Kyle A. Hammonds' research broadly emphasizes cultural studies perspectives on communication in/of/through myth, narrative, and folklore. Kyle often examines the “dark side” of the intersection of communication, culture, and narrative. His recent studies have explored cult communication, thanotourism as means of sharing cultural values, and existential themes of hip-hop music in cross-cultural contexts.
Kyle is expanding on an interest in narrative and cross-cultural communication through collaborative projects with Valarie Biwa. Together, they research discourses of forgiveness and reconciliation in post-conflict states. Their initial study in a broader project on language and reconciliation, “Discourses of Forgiveness Amid Intractable Conflict,” focuses on understanding the rhetorical strategies of world leaders who have had success in peace-building despite circumstances of seemingly intractable conflict.
