The Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory Essay - 686 Words

The Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory According to William B. Gudykunst in his article A Model of Uncertainty Reduction in Intercultural Encounters, the uncertainty reduction theory explains initial interactions between two strangers from the same culture. Studies, however, suggest this theory can also be extended to interpersonal communication between two people from different cultures. Uncertainty refers to how well you can accurately predict how strangers will behave during their initial interaction and the ability to explain the strangers behavior. Research on uncertainty reduction theory has been limited to attitude similarity. However, it has been argued that in order to understand the influence of similarity on†¦show more content†¦When you have competence in a second language it influences the strategies you use to reduce uncertainty. If you do not know the other persons language or culture, you will tend to use the uncertainty reduction strategies appropriate in your own culture. Knowing others language will help you alter the strategies you use. Because cultural dissimilarities increase uncertainty, being aware of these dissimilarities will increase your attributional confidence. Research also indicates that second language competence increases individuals ability to cope with uncertainty. Following are six hypotheses that emerge from uncertainty: 1. Attributional confidence is affected positively by the use of interactive strategies, second language competence, cultural similarity, shared networks, intimacy of the relationship, frequency of communication, interpersonal attraction, and attitude similarity. 2. The use of interactive strategies is affected positively by second language competence, shared networks, interpersonal attraction, and intimacy of the relationship and negatively affected by cultural similarity. 3. Second language competence is affected positively be experience in other culture, cultural similarity, shared networks, intimacy of the relationship, and interpersonal attraction. 4. Shared networks is correlated positively with experience in other culture, attitude similarity, frequency of communication, and intimacy of the relationshipShow MoreRelatedThe Anxiety / Uncertainty Management Theory Of Effective Communication Essay2054 Words   |  9 PagesThe Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory of Effective Communication is to explain how managing uncertainty and anxiety help achieve effective communication with â€Å"strangers†. 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