Communication Accommodation Theory

Howard Giles

In-Groups and Out-Groups:  Reflects attraction to groups to which we are not members and creation of our group boundaries and disassociation/exclusion of others.

Premise: Communicators adjust their speech styles (change vocal characteristics- -accent, language, dialect, rate, volume, etc.) with others as a means of expressing values, attitudes, and intentions.” (Street & Giles, 1982) 

Impact: An individual’s perception of another’s speech determines his or her behavioral and evaluative response.” (Street &Giles, 1982)

Convergence:  Movement toward another’s commun-ication style because of a conscious or unconscious desire for social integration, seeking or showing approval, identification, or communication effectiveness with another.  (Street &Giles)

       Participants might display mutual, symmetrical convergences.  (Status difference)

Divergence:  Occurs when speakers wish to maintain social distance from others. 

    Occurs toward undesirable groups.

    May accentuate differences.

Overaccommodation: Overdoing accommodation—patronizing

    Sensory Overaccommodation  (adapting to physical limits)

    Dependency Overaccommodation (treat others as lower status)

    Intergroup Overaccommodation (treats others stereotypically)