Accommodation Theory Research Articles

Theoretical Approaches to Communicative Practices in the Study of Intergenerational Communication and Aging.

Intergenerational communication and aging is a thriving interdisciplinary, methodologically diverse field having significant implications for understanding the aging process. This opening article to the special issue provides a brief overview of this research domain, with particular attention to theoretical practices within it. Communication accommodation theory (CAT) is introduced given it has provided a foundation for other well-cited models of communication and aging. In so doing, a couple of the CAT principles are elaborated, based on recent work on age meta-stereotyping and intergroup felt understanding. CAT is also a component of the influential "communication ecology model of successful aging" and, after exploring some of its tenets, its visually schematic representation is elaborated as well as connections speculated regarding its relationship with the communicative lives of SuperAgers. Thereafter, highlights emerging from the articles in this special issue that follow are drawn out.

Cultural Diversity, Communication, Inclusivity and Collaboration in Nigerian Workplaces: A Review

The increasing cultural diversity in Nigerian workplaces has intensified the need for effective communication strategies to manage intercultural interactions and foster inclusiveness. This study examines the implications of cultural and linguistic diversity within Nigerian organizations, addressing the complexities of navigating ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences. The Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), Social Identity Theory (SIT), and Intergroup Contact Theory provide foundational frameworks for understanding and managing these dynamics, with CAT highlighting how convergence and divergence in communication styles can bridge or amplify social divides. Through a detailed analysis of Nigerian workplace environments, this paper identifies key communication challenges, including language barriers and identity-driven in-groups, while proposing strategies rooted in CAT, SIT, and Intergroup Contact Theory to enhance collaboration and reduce tensions. Recommendations for organizational management, such as language training and structured intergroup activities, aim to foster a more inclusive and productive environment, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges posed by Nigeria’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

Linguistic Accommodation and Identity in The Context of Social Media Discourse

Peaceful coexistence among members of the society is paramount. However, conflicts among the people living together are inevitable and therefore conflict resolution mechanisms must always be put in place. This paper focuses on how language can be used as a tool for resolving and maintaining peace among the individuals in the context of social media. Our society is organised in such a manner that people interact at various levels in the community and there are different forums and platforms that individuals use in the interaction process. During their interactions, language plays a very important role in ensuring that people live in harmony. Living harmoniously may be a concern for people that work together, live in the same neighbourhood, go to church together or live together. These people may interact on face-to-face basis and or use other media such as social media to reach out to one another. This paper narrows down to the kind of interactions that take place in the social media and how the interactants accommodate or cope with each other. The paper analyses texts extracted from Chuka University Students’ social media discourse (from the author’s PhD thesis) to reveal how students accommodate one another. This is an important aspect particularly nowadays when people have made social media an integral tool of communication and interaction. There are different platforms and genres of social media interaction platforms such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp just to mention a few but this paper focuses on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp groups from which data for analysis were extracted, were those formed by Chuka University students in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. This paper is informed by Communication Accommodation Theory and Social Identity Theory. Since it was a qualitative investigation, a descriptive research design was used. Snowballing was used in the identification of the WhatsApp groups from which the texts were extracted purposively. The texts used in this paper were purposively collected on the basis of their content to show accommodation and identity among the social media users. The content analysis of the texts was done and results discussed. The findings revealed that students accommodate one another in their interactions and that they use language to mark their identity. The accommodation is achieved by using language in a manner that is peculiar to them. They for instance come up with their own jargons, phrases and forms of words that they use in their communication

Language Attitudes toward Accented Speech in the Workplace in Switzerland

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland reveals a nuanced perception influenced by the country's multilingual environment. Studies indicate that individuals with native Swiss German accents tend to receive higher professionalism ratings compared to those with foreign accents, reflecting a bias that aligns with local linguistic preferences. Additionally, accents from non-European languages often face stigmatization, leading to perceptions of reduced competence and credibility. However, some findings suggest that exposure to diverse accents can foster greater acceptance and appreciation over time, particularly in multicultural workplaces. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, linguistic accommodation theory & perception theory may be used to anchor future studies on the language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland. Organizations should develop clear guidelines for performance evaluations that eliminate the subjective influence of accent bias. Organizations should establish policies that mandate participation in diversity training for all employees, including during onboarding and ongoing professional development.

Code-Switching in Multilingual Communities: A Sociolinguistic Study in Ireland

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the code-switching in multilingual communities: a sociolinguistic study in Ireland. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In a sociolinguistic study on code-switching in multilingual communities in Ireland, researchers found that code-switching serves as a vital communicative tool among bilingual speakers, facilitating social interaction and identity expression. The study revealed that individuals often switch languages to navigate different cultural contexts, signal group membership, and convey nuanced meanings that are culturally specific. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Sociolinguistic theory, speech accommodation theory & translanguaging theory may be used to anchor future studies on the code-switching in multilingual communities: a sociolinguistic study in Ireland. Educators should adopt inclusive pedagogical strategies that recognize code-switching as a legitimate form of communication within the classroom, allowing students to explore their linguistic identities. Educational policies should mandate the incorporation of bilingual education programs that respect and utilize code-switching as a learning tool, promoting teacher training programs that equip educators with the skills to support multilingual students.

