Striking a unique balance between skills and theory, Intercultural Competence provides students with the background and confidence to succeed in today's multicultural environment. Blending both the practical and the theoretical, the concrete and the abstract, this textbook is both enjoyable to read and thoroughly researched. By clearly explaining different theories, and the significance of cultural patterns and having students practice what they learn via examples in the book, Intercultural Competence better prepares students to interact in intercultural relationships. The text also provides a discussion of important ethical and social issues relating to intercultural communication. The authors cover U.S. cultures as well as global cultural issues.