African American communication research: Toward a deeper understanding of interethnic communication

This paper attempts to review the existing literature on African American communication and evaluate its productivity at increasing more effective interethnic communication. Several limitations and problems of existing literature are discussed, as they contribute to the emergence of an “universal iconography” of African American communication. These include: a narrow methodological approach, the creation of overwhelming generalizations, and the polarization of stereotypical differences based solely on ethnicity. Additionally, several challenges for future research are presented. In order to advance our understanding of African American communication, future research must explore different methods and theories, be sensitive to the diversity within the African American community, assume an action sensitive approach, and continue to validate existing research.