ABSTRACT
Intercultural communication (ICC) studies about cultural affinities/differences between interacting individuals/groups of diverse nations do exist in South America, but on a reduced scale, and academically oriented both to undergraduate and graduate students. By 2015, some 400 South American schools of communication may be counted, as well as specific institutions directed to indigenous peoples for the study and practice of ICC. Intercultural communication becomes increasingly politicized. Its specific concerns get connected with environmental issues and violence. The term 'interculturality' started to be used in a series of interdisciplinary practices, especially by anthropologists and communicators, focused on promoting indigenous identities. The enhancement of dialogue and mutual understanding through bilingual intercultural education (BIE) was accompanied by health assistance and by recognition of their human and territorial rights. BIE is for sure a major issue of intellectual debate in those countries with sizable indigenous and comparatively isolated populations.
