Mutual empowerment in cross‐cultural participatory development and service learning: Lessons in communication and social justice from projects in El Salvador and Nicaragua

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Abstract

<p> Two cross&hyphen;cultural participatory development and service&hyphen;learning projects conducted in El Salvador and Nicaragua illustrate a model of mutual empowerment formed from the unification of the three related literatures on developmental communication, intercultural communication and cross&hyphen;cultural adaptation, and service learning. The essay presents an argument for and illustration of communication and social justice research and action that is grounded in long&hyphen;term, international participatory projects that empower community members, broaden sojourners&rsquo; minds and personal growth, and result in increased communication skills and &ldquo;education in citizenship&rdquo; that empowers participants in both the learning context and the broader socio&hyphen;political context. The essay includes an in&hyphen;depth description of the projects, an overview of the continuing assessment research, and a consideration of ongoing concerns about project design, communication research, and ethics.</p>
Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research
Volume26
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Disciplines

  • Communication
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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