1。3 Methodologies of Study 3

2。 Theoretical Framework 5

2。1 Major Concepts of AUM Theory 5

2。2 The Models about AUM Theory 5

3。 Analysis of the Ineffective Communication Based on AUM Theory 8

3。1 Examples of the Ineffective Communication in the Film 8

3。1。1 The Ineffective Communication Related to Language Barrier 8

3。1。2 The Ineffective Communication Related to Education Conceptions 8

3。1。3 The Ineffective Communication Related to Accepting Strangers’ Culture 9

3。2 Main Causes of the Ineffective Communication in the Film 10

3。2。1 Lack of Motivation to Communicate 10

3。2。2 Wrong Social Categorization of Strangers 10

3。2。3 Improper Reaction to Strangers 11

4。 Analysis of the Effective Communication Based on AUM Theory 13

4。1 Giving Priority to Anxiety Management 13

4。2 Increasing the Knowledge of Strangers’ Language 14

4。3 Recognizing and CorrectingFrom优Y尔E论W文W网wWw.YouERw.com 加QQ75201,8766 Pragmatic Errors 14

5。 Conclusion 16

References 17

1。 Introduction

1。1 Researching Background and Significance

Although intercultural communication to some extent enhances mutual understanding and cultural identity, people may find effective communication with strangers from an unfamiliar culture is hard to achieve because of factors like cultural differences, ethnic prejudice, different religious belief, etc。 Therefore, conflicts or misunderstandings are unavoidable during intercultural communication。 With our country becomes increasingly influential in the world, many foreigners choose to work or study in China, so it is urgent for us to learn to communicate effectively with them。 Otherwise, not only their impression on us but also the image of our country will be destroyed。 Fortunately, during the 1980s an American scholar named William。 B。 Gudykunst established AUM theory, focusing on practical issues on intercultural communication。 It also offers detailed indexes and guidance for interlocutors to check and follow, thus help them to achieve effective communication eventually。论文网

The Film A Grandson from America is a good sample to study effective communication。 It tells a story between a Chinese old man, who lives in a remote village and his grandson, who is from America。 The old man is visited by his son one day, and he is so surprised that his son takes an American widow home, together with the widow’s son, Brooks。 Then the old man is told that the his son was going to marry with the widow, and he has to take the responsibility of taking care of the little boy, Brooks, for Brooks’ parents are going to Hoh Xil, where is too dangerous for a young child。 At the beginning, the old man finds it difficult to get along with Brooks, due to the language barrier, different life style and values, etc。 To make things worse, the old man breaks Brook’s toy spider-man accidently, making Brooks so upset and refuse to have meals。 In order to compensate, the old man takes the spider-man as model and makes a shadow puppet, which surprisingly becomes the turning point of their relationship。 With the help of the toy, they gradually enhance mutual understanding and eventually accept each other。 Plus, this incident also results in the old man’s agreement on the marriage between his son and Brooks’ mother。