Developing a Theoretical Framework to Measure Cross-Cultural Discourse and Cultural Adaptation

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical concept of cross cultural discursive competence (CCDC). As an initial step, it reviews and critiques a series of in the relevant areas of intercultural communication, genre analysis and contrastive rhetoric and points out that it is imperative to explore what CCDC is composed of. In addition, we also need to strengthen cross-cultural genre study in the light of the sociocognitive perspective (Berger & Luckmann, 1966; 1995; Berkenkotter & Huckins, 1995; Paltridge, 1997; Swales, 1990). Based on the relevant theoretical dimensions reviewed, this paper develops a model to measure CCDC embracing a range of concepts including genre prototype and cultural semantics followed by specific research methodologies for the implementation of the research model.