Second-Language and the Accommodation Theory
A social psychologist rather than a linguist, Giles declared that the foundation of accommodation theory lay in social psychological research on similarity attraction. He claimed, in essence, that because people both need and desire approval, it is common for individuals to induce others to evaluate them in a more positive light by reducing the dissimilarities between themselves and others.
This results in speech accommodation, with a high probability that individuals are willing to adjust their speech behavior for the potential rewards that may accrue. Thus, according to the theory, when we talk with others, we unconsciously change our speech styles toward the styles our interlocutors use or admire. Accommodation occurs in a wide variety of communication behaviors, including the speaker’s accent, grammar, and vocabulary.
Giles stated that accommodation may take place at the following levels when speakers compare their own speech with that of an interlocutor: speed of delivery (the speed at which one talks), pitch range (how high or low in frequency one’s voice is), phonological variables (sounds used by the speaker), and vocabulary (the choice of words used).
Accommodation differs according to the status of speaker and listener and is associated with power. For English language learners (ELLs), a primary reason for accommodation depends on the extent to which ELLs and immigrants want to be accepted into their host communities. If an individual moves to a new country and works at a new company, he or she would likely have a high need for social approval; thus, speaking style would be important.
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