ABSTRACT
The ability to comprehend nonverbal communication seems to be an important component of intercultural competence. Wen-Shu Lee has analyzed one of the most challenging forms of intercultural communication: conveying humor across cultures. A large volume of research has attempted to identify the characteristics of interculturally competent individuals. Some of the components have been used to determine the type of person to select for intercultural or international programs. Other components have been the focus of programs that train people to be more effective in intercultural interaction. However, tourists may be least likely of all sojourners have a meaningful intercultural interaction. The culture assimilator is one of the most popular methods of intercultural training. It uses a series of scenarios, or critical incidents, that involve some sort of culture clash or misunderstanding to prepare people for interacting effectively with culturally different others.
