The Intercultural Mind - by Joseph Shaules (Paperback)

About the Book

"Exciting new research in neuroscience and cognition is revolutionizing our understanding of human behavior and the mind. The Intercultural Mind is a pioneering look at the new world of cultural neuroscience and how intercultural experiences can change the way we think.It is well known that traveling to a foreign land can teach us as much about ourselves as the culture we're visiting, but we don't really know why this is the case. The Intercultural Mind, with the clarity of thought and intensity of purpose only a rare expert can bring to this subject, tries to find out.Mixing the latest studies of the new science of the mind with the stories of travelers, students, and expatriates, Joseph Shaules explains in straightforward yet passionate language the cultural programming of our unconscious "intuitive mind" and sheds light on the hidden pitfalls of culture shock, bias, ethnocentrism, and cross-cultural misunderstanding. Every traveler, every sojourner, will find the insights in this book to be invaluable.Joseph Shaules, PhD, has been an intercultural trainer and educator for more than twenty-five years and has written several books on intercultural topics. He was a founding member and is a director of the Japan Intercultural Institute and is on the faculty of Keio University in Tokyo"--

Book Synopsis

"A fascinating and important book about understanding cross-culturalism. Lively, well-written, incisive, and fun to read." - Robert Whiting, Pulitzer Prize nominee and bestselling author of Tokyo Underworld

In this pioneering book, Joseph Shaules presents exciting new research from cultural psychology and neuroscience. It sheds light on the hidden influence of culture on the unconscious mind, and helps people get more out of their intercultural journeys.

The Intercultural Mind presents new perspectives on important questions such as: What is culture shock, and how does it affect us? Why are we blind to our own cultural conditioning? Can cultural differences be measured? What does it mean to have an international mindset?

Illustrated with a wealth of examples and memorable stories, The Intercultural Mind is a fascinating look at how intercultural experiences can transform the geography of our minds.

Review Quotes

The Intercultural Mind provides an accessible and intelligent introduction to the potential blend of cultural neuroscience and intercultural competence. This topic will surely be influential in the future of the field.--Janet Marie Bennett, Executive Director, Intercultural Communication Institute

A fascinating and important book about understanding cross-culturalism. Lively, well-written, incisive, and fun to read.--Robert Whiting, Pulitzer Prize, nominee and bestselling author of Tokyo Underworld

A much-needed exploration drawing on neuroscience, cultural psychology, and exciting reports from the field. Joseph Shaules goes beyond the excellence of his previous books.--Stefan Meister, Managing Director, Intercultures

It was about time that someone put it all together in understandable language! Besides the best and latest insights from research around human cognition and culture, Shaules book contains very useful examples that can form a basis for creating and facilitating learning activities. A milestone which will contribute toward the achievement of human peace in our multicultural world.--SIETAR Europa Journal

Shaules seamlessly compares and intertwines recent neuroscientific research with traditional perspectives and theories. A very readable presentation on how what we currently label cognition and culture interact.--Human Technology: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments

About the Author

Joseph Shaules, PhD, has worked in intercultural education in Japan, Mexico, and Europe for more than twenty-five years. He is the director of the Japan Intercultural Institute (JII) and teaches at the Rikkyo College of Business and the Keio University International Center. Shaules is a co-presenter on the NHK Television program "Nyuusu de Eikaiwa." He is also the Japan specialist for a consulting and training company based in Germany. He is the author of several books, including A Beginner's Guide to the Deep Culture Experience, also published by Intercultural Press. He lives in Tokyo.