ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the history of intercultural communication, conceptualization of culture, and key concepts and theories in intercultural communication. The chapter reviews various disciplines that started and heavily shaped the field such as sociology, anthropology, linguistics, and naturalism. It then discusses the formal establishment of the field with the hallmark of Foreign Service Institute. The chapter then delves into a philosophical discussion of the origin of culture and full conceptualization. After introducing other similar terms with intercultural communication, the chapter summarizes and critiques the 13 most widely influential and tested intercultural communication theories. The chapter ends with a discussion on methodological issues and conclusion.
