Dialectics in Intercultural Communication: a Study of Interactions Between Latinos and Anglos in Southwest Missouri

Date of Graduation

Fall 2003

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Kelly McNeilis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the intercultural interactions that are occurring between Latinos and Anglos in Southwest Missouri. This topic is significant because the Latino population is increasing dramatically across the United States and specifically in Southwest Missouri. Dialectical theory was applied to produce a deeper understanding of the complex nature of culture and communication. The qualitative method of public dialogue was used; three dialogues were conducted involving a total of 16 Latino participants. A constant comparative analysis of the participants' comments in the dialogues allowed for the emergence of eight themes: life in the Ozarks, growing Latino population, cultural sharing, privilege-disadvantage, differences-similarities, language issues, cultural-individual, and present/future-history/past. The results of this study provide support for the experience of dialectical tensions in intercultural interactions.

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Allison R Gleghorn

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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