Rethinking intercultural network communication as a resource in public intercultural health communication

Abstract

There have been few studies on intercultural network communication. This article explores how intercultural network communication can become a key element in a re-thinking of public intercultural health communication. The article gives a critical review on previous attempts to conceptualise intercultural network communication and suggests a qualitative practice theoretical approach as an alternative to the former quantitative analysis. Focusing on practices makes it possible to study what users actually do when they are networking. Based upon a study on Pakistani Danes' use of networks when discussing 'healthy food', the article presents three ideal types, pointing to different ways in which to discuss, managing and interacting in networks, which is relevant in a rethinking of public intercultural health communication.