This innovative book contains studies of personal relationships from a variety of non-western cultures, and leaves behind the western biases that are typical of most research and theorizing done in this expanding area. Chapters focus on personal communication practices in countries including Iran, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and Korea. The editors cover the major theories that explain communication across cultures through both emic and etic approaches, by examining how members of a culture understand their own communication, and by comparing specific aspects of communication across cultures. They also suggest areas for future research.