Communication 300: Summary and Implication Paper

Griffin Chapter 31 Whitney Bestwick, Section D

Giles theory on communication accommodation studies the way interactants of

diverse cultures or groups modify the way they communicate, in pursuit of receiving

approval or preserving a social identity. By studying the perception of the verbal and

nonverbal interactions, Giles classified two types of accommodation methods-

convergence and divergence, in order to formulate a deeper understanding of the

relationship between identity and discourse. With the motivation to boost comprehension

and acceptance, individuals exercise convergence by adjusting their way of speaking in

order for their style of communication to be more recognizable to their partner. Although

the outcome of convergence is usually a positive response, it is possible for an interactant

to overaccomodate with their alterations, resulting in their partner becoming insulted. In

contrast, according to the social identity theory individuals who highlight the social

deviations between themselves and their partner are engaging in the practice of

divergence, which is commonly associated with a negative response. The theory looks at

the concept of initial orientation and its five factors, weighing character and environment

and its influence over identity and behavior when interacting with others.

Giles theory implies that the nature of the relationship between a speaker and its

partner is determined by the partners perception of the speakers language choices. The

method of convergence implies that an interactants level of self-confidence and

worthiness is directly related to the amount of approval they receive from their partner.

With Giles idea of divergence implies that individuals who believe they are superior feel

the need to detach association to similar tendencies of their partner. Lastly, the concept of

initial orientation implies that the attitude a speaker has about their partner or the group

they represent, is shaped by their previous background and exposure with that subject.
 Communication 300: Summary and Implication Paper