140 Part 1 Basic Communication ProcessesAnxiety
“What if I say something offensive?” “What if I don’t know how to behave?”
“What if I embarrass myself ?” These are just a few of the worries that people
sometimes have as they approach intercultural communication encounters.
Consider the experience of Allison, an American student about to set off on a
semester abroad in China:Here I was, standing, in the check-out line of the Chinese market in Rock-
ville, Maryland, listening to the cashier yell at me with an incomprehen-
sible stream of syllables. This was after a rather harrowing attempt to find
groceries in the overcrowded store. A year of Chinese wasn’t helping me as
I stood in front of an entire display of green vegetables, trying to figure out
which sign would lead me to my desired product. During all of this, my ac-
companying friend turned to me and said, “This is how crowded it will be
wherever you go in China” (Goodrich, 2007, para. 1).You can probably imagine Allison’s anxiety as she considered her upcoming
adventure: if she felt uncomfortable navigating the market just a few miles from
her dorm, how would she be able to communicate effectively several thousand
miles away?
But for most of us, the more positive experiences we have with those who
differ from us, the less intimidated we feel about communicating with someone
from another culture. And the less intimidated we feel, the more competent our
communication becomes. In fact, one study found that American students who
took the risk and studied abroad perceived themselves as being more proficient,
approachable, and open to intercultural communication than those who lacked
overseas experience (Clarke, Flaherty, Wright, & McMillen, 2009). Even online
interactions across cultures may ease anxiety and foster understanding. Digital
tools such as Skype, e-mail, and Google Docs enable students in globally con-
nected classrooms to engage in international communication experiences even if
physical travel is not feasible (Rubin, 2013).
Although anxiety may be a natural part of any new
experience or interaction, it would be unfortunate to
allow it to prevent you from experiencing the clear bene-
fits and enrichment gained from intercultural experiences.Ethnocentrism
In the fashion world, the gowns worn by prominent
trendsetters are always big news. So, when Michelle
Obama wore a stunning Naeem Kahm sheath to a
state dinner, newspapers and bloggers were bound to
comment. But the buzz the following morning was not
over what she wore but on how to explain the color
of the gown. The gown, described by its designer as
“a sterling-silver sequin, abstract floral, nude strapless
gown,” was a color somewhere between peach and sand.CONNECT
In Chapter 14 on speech
delivery, we offer practical
tips to help you build your
confidence and face the
natural anxiety that accom-
panies a speaking opportu-
nity. Many of these tips are
also useful for overcoming
anxiety in intercultural
encounters. For example,
Allison might visualize her
success in navigating a for-
eign city in order to boost
her sense of efficacy.
THE IDEA OF
STUDYING abroad may
initially cause you anxiety,
but positive experiences in
a foreign country can make
you a more competent and
interculturally sensitive
communicator. Ryan Sensenig/
Photo Agora