Intersections of Intergroup Communication Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this prologue to a special issue on intergroup communication, we highlight areas of intersection across its field. To start, we provide a brief history of the field, simultaneously highlighting 6 central principles guiding the work in this area. We then review 4 key themes—areas of intersection uniting the contributions in this special issue: (a) a sustained interest in canonical intergroup theories and topics; (b) the notion that there are various conceptualizations of intergroup communication, both linguistic and nonlinguistic; (c) scholars’ strong interest in intercultural communication processes; and (d) the cross-disciplinary nature of intergroup communication scholarship. Thereafter, we present a 2-path model of inter- and intragroup communication that integrates interpersonal, media, and intergroup communication and overviews other contributions to this special issue.