https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1230-7758
ABSTRACT
In the ever-evolving realm of intercultural communication studies, I extend a warm welcome to you for the latest volumes of the Journal of Intercultural Communication Research (JICR). This discipline, dedicated to unravelling the intricate dynamics of cross- and intercultural interactions, stands at the forefront of a world undergoing rapid transformation. In this dynamic era, individuals from diverse cultures are connecting, communicating, and collaborating in innovative ways that are fundamentally reshaping human interaction. Over the next two years, as the editor of JICR, I am committed to addressing pivotal issues that will shape the future of intercultural communication research. I aim to concentrate on several critical areas to promote scholarship and dialogue that resonates with the ever-changing global landscape.
1. Culture in a Global World
In our rapidly changing world marked by increased global connectivity and cultural diversity, it’s imperative to expand our perspective beyond traditional national cultures. The evolving concept of culture calls for an exploration of intercultural communication in various contexts, from cultural minorities and stateless nations to international organizations, digital communities, and virtual environments. This expanded viewpoint enables a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals from diverse backgrounds interact and communicate, transcending the limitations of traditional nation-based definitions.
The Journal’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by its embrace of studies examining diverse contexts. This reflects a broader, more dynamic, and comprehensive conception of culture. I define culture as the shared behavioural, cognitive, or emotional responses exhibited by a collective in response to their environmental stimuli. This definition is underpinned by an evolutionary perspective on culture, which acknowledges culture’s role as an adaptive mechanism. It enables not only the survival but also the continuous adaptation of a community or group of people in response to the ever-changing conditions and challenges of their environment. Just as species adapt and change over time to enhance their prospects of thriving in a particular ecological niche, culture similarly evolves to better suit the unique needs and circumstances of a specific group or society, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance within an ever-evolving world. This perspective highlights the dynamic nature of culture and its capacity to respond to shifting socio-environmental factors.
Thus, in light of the evolving nature of intercultural communication as a dynamic and continually changing field, JICR is committed to serving as an exemplar for research both in describing culture and illuminating its evolution across diverse global contexts. The journal aims to scrutinize and explore localized and global trends in cultural transformation.
2. The Digital Revolution and Intercultural Communication
The global landscape has been profoundly reshaped by digital technologies, fundamentally altering the way we connect, communicate, and cooperate. The rapid and widespread integration of AI-powered communication tools and online platforms into our daily lives opens up exciting new avenues for exploring intercultural interactions. The growing influence of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) in facilitating multilingual and cross-cultural conversations cannot be underestimated. These technologies are driving transformative changes in how individuals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds interact, transcending barriers and facilitating a more seamless exchange of ideas and perspectives. This means that the role of generative AI in shaping the future of intercultural communication is paramount, and its impact on this field cannot be overstated. In this fast-evolving arena, our discipline has a unique opportunity to make substantial contributions to understanding the intricate dynamics of intercultural communication in an increasingly digitized world.
At JICR, we recognize the significance of this paradigm shift and wholeheartedly welcome publications that delve into this topic. Research aimed at unravelling the multifaceted implications of AI and LLMs in enhancing intercultural communication is crucial for staying at the forefront of our discipline and understanding the dynamics of our rapidly changing world. I encourage scholars to explore the innovative ways in which AI and LLMs are influencing the interactions between individuals from diverse cultures and languages and to share their insights in our journal.
3. Precision in Research Methodology
As we navigate this dynamic landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that the precision of our research methods is of paramount importance. Our scholarship should consistently demonstrate rigour and innovation, mirroring the intricate nature of intercultural communication in our ever-evolving world.
Whether we employ quantitative or qualitative approaches, the meticulous selection and execution of research methods are crucial. They are the keys to unlocking deeper insights into the intricacies of intercultural communication. The evolving nature of our field necessitates a careful, detailed examination of these methods to ensure that our studies offer a finely-tuned understanding of this multifaceted discipline. This entails heightened attention to the validation of measurement tools, collected data, and the derived study findings, whether we are working within the quantitative, qualitative or critical research paradigm.
In this context, we must emphasize the pivotal role of replication and meta-analysis studies, or the “study of studies.” It is heartening to note that within the realm of communication studies, there is a growing call for direct or statistical replication studies (Hunter, Citation2001; McEwan et al., Citation2018). These studies extend beyond merely validating existing findings; they offer an opportunity to revisit, reassess, and recalibrate previously established concepts and theories. By conducting replication and meta analysis studies, we can provide updated and nuanced perspectives that reflect the dynamic nature of intercultural communication in our contemporary society. Embracing the value of such studies is a testament to our commitment to continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence in our field.
In conclusion, in line with these goals, we at JICR welcome contributions from scholars who are not only committed to academic rigour but are also eager to explore the dynamic interplay of culture and communication in innovative ways. The upcoming volumes of JICR promise to be a testament to our commitment to understanding, celebrating, and enriching intercultural communication in an ever-changing world. We invite scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to join us in this exciting exploration of cultures, communication, and connectivity.
Acknowledgments
Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the previous editor, Dr. Jason Wrench, for his dedicated service and to the Board of Directors of the World Communication Association (WCA) for entrusting me with the editorial role. I would also like to express my appreciation to the editorial and production team at JICR and Taylor and Francis. Their support and guidance have been invaluable in preparing for this role, and I am eager to embark on this journey of academic exploration.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
References
- Hunter, J. E. (2001). The desperate need for replications. Journal of Consumer Research, 28(1), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1086/321953
- McEwan, B., Carpenter, C. J., & Westerman, D. (2018). On replication in communication science. Communication Studies, 69(3), 235–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2018.1464938