The impact of studying abroad on language choice in social networking sites: a comparative study of Azerbaijani students in Türkiye and at home

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the influence of studying abroad and cultural or political contexts on language choice in social networking sites. This is achieved by comparing the language choices of two groups of Azerbaijani university students studying in Azerbaijan and Türkiye on Twitter (n = 324, n = 122). The theoretical framework for interpreting individuals’ linguistic changes was developed based on communication accommodation theory and audience and referee design concepts. Two separate datasets were created, consisting of 165,871 tweets posted by students in Azerbaijan and 77,240 tweets posted by students in Türkiye, covering four years. These data were analysed using a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. At first glance, comparing the quantitative findings gives the impression that studying abroad is the dominant factor influencing language choice in social media, but this is quite misleading. Qualitative analyses show that users’ socio-political and socio-cultural contexts can limit or even eliminate the impact of studying abroad. The results suggest that an increase in the collectivist communicative climate on the network is more likely to influence language preferences on Twitter than studying abroad, especially in the short term. The language preferences of both groups converged or diverged depending on the context.

Accommodation, translanguaging, and (in)discreteness in the repertoire: A scalar‐chronotopic approach

AbstractA shift from understanding languages as discrete towards understanding them as undifferentiated features in the repertoire has caused disagreements over the reality of linguistic boundaries. In this paper, I show how a middle‐ground approach is achievable by applying the complex workings of a scalar‐chronotopic lens to the discourse of bilingual/multidialectal Bahrainis. I argue that both perspectives on (in)discreteness become relevant in accounting for bi/multilingual subjectivities: at times, Arabic is idealized as a large‐scale code against English, whereas at other times, the intrusiveness of English is backgrounded to show affiliation for one Arabic variety over another. I show accommodation in communication as a spatiotemporally layered process, where the internalized contextual factors within the repertoire may overlap with or take precedence over the immediate context. As such, this paper adds to the question of linguistic discreteness, with implications for our understanding of the repertoire and its utility in bi/multilingual practices and accommodation theory.

Physician’s prosodic behavior and the regulation of patient anxiety: A quantitative study within the communication accommodation theory framework

ObjectivesPatients commonly experience anxiety when visiting a medical provider. While regulating its level, the physician may adjust their own prosodic behavior to express different levels of affective empathy and shape the emotional outcome. The primary aim was to examine the impact of convergence and divergence with the patient’s prosodic emotional cues on the patient-perceived physician’s affective empathy and the emotion regulation process. MethodsAnalog patients (n = 132) made assessments after the exposure to an audio vignette of a physician – patient conversation in the prosodic convergence or divergence condition. ResultsConvergence with the prosodic cues of anxiety was associated with the physician experiencing the same as or a similar emotional state to the patient. The former type of emotional reaction was related to lower odds of anxiety alleviation. Prosodic convergence had a negative effect on anxiety alleviation through the mediation of experiencing the same emotional state as the patient. ConclusionsDivergence from the prosodic cues of anxiety and, therefore, a low patient-perceived level of this emotion may facilitate the anxiety regulation process. Practice implicationsA careful use of convergence and divergence with prosodic emotional cues and adequate control of prosody in general are strongly recommended for practitioners.

Exploring communication patterns among international students in Indonesia: a study using communication accommodation theory

Exploring communication patterns among international students in Indonesia: a study using communication accommodation theory

Supplier Communication and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County,Kenya

The study investigates the relationship between supplier communication and the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Supplier communication was found to play a pivotal role in the operational efficiency and overall performance of MSMEs, especially in dynamic markets. Despite adopting Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, many MSMEs continued to experience challenges such as poor record management, unclear expectations, and a lack of timely feedback. These communication issues contributed to delays, misunderstandings, and increased costs, which negatively impacted business growth. The study applied the Communication Accommodation Theory to explain how MSMEs adapted their communication styles in both high-context and low-context cultures. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study collected data from 373 MSMEs under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between supplier communication and performance, with regression analysis showing that supplier communication explained 58.7% of the variance in MSME performance. The findings aligned with previous studies, emphasizing the importance of communication for successful supplier collaboration and supply chain management. The study concluded that frequent, transparent communication with suppliers improved product and service delivery and operational efficiency. Recommendations included investing in technologies that enhance communication and developing policies to support ongoing supplier relationship management. Further research could explore the impact of digital technologies on supplier communication and how communication with international suppliers influences MSME performance.

