Cultural identity, resistance, and “good theory”: Implications for intercultural communication theory from Gypsy culture

Abstract

A brief critique of intercultural communication theories clarifies ways in which the new paradigm of communication theory contrasts with the traditional paradigm, particularly regarding intercultural communication (ICC) theory. The analysis considers three aspects of ICC theory: the nature of identity, assumptions about the function of ICC, and the conceptualization of culture. It describes the history and culture of Gypsies, and presents a case of a Gypsy ICC encounter to provide new data for testing extant approaches to ICC theory. The Gypsy experience challenges the traditional assumptions of unitary, authentic, and stable identities in ICC encounters. It also calls into question the traditional paradigm view that individuals in ICC encounters aim to reduce uncertainty and achieve mutual accommodation. Gypsy ICC indicates further that theory should embrace the structuration of power relationships in culture and ICC encounters.