A Review of Empirical Studies on Intercultural Communication in China

Abstract

This study reviews empirical research papers on intercultural communication in China from 2012 to 2022 and provides insights and implications derived from these papers. Although the number of empirical studies has increased, most studies have a single analytical approach, less cross-cutting discussions, weak theoretical foundations, insufficient theoretical analyses, and a lack of comprehensive questionnaire content. This study recommends enriching the methodology of empirical research on intercultural communication, increasing longitudinal studies, emphasizing the development of intercultural communication competence or intercultural sensitivity scales for Chinese learners, and expanding empirical research on different ethnic groups and mother tongues in the context of intercultural communication in China. Finally, this study provides pedagogical insights.