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Exploring Transnational Intercultural Communication with Professor Elizabeth (“Ela”) Lozano

In the heart of Chicago, among the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, the work of School of Communication Professor Elizabeth (“Ela”) Lozano, Ph.D. on transnational intercultural communication stands as a beacon of understanding and connection. 

Through her journey, Lozano sheds light on the intricate dance between cultures, identities, and the unseen threads that tie them together. Her story, rooted in the vibrant landscapes of Colombia and woven through the academic halls of the United States, offers a profound look into the essence of identity and communication in a globalized world. 

Lozano’s work, deeply personal and academically rigorous, explores the nuances of navigating between two cultures, highlighting the richness and complexity of dual identities. 

"Everything I have done academically, teaching, research and service is grounded on what I call an ongoing journey between Colombia and the United States,” Lozano said, revealing how her experiences have been a crucible for her research and teaching. This journey, fraught with challenges and discoveries, has led her to question and redefine the very notions of identity and belonging, making her work not just an academic endeavor but a personal quest for understanding. 

Lozano’s insights into the transnationalization of intercultural communication challenge the conventional, often Western-centric, perspectives that have dominated the field.  

"The dominant perspective of intercultural communication in the United States assumes the United States as the center and everything else as a periphery," she said. 

By highlighting the multiplicity of centers and vantage points from which intercultural communication can be approached, Lozano’s work calls for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of global communication practices. This shift is not merely academic; it is a call to action, urging us to recognize the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. 

Moreover, Lozano’s exploration of telenovelas and political propaganda in shaping cultural and social narratives in Colombia offers a unique lens through which to view the power of media in identity formation and societal change. By analyzing how these narratives contribute to a national sense of being and influence perceptions of good and evil, Lozano’s work underscores the transformative potential of storytelling. This aspect of her research not only deepens our understanding of cultural dynamics in Colombia but also illuminates the broader implications of media narratives in shaping collective identities. 

Want to learn more about the intricate dance between cultures, the power of storytelling, and the ongoing quest for understanding and justice in the global communication landscape? Delve deeper into the world of transnational intercultural communication and explore ProfessorEla Lozano's most recent works: 

  • Lozano, E.M. (in progress). Nothing happened: An autoethnography of non-events, violence, and screaming resistance. Journal article. 
  • Lozano, E.M. (in press). Becoming an Other and another: Storying the Self across institutional borders. In Ahmet Atay, Shinsuke Eguchi, & Gloria Pindi (Eds.), Transnationalizing Critical Intercultural Communication: Legacy, Relevance, and Future. Peter Lang’s Critical Intercultural Communication Series (Eds. Thomas Nakayama and Bernadette Marie Calafell). 
  • 2023 Lozano, E. M. Postales de una travesía inconclusa [Postcards from an unfinished crossing]. In C. Rodríguez, A. Marroquín Parducci, & O. Rincón (Eds.), Reader de las mujeres de la comunicación en América Latina [Women of Communication in Latin America]. Volume 2. FES Comunicacion. https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/la-comunicacion/20733.pdf. 
  • 2014 Lozano, E.M.  Hispanic Tele-Visions in the United States: Eleven essays on television, discourse, and the construction of cultural identity. New York, NY: Hampton Press.