ABSTRACT

One of the challenges we face in the twenty-first century has been how to communicate effectively, appropriately, and strategically with people from various international and co-cultural backgrounds in various contexts. In the last few decades, rhetorical studies, once considered to be the sole intellectual property of the West, has been expanded to include rhetorical conceptualizations and practices by non-Western cultures. There is no doubt that rhetorical studies are closely connected to intercultural and international communication. In fact, we live in a critical point of history where it is paramount to develop intercultural competency, rhetorical sensitivity, and empathy as we face the world that has become increasingly polarized. More specifically, there is a high demand to understand arguments and persuasive strategies rooted in various cultural values, histories, and power relations. In this chapter, I will (1) review studies that shed light on the relationship between rhetoric and intercultural communication; (2) discuss two cases of rhetorical theories and practices that show both similarities and differences resulting from cultural context and historical differences; and (3) propose a dialogical and constructive approach to bridging cultural and rhetorical gaps in order to live peacefully in a globalized, interconnected world.