De-Westernizing Communication Research: What is the Next Step? Background and Purpose

Background

This is the time for decentralization, de-Westernization, differentiation and pluralist thinking, and the number of published works in communication by non-Western researchers has been growing at exponential rates. Hidden behind the proliferation of research publications in the non-Western world, however, are several important issues that need to be discussed: is communication research in the non-Western world to continue to keep steps with the West, or ‘claim autonomy’ and ‘embark on a different path’? If a different path is preferred and research is to be culturally contextualized, will we then see the end of universal theories? Will intellectual dialogue still be necessary? If yes how can it be established?

Purpose

It is the purpose of this conference to bring out the issues involved in moving towards a cultural-centric approach to communication studies and examine them in light of ontological, epistemological, and methodological considerations.

It is hoped that by a thorough discussion of these critical issues the significance and implications of the current movement can be fully grasped.