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This paper aims to develop a theory of human communication based on the Chinese yin-yang philosophy. The dialectical interplay between yin and yang serves as the foundation for theory development. Based on yin-yang philosophy, human communication is conceptualized as an inter-determining process, in which interactants develop an interdependent and interpenetrative relationship through the constant exchange of symbols in a holistic network. Theoretical assumptions and axioms from the analysis are generated for potential empirical observation in future research. It is concluded that while a universal model may be used to describe the shared phenomenon of human communication, the yin-yang theory reflects potential differences in value systems and moral orientations toward communication between Chinese and Westerners. Hence, the yin-yang theory can be used to better understand Chinese behaviors from an emic perspective in future research, though a universal model may also be developed based on the yin-yang philosophy to examine human interaction as a whole. It is hoped the paper can contribute to the increasing literature on the study of yin-yang philosophy in social sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has become increasingly popular components of our everyday life in today's globalizing society. It provides a context where people across the world can communicate, exchange messages, share knowledge, and interact with each other regardless of the distance that separates them. Intercultural adaptation involves the process of promoting understanding through interaction to increase the level of fitness so that the demands of a new cultural environment can be met. Research shows that people tend to use social media to become more integrated into the host culture during their adaptation and to maintain connections to their home countries. This paper attempts to investigate the impact of using social media on the intercultural adaptation process. In-depth interviews of international students of a U.S. university are conducted. Based on the results of the analysis, directions for future studies in this line of research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to summarizing the content of the ten papers, this introduction paper focuses on the discussion of three issues that are related to the key concepts of Chinese communication examined in this special issue, namely, the trend of indigenous communication studies, harmony as the foundation of the paradigmatic assumptions of Chinese communication, and the pitfall of Chinese communication studies. In the conclusion, the author warns that when dealing with the localization of scholarship, scholars have to consider three directions for future research in this line of study, including culture changes over time, the potential problem of dichotomy, and the universalization of local concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to develop a model of communication based on the thought of I Ching. The dialectical and dialogical interaction between yin and yang serves as the foundation of the model development, which leads to the conceptualization of communication as an interdetermining process in which interactants develop a mutually dependent relationship through the exchange of symbols. The model stipulates five characteristics of human communication: holistic, hierarchical, interconnected, creative, and harmonious. In addition, the holistic and dynamic nature of communication is delineated based on the model from three perspectives: forces of human communication, forms of the movement of human communication, and the outcome of human communication. It is concluded that while a universal model can be used to describe the universal phenomenon of human communication, the I Ching model reflects potential differences of value or moral orientations toward communication between Chinese and Westerners. Hence, the model can be used to better understand Chinese behaviors from an emic perspective in the future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of communication adaptability and interaction involvement on one aspect of cross-cultural adjustment: culture shock. Culture shock refers to stressful feelings caused by social difficulties sojourners experience in the host culture. Results indicate that significant and positive relationships exist among communication adaptability, interaction involvement, and the sojourners' ability to cope with social difficulties caused by the host culture. Further testing was conducted to investigate which of the components of communication adaptability and interaction involvement best predicts the dimensions of social difficulties. Implications and directions for future research were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]