Can you repeat that again? Investigating the mediating effects of perceived accommodation appropriateness for accommodative voice-based assistants

The widespread use of Voice-Based Assistants (VBAs) in various applications has introduced a new dimension to human-machine communication. This study explores how users assess VBAs exhibiting either excessive or insufficient communication accommodation in imagined initial interactions. Drawing on Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and the Stereotype Content Model (SCM), the present research investigates the mediation effect of perceived accommodation on the relationship between warmth and competence of the SCM and evaluations of the VBA as a communicator and a speaker. Participants evaluated the underaccommodative VBA significantly lower with respect to its communication and evaluations of the VBA as a speaker, which were indirectly predicted by warmth and competence stereotype content models via the perceived appropriateness of the communication. The implications of our findings and future research are discussed.

The Importance of Listening in Police-Community Dialogue: Insights From the Hearts and Minds Initiative in Trinidad and Tobago

Community policing relies on communication and dialogue to break down barriers between police and communities. Community policing is implicitly premised on the notion that for relationships between police and communities to improve, both sides need to find ways to accommodate one another. These ideas are consistent with Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which focuses on the communicative mechanisms through which people accommodate or fail to accommodate one another. Genuine listening is a key mechanism for accommodating others. Drawing on CAT, we explore a community policing initiative called Hearts and Minds that was developed and implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean nation that has experienced a significant outbreak of violence over the past two decades. Our qualitative analysis relies on interviews with police officers. Based on this analysis, we discuss the importance of listening in police-community dialogue. We also discuss the implications of this research for theory, research, and practice.

A linguistic analysis of English nativised lexes and their perception by online gamers in Jordan

The occurrence of loanwords that have been Arabicized or nativised in the gaming genre necessitates an investigation into the nature and implications of this phenomenon. The objective of this research is to examine the systematic and rule-governed process of nativisation, as well as its impact on language adaptation within the gaming community in Jordan, where English is spoken as a foreign language. Additionally, it seeks to explore gamers' perceptions of these words and determine whether these nativised English words are used together with their Arabic equivalents in the gaming genre, or if they are replacing their equivalents based on Communication Accommodation Theory (Giles and Ogay, 2007). The sample consisted of 100 participants [aged 12–16] enrolled at the Islamic Educational College in Amman. Based on watching video clips taken from various live streams containing the target words in context, participants were asked to complete a multiple-choice task focusing on the meaning and origin of these words. The results indicate that nativisation in the gaming genre in Jordan follows a systematic and rule-governed pattern. The majority of participants demonstrated awareness of the meaning and origin of most words, suggesting a conscious effort to adapt them to Arabic linguistic patterns. Our argument is that by using these nativised words in online gaming, gamers aim to establish rapport, strengthen connections, gain approval, earn rewards (such as points), and align themselves with professional gamers. Furthermore, gamers distance themselves from the language style of newcomers who employ Arabic words instead of nativised words, and are considered vulnerable in gaming.

Language Switching Strategies in Multilingual Business Environments in Germany

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the language switching strategies in multilingual business environments in Germany. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on language switching in multilingual business environments in Germany reveals strategic use based on context and interlocutors. Code-switching is employed for nuanced communication and rapport across diverse colleagues. Language choice influences perceptions of professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Bilingual proficiency facilitates effective communication and negotiation in international settings. Cultural competence in language supports navigating organizational dynamics and promoting inclusive workplaces. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Sociolinguistic theory, communication accommodation theory & politeness theory may be used to anchor future studies on the language switching strategies in multilingual business environments in Germany. Implement comprehensive language training programs that enhance employees' language proficiency and cultural competence. Develop clear and flexible language policies that recognize the linguistic diversity within the organization and align with business objectives.

Effect of Cultural Factors on Speech Perception in Multilingual Contexts in United Kingdom

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cultural factors on speech perception in multilingual contexts in United Kingdom. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cultural factors significantly influence speech perception in multilingual contexts in the United Kingdom, impacting individuals' ability to discern phonetic contrasts across languages. Language exposure, cultural identity, and social interactions all contribute to shaping speech perception abilities among multilingual speakers. Considering socio-cultural context is crucial in understanding these phenomena, as cultural norms and values influence auditory processing mechanisms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, acculturation theory & communication accommodation theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the effect of cultural factors on speech perception in multilingual contexts in United Kingdom. Develop culturally responsive language education programs that recognize and celebrate linguistic diversity. Advocate for policies that promote linguistic and cultural inclusivity in education, workplace, and public services.

