Mapping The Development Of Chinese Interpersonal Communication-Toward Conceptualizing Theoretical Framework

Interpersonal communication, one of the most important branches of intercultural communication and human communication, has always drawn the attention of scholars in various disciplines. In Chinese and East Asian cultures in general, interpersonal communication styles are quite different from those of mainstream western interpersonal communication models (often based on research from the United States). However, though there is a large body of literature covering studies on certain aspects of Chinese interpersonal communication, the number of systematic reviews and critiques of this important research area is quite limited. Constructing a comprehensive understanding of Chinese interpersonal communication is an arduous task, particularly when the related literature is scattered in many different disciplines. Yet it is urgently needed to conceptualize a map that will focus these studies, and could contribute to a more coherent understanding of Chinese interpersonal communication. Consequently, the purpose of this thesis is to initiate the process of mapping the conceptual structure of literature on Chinese interpersonal communication by reviewing the published mainstream works on Chinese indigenous interpersonal communication with the supplement of content analysis of two academic databases further demonstrating the map drawn from the above literature review.