Explaining Communication

Offering a direct sightline into communication theory, Explaining Communication provides in-depth discussions of communication theories by some of the foremost scholars working in communication today. With contributions from the original theorists and scholars known for their work in specific theoretical perspectives, this distinctive text breaks new ground in giving these scholars the opportunity to address students firsthand, speaking directly to the coming generations of communication scholars. Covering a wide range of interpersonal communication theories, the scope of this exceptional volume includes:*the nature of theory and fundamental concepts in interpersonal communication;*theories accounting for individual differences in message production; explanations of human communication from dyadic, relational, and/or cultural levels; and*a history of communication theory. Chapter authors offer their own views of the core ideas and findings of specific theoretical perspectives, discussing the phenomena those perspectives are best positioned to explain, how the theories fit into the field, and where future research efforts are best placed. While by no means comprehensive, Explaining Communication includes those theories that rank among those most often used in today's work, that have generated a substantial body of knowledge over time, and that have not been articulated in detail in other publications. With detailed explorations and first-hand discussions of major communication theories, this volume is essential for students in communication studies, interpersonal communication, and advanced theory courses, as well as for scholars needing a thorough reference to some of the most salient theories in communication today.

Bryan B. Whaley, Wendy Samter

Contents: Preface. S.W. Littlejohn, The Nature and Evaluation of Theory. K. Tracy, Discourse and Identity: Language or Talk? W.A. Afifi, Nonverbal Communication. C. Pavitt, Impression Formation. S.R. Wilson, Communication Theory and the Concept of "Goal". B.R. Burleson, Constructivism: A General Theory of Communication Skill. A. Rancer, A.M. Nicotera, Aggressiveness Communication. C.R. Berger, Plans, Planning, and Communication Effectiveness. J.O. Greene, Formulating and Producing Verbal and Nonverbal Messages: An Action Assembly Theory. A.S. Babrow, Problematic Integration Theory. D.E. Brashers, A Theory of Communication and Uncertainty Management. D. Goldsmith, Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory. M. Cody, D. Dunn, Accounts. M.C. Morr, S. Petronio, Communication Privacy Management Theory. L. Baxter, D.O. Braithwaite, Social Dialectics: The Contradictions of Relating. H. Giles, T. Ogay, Communication Accommodation Theory. J. Courtright, Relational Communication: As Viewed from the Pragmatic Perspective. W.A. Beach, Conversational Interaction: Understanding How Family Members Talk Through Cancer. F.H. van Eemeren, Pragma-Dialectical Theory of Argumentation. S.L. Faulkner, M.L. Hecht, Tides in the Ocean: A Layered Approach to Communication and Culture. J. Bryant, D. Miron, Historical Contexts and Trends in Development of Communication Theory.