Laying the foundation for co‐cultural communication theory: An inductive approach to studying “non‐dominant” communication strategies and the factors that influence them

Abstract

Drawing from Kramarae's muted group theory, this paper employs a phenomenological framework to explore the communication strategies that “non‐dominant” group members use when interacting within dominant society. Lived experiences were collected from twenty‐seven diverse co‐researchers via fourteen in‐depth interviews and four focus groups. From this capta, twelve communication strategies that co‐cultural group members use when communicating with dominant group members are identified and described: avoidance, idealized communication, mirroring, respectful communication, self‐censorship, extensive preparation, countering stereotypes, manipulating stereotypes, self‐assured communication, increased visibility, utilization of liaisons, and confrontational tactics. The revelatory phrase, “Because it was their world,” emerged to capture the essence of these strategies. Possible theoretical conceptualizations and implications for future research are presented and discussed.