Abstract

Communication apprehension or anxiety can cause strains on conversations and relationships. This is prevalent in intercultural communication because it can cause intercultural conflicts and strains on international relations. Communication plays such a large role in international relations, however, communicating interculturally can pose barriers. Different cultures communicate differently and when trying to communicate with those outside one’s own culture, complications can arise. This apprehension in turn can lead to intercultural conflict. Difficulties communicating interculturally such as language barriers, differences in cultures norms (nonverbal misinterpretation), and preconceptions can lead to communication apprehension, and even intercultural conflict. This research aimed to examine how communication apprehension and intercultural communication affect intercultural conflicts and international relations. Research found communication theory that showed the relevance of communication apprehension and communication breakdowns in intercultural communication. It also looked at causes that contributed to intercultural communication apprehension. Next, the research examined anecdotal attestations that revealed the extent that ineffective intercultural communication apprehension had on those in intercultural conversations or cross-cultural situations. Lastly, cases were reviewed in which poor intercultural communication resulted in international conflicts and poor international relations. The research found that links can be seen between strayed international relations and communication breakdowns caused by the aforementioned reasons.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-12-2023

Mentor

Dr. Jennifer Fairchild

Mentor Department Affiliation

Communication

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Government

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