Since I started the course in international communication, I’ve wondered, “what is international communication anyway?” I mean, really? I, of course, have had a good idea of what international communication means to me but is my interpretation accurate? I used to think of international communication as two or more people communicating from locations that cross physical, international boundaries (meaning in order to get to that person, you would travel across international borders). I’m not so sure that is an accurate conceptualization.
The McGraw Hill Online Learning Center defines international communication as “the process of interpreting and sharing meanings with individuals from different races” (http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072400773/student_view0/glossary.html). In which case, it may not cross physical boundaries at all—considering there are different races that have the same primary language. Wikianswers.com defines international communication as the “process of communication between two or more countries to settle down issues and matters” (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Definition_of_international_communication). This definition leads me to consider if defining international communication is contextual?
I wonder if it comes down to context and, maybe even personal opinion. International communication is a large concept and I’m not sure if there is an adequate definition to encompass it entirely. I cannot find any formal definitions in our books for this course: Designing Globally Networked Learning Environments and Culture, Communication and Cyberspace (please let me know if you can).