Intercultural Rhetoric and LSP

Intercultural rhetoric (IR) can be defined as “the study of written discourse between and among individuals with different cultural backgrounds” (Connor, 2011, p. 1). This broad definition has led to the development of different methods and approaches to writing in intercultural contexts. The overarching goal is to analyze how texts are crafted, studying the interplay between linguistic and cultural elements in shaping written communication. The more specific aim is often, but not exclusively, to explore the multifaceted impact of one’s first language, cultural background, and educational experiences on the process of writing. This broad perspective not only acknowledges the richness of linguistic diversity but also underscores the significant role that cultures play in influencing the rhetorical choicesmade bywriters. IR explores how writers negotiate these influences, producing texts that reflect both individual identity and the collective ethos of their cultural background. The inquiry is not limited to linguistic considerations, but extends to the broader sociocultural and educational contexts, recognizing the interconnected nature of these elements in shaping written discourse. IR investigates how information is organized in different languages and cultures and how this can be used to shape pedagogic materials based on the preferred expectations of different cultures, thus making informed pedagogic choices that may suit diverse cultural backgrounds (Connor, 2011). The focus of IR has also expanded to intercultural writing per se, to “the complex intercultural driving forces of multilingual writers that shape their academic texts” (Connor, 2018, p. 300). It thus provides an institutional space where non-native speakers’ knowledge is “valued and seen as an asset” (Li, 2008), thus contributing to the establishment of second-language writing as a legitimate field of study in its own terms. In the sections to follow, after a few preliminary definitions, we will investigate the origins and development of intercultural rhetoric, as well as the specific methodologies employed within the field, shedding light on how these approaches enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between language and culture in written communication.