Crosstalk and Culture in Sino-American Communication [Paperback]

Linguistic examination of the cultural trappings of talk to explain Sino-American miscommunication.Chinese and Americans often unwittingly communicate at cross purposes because of the cultural trappings of talk. This book examines Chinese communicative strategies, with formal analysis of taped interchanges and in-depth interviews, to reveal speakers' distinctive ways of talking.Chinese and Americans often unwittingly communicate at cross purposes because of the cultural trappings of talk. This book examines Chinese communicative strategies, with formal analysis of taped interchanges and in-depth interviews, to reveal speakers' distinctive ways of talking.Chinese and Americans often unwittingly communicate at cross-purposes because they are misled by the cultural trappings of talk. This book aims to clarify their misunderstandings by tracing the development of Chinese communicative strategies from Confucius to the boardrooms and streets of Hong Kong. Its formal analysis of taped interchanges and in-depth interviews reveals Chinese speakers' distinctive ways of communicating and relating, thus highlighting the pitfalls of hidden assumptions underlying talk.Foreword by John J. Gumperz; Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. The Ps and cues of Chinese inscrutability; 2. Deceptive cause; 3. Missing links; 4. Backforwardly speaking; 5. Effacing talk; 6. Mistaking turns; 7. Parting words; References; Indexes. ...[the book] has much to offer our understanding of intercultural communication....Young speaks eloquently on the cultural trappings of talk. Her work is an insightful reference for those interested in cross-cultural East-West communication Quarterly Journal of Speech This admirable book illuminates many of the details of Chinese and American conversational styles and exposes them for what they are, distinct linguistic and cultural features to be recognized and respected . . . -Language ...a useful tool for anyone who is involved in relations with China and Chinese societlÓ%