the misunderstandings and misinterpretations which result from inadequate knowledge of the diversity which exists among cultures.

Crossing Cultures is a book which would have a high level of reader interest among college students and secondary school students who are studying about various cultures and how cultures interact. 1 am sure that this book will be widely used in schools and colleges which have decided to place an emphasis on cross cultural studies as a means of promoting intercultural understanding.

Charles Alien The University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

CROSS-CULTURAL REENTRY: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Clyde N. Austin

Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press, 1983, 128 pp., $15.20 (Paper)

The most distinguishing feature about this book is its unique topic. Many of us in the international/intercultural field have a file folder marked REENTRY, but there has been no comprehensive bibliography available until now.