DeKay, Cynthia2012-05-302012-05-302012-05-30https://hdl.handle.net/11299/124136University of Minnesota master's thesis. Spring 2012. Degree: Master of Liberal Studies. Advisors: Will Dikel, Pary Pezechkian-Weinberg. 1 computer file (PDF)Communication through non-semantic and non-verbal means varies across cultures as much as vocabulary and grammar. Cultural misunderstanding has fueled conflict between the US and Iran in the recent past – conflict that was exacerbated by a political ideology that placed no importance on culture as a factor in international relations. At present, political relations between the US and Iran are hostile and there is talk of war. During such a critical period, effective communication between the two nations is essential. While both countries have excellent translators, language is only the beginning of cross-cultural communication. In this study I explore some of the most problematic differences in non-verbal and non-semantic communication between the US and Iran and propose action needed to overcome them.en-USIrannon-verbal communicationPersianInternational RelationsNegotiationFarsicross-cultural communicationmulticulturalThesis or Dissertation