With
the normalisation of the Web and its integration into and omnipresence in
everyday life, there is a recognition among researchers that virtual spaces are
no longer an extraordinary or separate domain but spaces in which culture can
and should be examined. With this assumption in mind, the current chapter explores
virtual ethnography as a research method for intercultural communication. First
of all the origins and conceptual basis of virtual ethnography are examined
before going on to describe the method and various approaches to it. Following
this, the strengths and limitations of the method are considered as well as the
ethical issues and challenges faced by researchers using this method. Next, the
actual process of virtual ethnography / doing ethnography virtually is outlined
and current studies and themes are explored. Finally, mixed and combined
approaches as well as future methodological trends are outlined.