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bilingualism week7-workshop

The teaching material in week 7 in the workshop

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jinchiliu
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5 views

bilingualism week7-workshop

The teaching material in week 7 in the workshop

Uploaded by

jinchiliu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What are the main factors that influence accommodation in

language use according to Accommodation Theory?

Language attitude&belief

Sociocultural factors

Contextual factors(situational context)

Interactional factors(communication goals)

What is over-convergence in language accommodation, and


how does it differ from convergence? Can you think of an
example?

In the context of the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT),


which explores how people adjust their communication styles to
accommodate or adapt to others, the terms "convergence,"
"divergence," and "over-convergence" have specific meanings:

1. Convergence: This occurs when individuals modify their


communication behaviors to become more similar to those of
others. It involves adopting speech patterns, gestures, vocabulary,
or other aspects of communication to match or align with the person
they are interacting with. Convergence can foster rapport, solidarity,
and understanding between communicators by reducing perceived
social distance.

2. Divergence:In contrast，divergence involves highlighting


differences in communication behavior between individuals. This
may be intentional or subconscious, as a way to emphasize one's
own unique identity or group belonging. Divergence can have
various purposes, such as expressing power, maintaining cultural
identity, or distancing yourself from others who are perceived as
less desirable or authoritative

3. Over-convergence:Over-convergence in language adaptation


refers to an individual's excessive adjustment of his or her own
language or speech patterns to match the language of others or
groups, beyond what is necessary for effective communication. This
involves an exaggerated or insincere attempt to align one's words
with those of others, often resulting in actions that feel deliberate or
unnatural.

The key difference between excessive convergence and


convergence is the degree and authenticity of the adjustment. While
convergence involves making natural and appropriate adjustments
to language to enhance communication and rapport, excessive
convergence manifests itself in excessive or insincere efforts to
conform, which can lead to others' perception of insincerity or
discomfort in communication.

For example, imagine two colleagues, one from England, the other
from the America, and they are talking. Colleagues from America
may naturally adjust his speech to match the accent or dialect of
colleagues from England, promoting smoother communication and
fostering a sense of teamwork. This is convergence.

However, if a colleague from the England exaggerates the


adjustment to the point that they adopt a heavy England accent and
use slang that feels unnatural to them, then this may be considered
excessive convergence. Others in the communication may perceive
this behavior as insincere or deliberate, leading to a potential
breakdown in rapport or trust.

In summary, excessive convergence in language adaptation


involves excessive or insincere efforts to make one's speech
conform to others, while convergence involves natural and
appropriate adjustments to enhance communication.

What implications does Accommodation Theory have for


language teaching and learning, particularly in multilingual
or multicultural settings?

1. Awareness of Communication Styles: Teachers and learners should be aware of different


communication styles and strategies used by speakers of different linguistic and cultural
backgrounds. Understanding how individuals accommodate or diverge in their communication
can help learners adapt their language use effectively in diverse contexts.
2. Encouraging Linguistic Flexibility: Language learners can benefit from developing linguistic
flexibility, which involves the ability to adjust their language use based on the situation,
interlocutor, and cultural context. Teachers can encourage learners to practice and develop this
skill through exposure to diverse linguistic models and interactive activities.

3. Promoting Intercultural Competence: Accommodation Theory emphasizes the importance of


understanding and respecting cultural differences in communication. Language teaching should
go beyond linguistic competence to include intercultural competence, which involves awareness,
understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity. Teachers can integrate cultural content,
discussions, and activities into language learning to foster intercultural sensitivity and
competence.

4. Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: In multilingual or multicultural settings, language


teaching should strive to create inclusive learning environments where all learners feel valued
and respected regardless of their linguistic or cultural background. Teachers can encourage peer
collaboration, group discussions, and language exchange activities that promote mutual
understanding and appreciation of diversity.

5. Addressing Language Variation: Accommodation Theory highlights the natural variation in


language use and the dynamic nature of communication. Language teaching should acknowledge
and embrace linguistic variation, including dialects, accents, and register differences, rather than
stigmatizing or privileging certain language forms. Teachers can expose learners to a range of
language varieties and help them develop communicative competence across different linguistic
contexts.

6. Facilitating Effective Communication Strategies: Language learners can benefit from learning
effective communication strategies that enhance mutual understanding and rapport in
intercultural interactions. Teachers can provide instruction and practice in strategies such as
code-switching, clarification requests, and active listening, which can help learners navigate
communication challenges and bridge cultural differences.

In summary, Accommodation Theory underscores the importance of linguistic and cultural


adaptation in communication, which has significant implications for language teaching and
learning in multilingual or multicultural settings. By promoting linguistic flexibility, intercultural
competence, inclusivity, and effective communication strategies, language educators can help
learners navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes with confidence and competence.

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