Cross-Cultural Connections by Duane Elmer
IVP Academic 2002
Reviewed by David Korb

Many books are interesting and informative, but not very practical. In other words, the content is engaging, and may even prompt the reader to take notes in the margin, but when the last page is turned, the reader doesn’t exactly know what to do with all of the information he’s just read. That’s not the case with Duane Elmer’s Cross-Cultural Connections. The chapters are short, which helps the reader focus on one concept at a time, and each chapter concludes with discussion questions for application.

In the Preface Elmer states, “The purpose of this book is to help you become aware of the realities in making a cultural transition—in business, in short or long-term missions, as a bi-vocational person, or in whatever capacity you may find yourself.”

Elmer approaches this purpose by dividing his book into five sections: 1. Getting a Perspective; 2. Dealing with the New and Different; 3. Attitudes and Skills for Cultural Adjustment; 4. Cultural Differences that Confuse; and 5. Returning Home.

I personally found sections 3 and 4 most helpful. In section 3, Elmer discusses openness, acceptance, and trust, along with skills for cross-cultural effectiveness. In the section on trust, Elmer states, “Nothing significant happens between people unless there is a strong bond of trust.” He also discusses the priority of trust, what happens when trust is broken, and trust as it is culturally defined.

In section 4 Elmer explores cultural differences with regard to time and events; task and relationship; individualism and collectivism; categorical and holistic thinking; logic—straight and curved; achieved status and ascribed status; guilt and shame; and worship expressions—from low to high.

I highly recommend this book. Dr. Elmer helps us to carefully think through why we think and act the way we do, and why a person from another culture may think and act differently. This book is not just for a person preparing to serve as a missionary or participate in a short-term trip. I think it’s important for all of us to read, as it is our desire to understand and make connections with those of other cultures, regardless of where we encounter them—overseas or in our own neighborhood. Until we seek to understand and accept those who live right next door to us, we will not be able to be Christ to them. This book helps us take a step in that direction.