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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Communication

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication

Year

2003

Author dc:creator

• Gleghorn, Allison R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kelly McNeilis

• Communication

Statement dc:rights

• © Allison R Gleghorn

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/678

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1679