howard giles' accomodation theory

Question 1

What is the accommodation theory?

Answer 1

this theory explains how people change their communication styles to adapt to their conversation partners.

Question 2

What is upwards convergence?

Answer 2

when we adjust our language our communication to become more similar to the other person’s language style.

Question 3

What is downwards convergence?

Answer 3

when we may alter our accent/communication style to accommodate people of a different/lower status of them.

Question 4

Examples of downwards convergence:

Answer 4

• an RP speaker toning down their accent when speaking to someone from a working class background as they are afraid their accent may set them apart.
• a teacher talking to a student.

Question 5

Examples of upwards convergence:

Answer 5

• someone with a strong regional accent comes in for an interview and attempts to eliminate regional features from their speech in order to move closer to RP.

Question 6

What is convergence?

Answer 6

when we adjust our communication to become more similar to the other person.

Question 7

What does convergence involve?

Answer 7

• mimicking their accent
• using similar vocabulary/grammar
• matching posture/gestures/facial expressions
• sharing topics/jokes/references

Question 8

What is divergence?

Answer 8

• when we emphasise the differences between our communication styles.

Question 9

Why does divergence happen?

Answer 9

• asserts our cultural background
• express disagreement/distance
• maintain power: exaggerating an authoritative accent/using formal language

Question 10

What are the factors influencing accommodation?

Answer 10

• social identity: most likely to converge with someone to build rapport/share social identity.
• power dynamics: converge with someone in a higher position, diverge to assert own power.
• communication goals: desire to be understood.

Question 11

Examples of convergence in action:

Answer 11

• a tourist trying to learn the local language to connect with residents.
• a salesperson adjusting their communication style to different customers.
• friends using slang/inside jokes to signal closeness.
• a manager using formal language to maintain authority in a meeting.

Question 12

Overall, despite the criticisms of CAT…

Answer 12

• it remains a significant contribution to understanding communication dynamics.
• provides a framework for analysing and predicting how people adjust their communication styles.