Cultural politics in contemporary travel writing

Abstract

This study analyzes travel writing in terms of the relevant textual features contributing to intercultural communication representations in such stories. A textual analysis of the best-selling series The Best American Travel Writing 2001 was conducted. Findings suggest that "best" describes intercultural communication as mostly occurring when authors seek to expound upon their immediate needs and experiences. Moreover, this analysis suggests that representations rely on frequent comparisons between the host and American societies, as well as on patriarchal discourses where a normative masculinity is poised against a constructed femininity. The sociocultural significance and implications of the findings are discussed by situating travel stories within a wider discussion regarding American ideology. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.