A spectrum of speech codes: review of thirty years of empirical research for methodological insights

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative methodological review documents and analyzes thirty years of published empirical research using Speech Codes Theory (SCT). Ninety-four publications were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Nearly half of the studies used participant observation/ethnography, but other data such as media and non-observational methods were also utilized. Over half of the studies culminated in a speech code. Speech codes occur with various levels of abstraction although most studies are quite localized and specific. Findings highlight the need to clarify the conditions of what counts as/distinguishes a speech code as well as making explicit the interpretive moves made by scholars. This review demonstrates the utility of SCT and also provides a list of possibilities to help newer scholars interested in using SCT.