Language and Intercultural Communication: Belgian Business Owner with Indonesian Workers in Murianto Workshop, Jepara, Central Java

This study explores the dynamics of intercultural communication between Niels Evens, a Belgian business owner, and his Indonesian workers in the Murianto Workshop in Jepara, Central Java. Drawing upon the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) by Giles and Coupland and the Conversational Constraints Theory (CCT) by Kim, the study discusses the interplay of cultural adaptation and communication strategies. The objectives of this study are to understand the implementation of CAT and CCT by the owner and the workers of Murianto Workshop in Jepara, Central Java, and also to identify the constraints during the communication between the owner and the workers of Murianto Workshop. The data for this research was gathered through a semi-structured interview conducted with Niels Evens and presented descriptively.The finding shows that Niels Evens’ effort to adapt and understand the local culture can be called convergence from the Communication Accommodation Theory. Although many of his actions reflect collectivist tendencies, he establishes boundaries with his workers to maintain a professional work environment. From the Conversational Constraints Theory, it can be concluded that the constraints faced by Niels Evens are about clarity and effectiveness concerns. The constraints he faced are related to the change of communication strategy from a direct to an indirect approach, which is also his constraint in adapting to the local culture.

Engaging with avatar in virtual regenerative tourism

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of avatar tour guides in influencing travelers’ environmental awareness and support for local communities within virtual regenerative tourism. Through three experimental studies, the findings reveal that avatars, strategically designed to vary in gender (female versus male), attire (naturalistic versus commercial), and communication styles (naturalistic versus commercial), play a pivotal role in cultivating rapport with tourists. This enhanced rapport not only amplifies engagement but also fosters a deeper environmental consciousness and support for local communities. The study integrates Communication Accommodation Theory and Theory of Engagement into tourism research, offering actionable insights for optimizing virtual regenerative tourism.

A Perspective on the Intersection of Social Psychology and Linguistics

Social psychology and linguistics are two scientific disciplines that deal with human as their principle subject matter. Focusing on where these disciplines meet and how they feed each other, this paper aims to investigate the interdisciplinary contribution of social psychology and linguistics to each other. To achieve this, the contrastive analysis (CA) is applied which is composed of three steps as (1) description; (2) juxtaposition; (3) comparison (Krzeszowski, 1990). This comparative revision reveals that social psychology applies and investigates many fundamental areas in linguistics and particularly benefits from the language as data collection tool and method in the investigation to understand human behavior. Specifically, social psychology discusses the language with its communication aspect to examine and to analyze the human behavior. On the other hand, linguistics benefits from social psychology as it provides insights into the social and behavioral factors. There are some research areas and theories that these disciplines contribute to each other such as communication accommodation theory, speech act theory, expectancy theory, prejudice, politeness, patronizing speech, gender. Such a review is expected to benefit researchers by encouraging a wider view of intersection of these two disciplines and interdisciplinary critical thinking.

Answering tendencies on questionnaires: Comparing Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia versus English

Aims Conducting psychological research in different countries and cultures necessitates measures in different languages. However, the language of a measure might influence responses, even within the same multilingual individual. The cultural accommodation theory proposes that one’s association with a language influences their responses. Moreover, response styles (RSs), such as an extreme or acquiescence RS, might systematically affect responses regardless of the content of the measure. These effects were reported on culture-related measures but are unclear on culture-free measures. Methodology and analyses We aimed to investigate the effects of language on psychological measures that do not explicitly examine cultural factors. Multilingual Malaysians ( n = 111) filled in the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21 items (DASS-21), the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and the Traditional Masculinity-Femininity Scale (TMF) in Bahasa Malaysia and English, or in Mandarin and English Findings. There were no language differences on the ADEXI and TMF. However, several subscales of the Brief COPE, the Stress subscale of the DASS, and the PedsQL scores were higher in Mandarin than in English. On the Brief COPE and the PedsQL, there were also differences in RS between Mandarin and English, which might explain (part of) these differences. There were no differences between Bahasa Malaysia and English in scores. However, there was a more extreme RS in English than in Bahasa Malaysia and a more acquiescence RS in Bahasa Malaysia than in English on the Brief COPE. These differences suggest that the measures are not culture-free or that previously reported language differences did not result from culture alone. The language of a measure might be an additional important factor. When using different translations of the same measure, it is important to take cultural accommodation and RS into account.

Therapeutic Communication Between Therapist and Fracture Patient at Padepokan Padjadjaran Cimande

This study aims to determine therapeutic communication between therapists and fracture patients at Padepokan Padjadjaran Cimande. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm. The theory used in this research is communication accommodation theory. This theory is used to find out how therapeutic communication is carried out by therapists with fracture patients by combining medical and traditional elements. The data collection techniques used were direct observation, in-depth interviews, documentation and literature study. The results of this research show that therapeutic communication has been implemented by the hermitage and has become a way of communicating and educating patients in the treatment of fractures.