The changing Chinese interpersonal world: Popular themes in interpersonal communication books in modern Taiwan

This study investigates changing patterns of interpersonal relationship and communication in contemporary Taiwanese society through analysis of popular books on interpersonal skills, translated from American and Japanese sources. Thematic analysis of selected popular books from nineteen series reveal three themes: (1) Taiwan's modernization poses challenges to interpersonal relating; (2) modern people need to promote and protect themselves; and (3) interpersonal skills can be learned through short‐term training. These books underscore an emphasis on self and attempts to equalize various relationships, as revealed in the modern cultural constructs of “self,” “relationship,” and “communication.” Implications of the transformation of patterns of relationship to Chinese cultural life and its future directions are discussed.

Key concepts:

• Chinese relationships
• communication training
• cultural change
• popular books