This anthology of essays approaches human communication from the points of view of: anthropology, art biology, economics, encounter groups, semantics, general system theory, history, information theory, international behavior, journalism, linguistics, mass media, neurophysiology, nonverbal behavior, organizational behavior, philosophy, political…

Three major meanings of "empathy" are discussed with reference to the widespread imprecision in its use. It is suggested that undifferentiated use of the term in social work education is dangerous, particularly in view of the positive valence associated with being empathetic. (Author/BH)

Describes acculturation as the negotiation of linguistic, behavioral, and affiliation barriers. Reviews three models of second-language acquisition and highlights problems for the learner related to linguistic noise, comprehension lag, and communication apprehension. Considers ways English-as-a-Second-Language instructors can ease linguistic and…

Examined ability of Field-dependent/Field-independent high school students (N=56) to label correctly nonverbal stimuli of facial affect utilizing the Group Embedded Figures test and Pictures of Facial Affect. Treatment subjects identified and practiced facial expressions of emotions. When Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was controlled for, the…

A rating scale of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in employment interviews was developed and applied to simulated interviews involving former clients of a blind rehabilitation center. Personnel managers who rated the interviews perceived negative behaviors (e.g., rigid, motionless facial expression) as more important than positive behaviors (e.g.,…

Describes the use of role playing and creating videotapes as a technique for developing effective interpersonal communication skills in engineering students. Gives a procedure for instruction that includes integration of communication theory with the practical experience. Included in the appendices are several role-playing scenarios used in the…

Compares genders' style and quality in written communication. Finds no significant differences, and suggests any gender-specific markers might be limited to verbal and nonverbal communications. (MS)

Surveys definitions of sexual harassment and reviews previous research on sexual harassment in organizations, including academic institutions. Reports on a social exchange experiment in which the communication behavior of a superior and subordinate is used to examine the formation of judgments about sexual harassment. (PD)

In this paper we report an analysis of a teaching sequence in which Grade 11 students were asked to produce some graphs corresponding to the relationship between time and distance of a cylinder moving up and down an inclined plane. The students were also asked to carry out the experience using a TI 83+ graphic calculator equipped with a sensor,…

This paper explores behavior patterns that inhibit effective communication in everyday, educational, and business cross-cultural settings. Opportunities to change these inhibiting patterns, metaphorically referred to as "stumbling blocks," into building blocks or tools for successful intercultural understandings are discussed in the…

A study examined the gender and status (defined as traditional versus nontraditional student) differences on the Classroom Interaction Rules Survey (CIRS). The research questions asked if significant differences exist between males and females and traditional and nontraditional students in terms of compliance with and importance of implicit…

This paper presents suggestions for a 60-hour course in intercultural communication that develops cognition skills needed to understand life in foreign countries. The initial part of the course is intended to heighten the participant's awareness of his or her own "home-culture"; the latter part concentrates on assumptions, values, and…

A family therapy session was analyzed to understand how verbal and nonverbal behavior are related to the therapeutic process. (KW)

Examines the changes that occur from ages 5 to 11 in question/answer sequences of Dutch children. Function, content, form of questions, and listener response are analyzed. (EKN)

Examined the rates, contextual meanings, and attributional meanings of nonverbal behavior occurring during role-played conflict between dating couples. Eighty couples reported perceptions of their own behaviors and their partners' behaviors and were observed by trained raters. The nonverbal channel was used significantly more by females than by…