Theory of Intercultural Communication essay

Theory of Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication is defined as messages management with a view to making meaning across different cultures. On the other hand, culture is defined as historically transmitted and socially constructed symbol patterns, rules, apprentices, and meanings. As a matter of fact, culture acts as a code for a given society. There are several theories that either hovers around intercultural dialogue or talks directly about it in broad terms.

Studying intercultural interaction is pegged on roughly two factors. The first is that communication has had drastic improvements over the years and for that reason, the formerly stable societies are able to meet in ambiguous situations, for instance, the Internet has opened connection lines that are unlimited. Secondly, studies have brought an overriding notion that globalization phenomenon has significantly reduced what used to be rife cultural diversity.

To that effect, misunderstandings that previously characterized intercultural communication has also been minimized (Ali 5). This paper examines several theories of intercultural communication and also highlights with an illustration how intercultural connection has blossomed over the years.

Intercultural Communication Theories

The first theory of intercultural communication is the Anxiety Uncertainty Management Theory. This explains that intercultural meetings are usually characterized by a greater extent of anxiety and uncertainty more so when there exist high levels of cultural variability. In other words, for individuals to have an effective dialogue, it would be incumbent upon them to manage their anxiety in order to decrease uncertainties about the two or more communicating individuals.

When one has developed anxiety concerning the other person he or she is communicating with beforehand, it affects the whole communication process. This is the reason why it becomes imperative for individuals to work toward strongly managing anxiety to enhance effective communication. That also provide an insight as to why strangers tend to develop uneasiness and anxiety toward people they meet for the first time.

Strong feelings of uncertainty and anxiety can stop two individuals from gaining acquaintance especially those from different cultures (Thomas 17).

The second theory is known as the Face Negotiation Theory. It is where collectivistic members of high-context tend to have mutual face concerns as well as inclusion leading them to effectively manage conflict with another individual through compromising, avoiding and obliging. Because of autonomy and self-face concerns, capitalistic individuals with societies of low-context are capable of managing conflicts through domination or problem solving. The theory acts as an excellent tool used by most multi- national corporations t……………………………………