This easy-to-read volume covers a wide range of material including a historical framework to view the development of current topics; an integration of media as a variable in the advancement of issues and ideas; and illustrative material, such as vignettes, quotes, cases, and stories to keep the student's attention and provoke thought while challenging existing viewpoints. It walks the student through the key concepts of communication and culture with chapters on barriers to intercultural communication; dimensions of culture; multiculturalism; women, family, and children; and culture's influence on perception. New to the Fifth Edition: Focus on Theory boxes that ground the practical material in communication and social theory Each Part includes a Photo Essay that illustrates the main concepts of that section Updated information, including more internationally focused material and material on gender issues, gives the book timely appeal to professors and students