本书旨在帮助英语学习者确立文化意识和跨文化意识，提高跨文化交际能力。它以传统的篇章结构为纲，内容的处理以“案例分析”法为主，兼顾理论系统、实际需要与学习的生动有趣，以利于培养学生的独立思考和批判性思维能力。

本书主要由引言和八个章节构成。内容主要涉及世界观和价值观、语言交际、非言语交际、不同文化中的人际关系、汉英文化中部分社交习俗的异同、文化对教育的影响、如何确立文化及跨文化意识等方面。

本书以传统的篇章结构为纲，以“案例”解读为引导，兼顾理论系统、日常需要与教学活动的生动有趣，以利培养学习者的跨文化交际能力，以及独立思考和批判性思维的能力。

本书的读者对象为英语专业本、专科学生，非英语专业已达到大学英语四级的本科生及研究生，以及相同程度的其他英语学习者和使用者。对涉外工作者亦有重要参考价值。

Chapter One Communication and Culture

Ⅰ Basics of Communication　

Communication: broad types and essential elements　

Communication: definition and components　

Communication: characteristics

Ⅱ Understanding Culture　

Culture: too familiar to be noticed　

Culture: definition　

Culture: elements　

Culture: characteristics

Ⅲ Communication and Culture　

Communication: culture bound　

Communication: high-context and low-context

Chapter Two Intercultural Communication

Ⅰ Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication: definition and levels

Intercultural communication: importance and difficulties

Ⅱ Overview

Chapter Three The Hidden Core of Culture

Ⅰ Understanding the Core of Culture

Ⅱ 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

Ⅲ Instruments Comparing Cultural Values

Kluchhohn’s value orientations

Hofstede’s value dimensions

Ⅳ Study of Specific Cultural Values

Chapter Four Verbal Communication

Ⅰ Understanding Language

Ⅱ Language and Culture Language and thought Culture and word meanings

Ⅲ Styles of Discourse

Ⅳ Discourse Patterns and Thought Patterns

Chapter Five Nonverbal Communication

Ⅰ Understanding Nonverbal Communication

Definition

Importance

Functions

Ⅱ Nonverbal Communication and Culture

Ⅲ Elements of Nonverbal Communication Body language Paralanguage Environmental language

Chapter Six Interpersonal Relationships

……

Chapter Seven Social Interaction Customs

Chapter Eight Improving Intercultural Competence

Appendix Ⅰ Book List for Students

Appendix Ⅱ Relevant Websites

References