Décalage

Abstract

Human behaviors are often categorized in studies on intercultural communication based on observations of values, beliefs, norms, worldviews, language, nation, race, ethnicity, gender, and how these variables influence relationships among different cultures. Communication practices of interethnic Africans living in the United States provide rich data to examine the intercultural relationships among these diverse ethnic groups. This study investigates the meanings interethnic Africans attribute to their differences. The research question guiding this inquiry was do individuals use themes to make sense of differences with other Africans, and if so, what are those themes? This research seeks to illuminate through dialogue Africans' own interpretations of differences they recognized in their relationships.