L2 Intolerance of ambiguity revisited: Toward a comprehensive understanding
L2 Intolerance of ambiguity revisited: Toward a comprehensive understanding

Summary/Abstract: This paper explores how L2 intolerance of ambiguity (L2 ITA) is related to other types of intolerance of ambiguity constructs: intolerance of uncertainty (ITC), intolerance of interpersonal ambiguity (interpersonal ITA), and intolerance of intercultural ambiguity (intercultural ITA). First, 207 Japanese university students participated in a study and took a survey, which consisted of four intolerance of ambiguity scales. The four constructs were found to correlate with each other, although to different degrees. The results of regression analyses demonstrated that only ITC significantly predicted L2 ITA, indicating that learners who were less tolerant of uncertainty could become less tolerant of ambiguity in L2 situations. Second, seven students attended a think aloud session followed by a short interview. The data revealed that interpersonal and intercultural ambiguities as well as linguistic ambiguity are inherent in L2 situations. Future studies on L2 ITA should take a comprehensive approach to fully understand these phenomena and their consequences.

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