ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the rationale for the Handbook, drawing attention to the increasing importance of language and intercultural communication studies in today’s increasingly globalised, interconnected world. Attention is drawn to the rise in populism, elevated fear of difference, and heightened anti-immigration sentiments in many parts of the world. Developments that have taken place in this field since the publication of the first edition (2012) are briefly summarised. Then, the aims, contents, and organisation of the Handbook are explained in detail, drawing attention to elements that are new to this edition. An overview of each of the five sections is presented, along with succinct summaries of each chapter. Finally, the conclusion emphasises the critical dimension of the Handbook and underscores the pressing need for scholars from different disciplines to work together to enrich both research and practice in intercultural communication and to advance world peace and harmony.
