Defining intersubjectivity as the accomplishment of consensus between two independently existing persons, this paper posits that concept as intrinsic to the study of interpersonal communication. The paper isolates basic assumptions underlying current approaches to conceptualizing intersubjectivity in the interpersonal communication literature. It then introduces a hermeneutic account of language as an alternative to these assumptions, thus reconceptualizing intersubjectivity as an a priori for communication rather than a condition derived from communication. In conclusion, it explores the implications of this conception for other concepts such as "self,""authenticity," and"human understanding." (Author/FL)