Communication Accommodation Theory Analysis PDF

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Communication Accommodation Theory Bailey Jensen Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Introduction: The Communication Accommodation Theory(CAT) is a theoretical framework that emphasizes why, when and how people construct their communicative behaviors during general communication. In this Theoretical Analysis we are going to discuss the theory in itself and how it can be applied in real world examples. Theory Summary: The Communication Accommodation Theory explains the adjustments people make to their communicative behavior to minimize social differences with their peers during social interaction. The communication Accommodation Theory was developed by Howard Giles, a professor teaching communication at the University of California in 1971. This theory was once known as Speech Accommodation theory until it contained non-verbal aspects of communication, therefore it became popular as Accommodation Communication Theory. Theory Explanation: The Communication Accommodation Theory(CAT) is a theoretical framework that emphasizes why, when and how people construct their communicative behaviors during general communication. There are two types of accommodations explained in this theory: Convergence– a person adapts to another person’s characteristic to reduce social differences. Divergence- nonadaption of communicative characteristic of social and non-verbal differences. The variables of Communication Accommodation include Accent, speed, vocabulary, cadence, and gestures. These are variable of verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication is created through speech and words, whereas non-verbal uses gestures and body language, not words. The Communication Accommodation theory addresses variations across

different types of interpersonal interactions. For example, some people will portray the most positive side of themselves to identify with others. Some will copy slangs, match with other peoples accents and may use different words or gestures depending on the group of people they are associating with. This theory only works when two or more people realize their differences and accommodate their way of communicating to fit the other person. It also works when it shows agreement, belonging and affinity. There are many ways that the communication accommodation can go wrong during a conversation. Sometimes it can also be taken as mockery, and people who realize communication accommodation of the other person can take the person as fake or even pretentious. This theory has not been able to explain or prove why interactants have similarities and differences which can be in their speech, gestures and behavior based on their experiences and culture. Face-to-Face Example (may be real/have actually happened to you or may be made-up): I used Communication Accommodation to get into my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Recruitment was four days long and each day you had to talk with a member of each sorority so that they can see who you are and if you’re a right fit for their organization. I really wanted to make a good impression on the members at Zeta Tau Alpha so I tried asking them as many questions as they were asking me so that we could find a topic of interest. I asked the girl who was interviewing me if she played any sports in high school. She explained to me how she played many sports in high school including volleyball. I went on to explained how I played volleyball all through high school as well and my team made it to state my senior year. Well come to find out, she went to the school we played against at state!

This theory worked well in this situation because I accommodated my behavior by finding a similar topic of interest to discuss to better impress my recruiter. Mediated Communication Example (may be real/have actually happened to you or be madeup): When I communicate with my friend over text message, I do not change or alter the way I communicate with them because I can joke with them and tell them all my problems and they will understand what I mean and not take it the wrong way. But, when I am text messaging my parents I have to be more careful with what I text so that it does not come across the wrong way. Parents aren’t very up to date with technology so my messaging my come across different than how I’m meaning them. Also. People tend to talk much differently to their parents than they would their best friend. In this situation I text my parents in a very straight forward way so they my point comes across right away without any doubt of meaning. This theory explains the interaction well because I altered my way of texting to better fit my parents understanding. Conclusion: The Communication Accommodation theory is used frequently in everyday situations and is very effective when used correctly. After applying this theory to my own personal life experiences, I now have a better understanding on how to use communication accommodation to effectively communicate with my peers and co-workers. I’ve also learned how to handle a situation to better avoid conflicts. In conclusion this communication accommodation analysis assignment bettered my knowledge and understanding of real world interpersonal communication and has prepared me for future behavioral interactions in social settings.

References: B. (2018, February 15). Communication Accommodation Theory. Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.businesstopia.net/mass-communication/communication-accommodation-theory Communication Accommodation Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.communicationtheory.org/communication-accommodation-theory/ Giles, Howard (2008) Accommodating Translational Research, Journal of Applied Communication Research, 36:2, 121-127, DOI: 10.1080/00909880801922870...