Speech codes
1. Most of speech codes theory is concerned with cross-cultural rather than inter-
cultural communication. What is the difference? Which incidents described in the
chapter are examples of intercultural encounters?
2. Which three propositions of the theory suggest a scientiic approach to the
study of speech codes?
3. Many scholars still think of Philipsen’s work as the ethnography of communi-
cation. Why do you (or don’t you) think speech codes theory is a better name?
4. Philipsen says that the Nacirema way of talking is the prevailing speech code
in the United States. What research cited in this chapter supports his claim?
