Charles E. Osgood's continuing contributions to intercultural communication and far beyond

• Published in: International journal of intercultural relations 2012-11, Vol.36 (6), p.832-842
• Main Authors: Tzeng, Oliver C.S., Landis, Dan, Tzeng, Diana Y.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic Disciplines; Adolescent Development; Affective meanings; Charles Osgood; Communication; Communication Research; Communication Theory; Conflict resolutions; Consciousness; Cross cultural studies; Deaths; Illinois; Intercultural Communication; Intercultural training; Intimate relationships; Mediational theories; Osgood, Charles E; Psycholinguistics; Quantitative methodologies; Semantic differential; Semantics; University professors; World peace
• ISSN: 0147-1767; 1873-7552
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2012.08.011

In memory of Charles E. Osgood's continuing contributions to and pervasive influences in intercultural research and communication – both in contextual theories and application methodologies, this article will summarize his life-long efforts in six ways: First, the development of theoretical foundations in human behavioral and communication processes; Second, the development of semantic technique and its applications; Third, the massive cross-cultural measurements of affective meanings of human conceptions; Fourth, the psycholinguistics research in human verbal behaviors; Fifth, his efforts in inter-ethnic and inter-national conflict resolutions and peace: Sixth, his impact on the theories and methodologies in inter-cultural awareness and trainings. Finally, his continuing contributions far beyond the above six areas are documented in terms of the authors’ own long-time endeavors in scientific research in intra- and inter-cultural communications theories, analytic methodologies, and contemporary substantive social issues, ranging from conflicts, adult intimate relationships, to youth communications and developments. It can be ascertained that Osgood's contributions will continue in both social contexts and academic disciplines as evidenced by his life-long personal contacts in communications with international colleagues and his administrative leadership of the world renowned, interdisciplines-based Institute of Communications Research for over two decades at the University of Illinois.